15 essential books, films, and TV shows for anyone who's obsessed with the Royals

This 2006 film, set shortly after the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997, earned actress Helen Mirren an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. 

Dame Judi Dench stars as a depressed, listless Queen Victoria who ends up in a scandalous relationship with a servant in this popular 1997 film, which is based on actual events that came after the death of Victoria's husband Albert in 1861. 

Kristen Stewart stars as Diana Spencer in this 2021 film that follows Princess Di's decision to end her marriage to Prince Charles while staying at Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth's estate, over the Christmas holiday. 

For anyone who loves juicy drama about the inner workings of "The Firm," as Buckingham Palace is frequently referred to, this book from author Valentine Low offers an excellent peek behind the curtain of secrecy that surrounds the workings of the Windsors. 

This documentary released a decade after her death in 1997, is packed with recorded interviews between Princess Diana and the journalist Andrew Morton. It's at times sad, at times juicy, but definitely worth watching for anyone who counts themselves a fan of England's rose. Morton's book on which the documentary is based is also absolutely worth a read. 

For this 2018, filmmakers had "unprecedented" access inside the palace for a look at Queen Elizabeth II's reign and her role in preserving the monarchy throughout her historic reign. Stream on HBO Max. 

This six-part Netflix documentary, which aired in 2022, offers unvarnished conversations with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan after their very public exit from their royal duties. The two don't pull any punches when it comes to their criticisms of how Meghan was treated by both the Firm and the British press, and even though it's probably too long, it's still a must-watch. 

U.K. reporter Tina Brown has been covering the Windsors for decades, and her 2022 book "The Palace Papers" is positively packed with juicy intel, snarky commentary, and fascinating details about pretty much everyone in the royal family. 

This 1998 film stars Cate Blanchett as the title monarch and earned the actress acclaim for her portrayal of Elizabeth I as she navigated the challenges of her historic reign. 

This much-lauded Netflix series tells the story of the Windsor family, from Queen Elizabeth II's surprise ascension to the throne to the wedding of King Charles and Princess Diana, and everything in between. The events in the film are certainly dramatized, but still a great watch for anyone who can't get enough royal content. 

This documentary offers a look at the life of Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, her courtship with Prince William, and what the future looks like for the future king and queen. Stream on Amazon Video. 

This much-anticipated memoir from Prince Harry was arguably the first viral sensation of 2023. In the raw, vulnerable book, Harry speaks about the death of his mother, his experiences in the British military, and his romance with Meghan Markle with surprising candor. Pro-tip: If you can, listen to the audiobook to hear Prince Harry himself tell the stories. 

This film earned praise from critics and moviegoers alike for its nuanced portrayal of King George VI as he works to improve a speech impediment in a particularly pivotal moment in British history. 

This 2017 memoir by Sally Bedell Smith offers an intimate look into the life of Prince Charles, from his time as a young man to his marriage to Princess Diana and relationship with now-Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles, along with a deep dive into his commitment to environmental conservation and enthusiasm for gardening. 

Kenneth Branagh offers a stunning performance of Henry V in this 1989 film based on the Shakespearean play, praised both for its acting and plot and its historical accuracy.