Watch Tales from the Royal Wardrobe

Tales from the Royal Wardrobe is a fascinating documentary hosted by renowned historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley. The film, which premiered in 2014, explores the rich and exciting history of British royal fashion over the centuries, delving into the stories behind some of the most iconic and influential styles of the past. With Worsley as an informative and engaging guide, viewers are taken on a journey through time, starting from the Tudor era and the richly embroidered silk dresses of Queen Elizabeth I. From there, we move on to the Georgian period and the rise of court dress, before exploring the Victorian era and the fashion excesses of Queen Victoria and her contemporaries.

Throughout the film, Worsley is accompanied by a number of expert guests, including Beatrice Behlen, Senior Curator of Fashion and Decorative Art at the Museum of London, and Shaun Cole, Associate Dean at the London College of Fashion. These knowledgeable guests help to shed light on the various fashions through the ages, providing context and insight into the social and political influences that shaped them.

In addition to exploring the fashions themselves, the film also offers glimpses into the royal wardrobe itself, highlighting some of the more unusual and intriguing items that make up this unique collection. We see everything from Queen Elizabeth I's famous rainbow portrait dress to a pair of Queen Victoria's comfortable slippers, all of which offer fascinating insights into the personalities and lifestyles of the royals who wore them.

One of the real strengths of Tales from the Royal Wardrobe is the way in which it balances historical detail with engaging storytelling. Worsley is an excellent presenter, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to each segment, and she manages to convey a real sense of excitement and wonder about the items she is discussing. As a result, the documentary is both informative and entertaining, making it a real pleasure to watch.

Equally impressive is the production design of the film. The costumes, sets and locations are all beautifully shot and presented, giving viewers a real sense of the glamour and opulence of royal life. There are also some clever animated sequences, which help bring to life some of the older items in the collection, such as the Tudor and Elizabethan gowns.

All in all, Tales from the Royal Wardrobe is a real treat for anyone with an interest in British history, fashion or the royal family. It's a well-crafted and engaging documentary that manages to make a potentially dry subject both fascinating and enjoyable. Whether you're a serious scholar or just a casual viewer, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Highly recommended.

Tales from the Royal Wardrobe is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.