Watch Queen Victoria and Her Nine Children

Queen Victoria and Her Nine Children is a captivating documentary series that explores the fascinating life of the legendary Queen Victoria and the nine children whom she bore. The show is available on BBC Select, a new streaming service that brings quality programming from around the world to viewers in the UK and internationally.

The series features a wealth of historical and archival material, combined with expert commentary and insightful analysis from leading historians and scholars. It offers a unique glimpse into the world of Queen Victoria through the lens of her family life, revealing a captivating portrait of a woman who was both powerful and vulnerable, deeply committed to her family and her country, and constantly grappling with the challenges of motherhood, marriage, and politics.

The first episode of the series focuses on Queen Victoria's early years, tracing her childhood and upbringing, her marriage to Prince Albert, and the birth of their first child, Princess Victoria. Through a blend of rare photographs, letters, and testimonies from contemporary witnesses, the show offers a vivid and intimate portrayal of Victoria as a young woman, full of energy, passion, and curiosity, but also beset by doubts and insecurities.

As the series unfolds, it delves deeper into the complex web of relationships that defined Queen Victoria's life, exploring her relationships with each of her nine children, their fathers, and the wider world around them. It touches on the political and social currents of the era, from the rise of industrial capitalism to the emergence of feminism and the struggle for women's rights.

Throughout the series, viewers will discover how Queen Victoria's intense devotion to her children shaped her public and private persona, and how her own experiences of motherhood informed her attitudes towards parenting and child-rearing. They will witness how each of her children navigated the challenges of growing up in the shadow of the throne, forging their own identities and pursuing their own passions, in sometimes tragic and sometimes triumphant circumstances.

The series also explores the darker side of Queen Victoria's life, from her struggles with mental health to her family's long history of haemophilia, a debilitating genetic disease that afflicted many of her male descendants. It casts a spotlight on the often hidden emotional and psychological dimensions of royal life, showing how the pressures of duty and expectation could take a heavy toll on even the most resilient and privileged members of society.

Yet for all its drama and pathos, Queen Victoria and Her Nine Children is ultimately a celebration of a remarkable woman and the legacy she left behind. Through her children and their descendants, she has shaped history in ways that continue to be felt today. The show offers a fresh and engaging perspective on one of the most famous and influential figures of the modern age, illuminating a world of power, passion, and possibility that is as captivating today as it was over a century ago.

In conclusion, Queen Victoria and Her Nine Children is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of England, the life of royalty, and the dynamics of family relationships. The show presents a wealth of fascinating historical material, expert analysis, and insightful commentary, all packaged in a beautifully produced and engaging format that is sure to capture the imagination of viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a dedicated history buff or just looking for a compelling story that will keep you glued to the screen, this series is well worth your time.

Queen Victoria and Her Nine Children is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 18, 2018 and on BBC Select