Queen Elizabeth II is set to be honoured in an upcoming BBC documentary featuring archival footage and first-hand accounts that chart the late monarch’s life and legacy.
Titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century, the one-hour film will mark what would have been her 100th birthday on 21 April 2026.
Who will feature in the documentary?
Told through a blend of archival footage and personal reflections, the film includes interviews with notable figures who crossed paths with the Queen during her reign.
Contributors include broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, actresses Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Sheila Hancock, former US president Barack Obama and Elizabeth’s own daughter-in-law, Queen Camilla.
© Getty ImagesCamilla is one of the names who will offer personal memories of the late monarch
WATCH: A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth died on 8 September 2022 aged 96 and remains the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She ascended the throne on 6 February 1952 following the death of her father and was crowned on 2 June 1953.
As well as celebrating her legacy, the documentary will reflect on the profound changes Britain experienced during her reign, which included the Cold War, the London Olympics and her Platinum Jubilee.
What has the BBC said about the documentary?
Speaking about the upcoming TV project, Catherine Catton, head of factual entertainment and events, said: “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century explores the life of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II through the lens of a century of change and offers an important reflection on how modern Britain has been shaped.”
© Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth II at the State Opening of Parliament in 2006
Queen Camilla’s BBC documentary
The announcement follows news of Queen Camilla’s own BBC documentary. Airing later this year, it will explore her and her late father Bruce Shand’s shared love of books, which helped him during his time as a prisoner of war in Germany during the Second World War.
© Getty ImagesCamilla announced her new BBC documentary at the Queen’s Reading Room event at Clarence House on 25 March
Marking the fifth anniversary of her literary charity, The Queen’s Reading Room, Camilla said during Wednesday’s Clarence House reception: “I’m also delighted to announce that we have partnered with the BBC and Blink Films for a major new documentary that will showcase the life-transforming power of books – my father’s and my own experience included – for which the cameras are filming here today.”
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century will air on BBC One and iPlayer – a release date is yet to be announced.