The Queen Mother

It may not surprise you to learn that among the hundreds of companies that the royal family patronise are eight champagne houses. But also on the list of royal warrants, there’s a scaffolding company, a sacks supplier, a broomstick maker and Weetabix (so now we know what the Queen has for breakfast). With the exception of new technology firms, they’re all well established companies, many dating back to the 1800s and even the 1700s.

A look at life in Windsor Castle over the last 80 years, including the tragedies, triumphs, romances and scandals of the Royal Family.

The Queen was a 2009 British drama-documentary showing Queen Elizabeth II at different points during her life. Broadcast on Channel 4 over five consecutive nights from 29 November 2009, the Queen was portrayed by a different actress in each episode. The Queen was portrayed by Emilia Fox, Samantha Bond, Susan Jameson, Barbara Flynn and Diana Quick. Katie McGrath played Princess Margaret in the first episode and Lesley Manville played Margaret Thatcher in the third episode. The series was co-funded by the American Broadcasting Company, the network which aired the series in the US. This reunited Emilia Fox and Katie McGrath who had played sisters in BBC One's Merlin.

This eight-part series interviews the Queen's Prime Ministers, members of the Royal Household and closest friends, to build a uniquely personal picture of Elizabeth, the woman, the mother, the Queen.

Elizabeth I may be remembered as the greatest monarch to rule England, but during her lifetime she was beset by enemies and hers was a life of constant battling.