The Queen Mother

The early years of The Queen Mother’s life are revealed in forensic detail, as she is suddenly thrust onto the throne, somewhat reluctantly, after the scandalous abdication of her brother-in-law Edward VIII. Almost immediately, the country was thrown into turmoil as Hitler’s rise threatens the stability of Europe and she and King George VI steer the country through the darkness of World War II.

This episode looks into the difficult time faced by the Queen Mother following her husband George VI's death in February 1952. From this crisis year, which like 1936 had begun with death and disaster, she again emerged stronger and more determined to reclaim her position as a powerful matriarch in charge of the Windsor dynasty. She became queen-maker to her daughter Elizabeth, guardian of the traditional Windsor dynasty flame, and fiercely protective grandmother to the heir apparent, Prince Charles.

The Queen Mother enjoyed a privileged childhood. But how did the woman who never expected to be Queen become the leader Hitler called ‘the most dangerous woman in Europe’?

Royal insiders, historians and journalists discuss how World War II impacted the royal family as they became symbols of defiance against Germany.

A look at the final 50 years of the Queen Mother's life, which she dedicated to her family and the country, devoting herself to official duties, functions and openings, which would become her full-time occupation. The programme also reveals that she never forgave Wallis Simpson, blaming her for forcing her husband into a job that she believed killed him prematurely.