Following the amazing news that Duchess Megan and Prince Harry had welcomed their first child - a baby boy who weighed seven pounds, three ounces at the time of birth - this Bank Holiday Monday (May 6), we've decided to delve into the royal media archives and pick out some of our favourite movies and TV shows with a royal edge! Here are just seven of the greatest you can watch to celebrate the new addition to the British monarchy!
7. The King's Speech
This winner of the Best Picture prize at the 83rd Academy Awards is worth everybody's time. Colin Firth puts in a stunning performance as King George VI, but this is truly an ensemble piece, with Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, Guy Pearce as King Edward VIII, and Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill, amongst other big names.
A gorgeous soundtrack lays over the story, which follows the second son of King George V; a man who has a strong stammer, but who is encouraged by his wife Elizabeth to see a man called Lionel Logue, who works as a non-medically trained Harley Street speech defects therapist.
Inspiring and moving throughout, this is a movie that you're going to want to watch with a box of tissues close!
6. The Royals
Whilst this show isn't technically about a real British royal family, it's a bit of tongue-in-cheek fun that we couldn't help but include here, looking at the scandals surrounding a fictional group of monarchs ruling over Britain.
Elizabeth Hurley took on the role of Queen Helena Henstridge throughout the series' run, starring alongside the likes of William Moseley, Alexandra Park, Jake Maskall, and Tom Austen.
Running for four seasons on E!, writer Mark Schwahn ensured that audiences enjoyed some real belly laughs throughout.
5. Victoria and Abdul
One of the relationships that Queen Victoria enjoyed the most throughout her time on the throne, but one that is rarely talked about, is that which she shared with her Indian Muslim servant, Abdul Karim. In this 2017 comedy-drama, the friendship is celebrated in a way only seen in the book of the same name, on which the movie is based, by Shrabani Basu.
The iconic Judi Dench takes on the role of the older Queen Victoria, whilst Ali Fazal plays Abdul. Audiences saw the pair enjoy a bond that others close to the Queen could never truly understand, and tragic circumstances forced Abdul to return to his home country following Queen Victoria's death. This is a moving, always-relevant piece of cinema that can be returned to time and time again.
4. The Tudors
Through four seasons of utter mayhem, audiences enjoyed a fictional retelling of Tudor times, with performances from the likes of Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Natalie Dormer, Henry Cavill, and Sam Neill.
Meyers played Henry VIII of England throughout the show's entire run, with his Queens being played by Maria Doyle Kennedy as Catherine of Aragon, Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn, Anita Briem and Annabelle Wallis as Jane Seymour, Joss Stone as Anne of Cleves, Tamzin Merchant as Catherine Howard, and Joely Richardson as Catherine Parr.
Though the events that happen in the series differ to the way they actually happened according to the history books, this is a soap opera and entertainment series first and foremost, and should be treated as such. When you do so, it's much more enjoyable.
3. The Queen
Helen Mirren stars in a fictional drama, all about the British Royal Family's response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales back in 1997. Stephen Frears serves as director, with a screenplay from Peter Morgan, and Mirren starring in the titular role of Queen Elizabeth II.
When dealing with such a sensitive topic, it's important for filmmakers to be as delicate as possible, but unwavering in their desire to tell the story. Here, audiences learn that The Queen and Prince Philip initially regarded Diana's death as a private matter, and not one to be treated as an official royal death. The public on the other hand, as well as Prince Charles and Prime Minister at the time, Tony Blair, thought that an official expression of grief should be given.
Mirren's performance was one praised by many, including the Queen herself, who invited the actress to dinner at Buckingham Palace! Unfortunately, filming commitments in Hollywood meant she could not attend.
2. The Crown
Netflix are renowed for their incredible original series, and one that has had the world talking since its debut is The Crown.
Based on Peter Morgan's award-winning play, The Audience, the show tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, from its earliest days as we've seen in the first two seasons, and in later life, as we'll see with the time jump and recasting in Season 3, and every two seasons onwards.
If binging television is one of your favourite things to do, you could hardly wish for a better series to enjoy. Crack on and get up-to-date, before the show's third season drops later this year.
1. The Young Victoria
Queen Victoria's reign is one that has been well dramatised throughout the years, but it is Emily Blunt's career-defining turn in the role that will stick in the minds of all those who have seen it.
The Young Victoria does exactly what it says on the tin, telling the story of the early years of Victoria's turbulent reign as Queen, as well as her initial and enduring romance with Prince Albert (played by Rupert Friend). It's a gorgeous adventure and peeling back of the curtain that everybody can enjoy.
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