Watch Secret of the Missing Princess

Secret of the Missing Princess is a captivating documentary series that revolves around a historical event that took place almost a century ago. It follows the disappearance of Princess Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, and her possible survival. The show is exclusive to BBC Select and features a mix of archival footage, expert interviews, and reenactments that bring to life the remarkable story of Anastasia.

The series is set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, a time of great political upheaval in Russia. The Romanov dynasty, the country’s ruling family, was overthrown, and the Tsar and his family were imprisoned. In 1918, the family was executed by the Bolsheviks in a gruesome manner that shocked the world. However, rumors began to swirl that the youngest daughter, Anastasia Romanov, had somehow survived the massacre.

The first episode introduces viewers to the Romanov dynasty and the imperial lifestyle they led. It delves into the family’s interests, rituals, and the events that eventually led to their downfall. The show then explores the mysterious disappearance of Princess Anastasia, who was not found with the rest of the family’s bodies when they were discovered in 1991. This episode introduces a number of key players in the following episodes, such as Anna Anderson, who claimed to be Anastasia, and those who sought to prove or disprove her identity.

Subsequent episodes take viewers through the various claims of people who say they are Anastasia or know what happened to her. The reenactments are particularly intriguing as they show the highs and lows of Anastasia’s life, the circumstances of her disappearance, and the possible ramifications of her survival. The experts interviewed provide deep insights into the science and history behind the various claims and how they came to the conclusions they did. They also reveal the role of forensic science in cracking the case and the challenges they faced in the absence of modern technology.

The show explores the reasons why people were so invested in finding the missing princess. It delves into the psychological and historical significance of Anastasia’s story and how it connected with people around the world. It also discusses the emotional impact of the tragedy on the Romanov family and probes the reasons for the Bolsheviks’ brutality.

While the show does not answer all the questions it raises, it does do an excellent job of presenting the various perspectives and theories. It explores the pros and cons of each claim and provides historical context to help viewers understand the significance of each. Even those familiar with the story of Anastasia will find the show informative and illuminating. It offers a fresh take on the events and explores the lesser-known facets of the story.

One of the key themes of the show is the concept of identity, and the questions it raises about what makes a person who they are. The show examines various claims to Anastasia’s identity and explores the complex issues surrounding identity, memory, and trauma. The interviews with the experts are particularly illuminating as they provide insight into the science behind DNA testing and the peculiarities of the human mind when it comes to memory and trauma.

Overall, Secret of the Missing Princess is a well-crafted series that offers new perspectives on an old story. The combination of archival footage, expert interviews, and reenactments creates a rich and engaging narrative that compels viewers to keep watching. The show is a testament to how well-researched documentaries can bring history to life and offer insights into the complexities of the human experience. It is a fascinating exploration of one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century.

Secret of the Missing Princess is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between February 15, 2021 and on BBC Select