I enjoyed the series very much but a major case of historical disinformation bothered me. The series highlights the visit to South Africa in 1947 of the future Queen Elizabeth II, with her sister, Princess Margaret, and her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The visit lasted three months and involved a train journey through South Africa itself, Southern Rhodesia, Swaziland, Basutoland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Racial division between the crowds cheering the royal family on their journey is shown in many scenes. For instance black and white well-wishers are seen to cheer the royal family from two sides of the royal train, possibly because they are standing on segregated platforms. This situation is then ascribed to Afrikaner Nationalism and apartheid. The problem with this explanation is that the National Party, representing Afrikaner Nationalism and apartheid, only came to power in 1948, the year after 1947 when the royal family visited South Africa. In 1947 and in the preceding years South Africa was ruled by general Jan Smuts of the South African Party. He was a great friend of Great Britain who acted as adviser to the British War Cabinet. It was probably partly due to the military support and advisory role of Gen Smuts in the Second World War that South Africa was chosen as the country where the royal family would spend all those sunny months. One can see Gen Smuts in many scenes in the documentary. In other words, the documentary does not show South Africa under the rule of Afrikaner Nationalism or apartheid, but under the rule of Gen Smuts, before the word apartheid became generally known in the world. A second aspect of what seems like disinformation is that exactly the same kind of racial separation and inequality existed in all of the other colonial possessions of Great Britain visited by the royal family, i.e. Southern Rhodesia, Swaziland, Basutoland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Britain had colonies all over Africa at the time, including for instance the present-day Ghana and Kenya. In all of these countries you would have seen similar scenes of racial separation in 1947. These scenes were explained by British colonialism, not by racial laws not yet enacted by a government not yet in power in South Africa. There is no excuse for any kind of racial domination, let alone inhumanity shown to any race, and the National Party justly disappeared from history, together with its policies. But we should not be misinformed and certainly not dis-informed by portrayals of history.
76 Reviews
Engaging
blahzm6 July 2018
The multi-part series that gave insight into the Royal House of Windsor was a well-done and engaging documentary. For those who enjoyed the Crown on Netflix, watching this series will give a bit more detail into what happened throughout the Netflix series.
My complaint about The Royal House of Windsor is the portrayal of Diana. The historians featured in the series talked about Diana as if she was a devious and conniving woman.
As a woman, I'm sick of this trope that mainstream media give to women who don't follow protocol. If Diana was a man, she'd be given the title of a trailblazer. Instead, the commentary gave viewers the notion that every single good deed she did was supposed to be a jab at her husband and the House of Windsor.
They portrayed her as a media manipulator while also decrying her as a mentally-ill uneducated oaf. Even if she was as manipulative as described in this episode, at least give her credit for what she chose to use her celebrity for. The woman went out of her way to hug AIDS victims at a time when people wouldn't even touch them. and yet there wasn't any commentary that praised this brazen move.
It may sound like I am a Diana superfan--I am not. It just seemed fishy that Prince Charles's affair with Camilla was mentioned in a mere sentence and the commentary on Diana's mental stability went on for the entire episode.
A well-done documentary would allow the viewer to make their own opinion about the events that have unfolded. While I was very engaged during the first several episodes, the Diana episode felt too editorialized and left a bad taste in my mouth. I came away thinking that this production worked very closely with the Windsors (funny how this series got hold of all these exclusive documents decades later) to send a message to the public that their former hero was really a conniving and dumb woman.
Sad that a series made in 2017 would make such a move.
My complaint about The Royal House of Windsor is the portrayal of Diana. The historians featured in the series talked about Diana as if she was a devious and conniving woman.
As a woman, I'm sick of this trope that mainstream media give to women who don't follow protocol. If Diana was a man, she'd be given the title of a trailblazer. Instead, the commentary gave viewers the notion that every single good deed she did was supposed to be a jab at her husband and the House of Windsor.
They portrayed her as a media manipulator while also decrying her as a mentally-ill uneducated oaf. Even if she was as manipulative as described in this episode, at least give her credit for what she chose to use her celebrity for. The woman went out of her way to hug AIDS victims at a time when people wouldn't even touch them. and yet there wasn't any commentary that praised this brazen move.
It may sound like I am a Diana superfan--I am not. It just seemed fishy that Prince Charles's affair with Camilla was mentioned in a mere sentence and the commentary on Diana's mental stability went on for the entire episode.
A well-done documentary would allow the viewer to make their own opinion about the events that have unfolded. While I was very engaged during the first several episodes, the Diana episode felt too editorialized and left a bad taste in my mouth. I came away thinking that this production worked very closely with the Windsors (funny how this series got hold of all these exclusive documents decades later) to send a message to the public that their former hero was really a conniving and dumb woman.
Sad that a series made in 2017 would make such a move.
A big promo for Charles
maryullman19 November 2018
It's like they're trying to get ahead of the coming seasons of The Crown and the vast difference in public opinion towards Charles vs Philip. The episode with Diana was incredibly slanted and biased. The final episode is alllll "poor Charles".
What a ninny.
What a ninny.
Slanted generalization of Windsor history
kipfilet14 August 2018
It presents the House of Windsor as a noble establishment unfairly tarnished by association with rogue elements (i.e. the Romanoffs, Edward VIII, and Diana). The opening credits claims to show "human frailties" of the royal family. Instead, it represents a glossy picture of top family members (such as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles). Any publicly known character flaws/scandals are excused through blathering about accomplishment and royals "finding themselves". It spends mere seconds mentioning issues such as Charles' ongoing affair with Camilla or other divorces in the family. Feuds, fire, and betrayal mentioned in the opening credits are hardly explored.
When other family members make mistakes, the series fixates on these people as homewreckers and outcasts. It disproportionately represents negative aspects of Prince Philip, Princess Diana, and Edward VIII. "Outsiders" are shown as the ultimate troublemakers, instead of presenting a balanced picture of the royal family as fallible human beings.
The series swings confusingly between generalizations and detailed history. The beginning uses eyewitness accounts and takes the viewer step by step through early Windsor history. After Elizabeth's accession, it makes assumptions about viewer's knowledge. One moment Prince Charles meets Diana, the next minute they are separated with two children. The retelling starts swinging back and forth through history, losing the viewer. The last episode "The Top Job" especially suffers from this issue and rambles endlessly about Prince Charles' social standing. It talks about the future, then totally skips over princes William and Harry.
The visuals are the strongest point in this series. There are enough interesting graphics to keep the viewer occupied. However, some editing choices are questionable. The biggest downside is an overlay of curling smoke on the left-hand side of the screen. It is very distracting throughout the six episodes. The very first episode shows an inaccurate map of Europe, showing Belgium twice in place of the Netherlands.
For those with a general interest in history, this series will be acceptable. If well-versed in history or British subjects, find another series. Otherwise you will find yourself face-palming throughout it.
Really DELIVERS The Goods, Wealth of Secrets, Surprises, Insights
poetcomic16 October 2017
I thought I was thoroughly sick of the plethora of British Royals documentaries and feature films and begrudgingly began watching the first installment of this. But it hooked me almost at once. Be prepared to have your preconceptions turned around 180 degrees. The backbone of the whole series is access to royal archives and secret letters and memos never before seen on TV or elsewhere. The Duke of Windsor's passionate letters to his pre-Simpson married lover expresses his foul-mouthed almost pathological hatred for his own father and his duty. In no uncertain terms, Mrs. Simpson is portrayed as an out and out dominatrix to the Duke - he craved being humiliated. Goes over very old ground but with the latest 'metal detector' and finds lots of buried gold. Fun too.
Interesting Series
jmdminden23 June 2021
It's amazing how many people assume that anything negative said about "Saint" Diana must be propaganda and bias. And anything positive said about Prince Charles must be lies. There were positive things said about Diana--but many reviewers just couldn't stand anything negative said about her. There really wasn't anything in this series about Diana that hadn't been said before.
I enjoyed the whole series--particularly the first few episodes showing the older history. Again, nothing new--but all put together in one cohesive documentary. I'm curious if the people who thought everything about Diana was propaganda also thought the segments on George V, Edward VIII, etc., were also full of lies and bias.
So, bottom line, based on many of these reviews, if you're a big fan of Diana, there's no point in watching this series (at least the last two episodes)--but if you have an open mind, I think you'll enjoy this series and have a better understanding of the Windsors.
I enjoyed the whole series--particularly the first few episodes showing the older history. Again, nothing new--but all put together in one cohesive documentary. I'm curious if the people who thought everything about Diana was propaganda also thought the segments on George V, Edward VIII, etc., were also full of lies and bias.
So, bottom line, based on many of these reviews, if you're a big fan of Diana, there's no point in watching this series (at least the last two episodes)--but if you have an open mind, I think you'll enjoy this series and have a better understanding of the Windsors.
C'mon y'all
distrekzy21 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
They clearly said some bad things about Diana... but they were kinda insulting the other members of the royal family too! They said young Queen Elizabeth was naive and somewhat of a coward. They called Phillip a rather abusive dad because he wanted to harden Charles' heart by sending him away to attend a school. Charles was portrayed as a whiny kid who wanted to do whatever he wanted. Princess Margaret was seen as rebellious. They also praised them because... you know why? They were interviewing different historians with different opinions and also they were showing what people at the time the events occurred were thinking...
A Balanced View
pietclausen20 June 2019
This series is a well composed synopsis of the House of Winsor over the last 100 years. Many people will have their own views about what are the real or accurate details of this period, but unfortunately emotion distorts the actual happenings. The availability of the previously undisclosed correspondence between various parties, makes this point of view, balance the history.
Royal Propaganda, Not a Fair Historical Assessment...
dmdinc20072 December 2019
I found this "documentary" to be utterly biased in favor of the immediate royal family, while placing people like Princess Diana and others that married into the family as a cast of characters that were out to destroy their magical kingdom.
Princess Diana was painted as a depressed, self-obsessed, out of control child that came from a damaged home, not suited for Prince Charles; going as far to state that she was actually out to destroy the royal family. While Prince Charles was painted as the poor little royal boy that just got caught up in marrying the wrong woman; whilst having an affair with Camilla. Give us a break!
Let's remember that Princes Diana was not "unsuited", or a "commoner", as the royal family would have us think. Princess Diana came from an aristocratic and noble family, The Spencer's of Althorp, dating to the 15th century.
This documentary is a sad and clear attempt to steer the viewer into seeing the immediate royal family in a brilliant white light, while casting dark shadows on others that did not suit their own personal needs.
I feel bad for Prince William and Prince Harry, having to see their mother berated, stripped of her dignity and used as a scapegoat in such a fine royal manner.
File this "documentary" under "Mostly Royal Fiction".
Princess Diana was painted as a depressed, self-obsessed, out of control child that came from a damaged home, not suited for Prince Charles; going as far to state that she was actually out to destroy the royal family. While Prince Charles was painted as the poor little royal boy that just got caught up in marrying the wrong woman; whilst having an affair with Camilla. Give us a break!
Let's remember that Princes Diana was not "unsuited", or a "commoner", as the royal family would have us think. Princess Diana came from an aristocratic and noble family, The Spencer's of Althorp, dating to the 15th century.
This documentary is a sad and clear attempt to steer the viewer into seeing the immediate royal family in a brilliant white light, while casting dark shadows on others that did not suit their own personal needs.
I feel bad for Prince William and Prince Harry, having to see their mother berated, stripped of her dignity and used as a scapegoat in such a fine royal manner.
File this "documentary" under "Mostly Royal Fiction".
Made This Account Just to Write How Abhorrent This Is
knshealy6 July 2020
After watching other documentaries/ depictions of the Royal Family, I was specifically interested in watching detailed accounts about Diana's time as a royal.
I'm probably echoing these other reviews at this point, but this "documentary" and its portrayal of the late Diana was deplorable.
They insulted her left and right. Calling her uneducated, fame hungry, and ultimately saying MORE THAN ONCE that her untimely death was a "tragic solution" to the royal's problems. They made it seem like all the wonderful things she did were for show, and made it seem like the worst thing in the world that she had political aspirations post-split from Charles. I mean, God forbid a woman do something more with her life than to remain married to a man and sit idly by as he partakes in an open affair with a woman herself married to someone else.
Was she perfect? Of course not! She was a human being. And we all make mistakes. But she was such a blessing to the world, and deserves so much better than this disgustingly disrespectful defamation of character.
Shame on everyone that had anything to do with the making of this garbage. At this point, I'd give a dirty tampon a more favorable review.
I'm probably echoing these other reviews at this point, but this "documentary" and its portrayal of the late Diana was deplorable.
They insulted her left and right. Calling her uneducated, fame hungry, and ultimately saying MORE THAN ONCE that her untimely death was a "tragic solution" to the royal's problems. They made it seem like all the wonderful things she did were for show, and made it seem like the worst thing in the world that she had political aspirations post-split from Charles. I mean, God forbid a woman do something more with her life than to remain married to a man and sit idly by as he partakes in an open affair with a woman herself married to someone else.
Was she perfect? Of course not! She was a human being. And we all make mistakes. But she was such a blessing to the world, and deserves so much better than this disgustingly disrespectful defamation of character.
Shame on everyone that had anything to do with the making of this garbage. At this point, I'd give a dirty tampon a more favorable review.
A fair and balanced view of the Windsors of the 20th Century.
wendy_wickett23 November 2020
I'm afraid I must disagree with knshealy, at least as far as this documentary series involving Diana is concerned. I found it to be balanced, and this has been the first documentary I have seen that referenced so many personal letters and accounts never seen before!
I remember those days, from the day Charles and Diana's engagement was announced, and stayed up all night on that terrible August night in 1997, when she was killed. During those decades and well beyond, "the real story" was being touted by various articles, books and even movies! All were biased, and mere speculation!
Charles and Diana were both complex people with strengths and weaknesses and they both blew it in their marriage. Just before her death, Charles and Diana's relationship was cordial and she did tell a friend that he was "an excellent father."
I also believe that the Queen was right to stay in Balmoral for several days after Diana's death, because as traumatized as the nation (the world) was, no one was more devastated then William and Harry, and they needed her more. I'm totally fine with that.
But these accounts of the Royal Family throughout the generations, as I said before, involve personal letters, diaries and accounts written by those who were actually present and involved at that time! Each generation had their problems and their foibles, and this series is unflinching with its facts.
***And as far as that interview with Martin Bashir, Diana DID regret it, and we now know that Mr. Bashir manipulated facts and falsified documents to convince her to do it.
I remember those days, from the day Charles and Diana's engagement was announced, and stayed up all night on that terrible August night in 1997, when she was killed. During those decades and well beyond, "the real story" was being touted by various articles, books and even movies! All were biased, and mere speculation!
Charles and Diana were both complex people with strengths and weaknesses and they both blew it in their marriage. Just before her death, Charles and Diana's relationship was cordial and she did tell a friend that he was "an excellent father."
I also believe that the Queen was right to stay in Balmoral for several days after Diana's death, because as traumatized as the nation (the world) was, no one was more devastated then William and Harry, and they needed her more. I'm totally fine with that.
But these accounts of the Royal Family throughout the generations, as I said before, involve personal letters, diaries and accounts written by those who were actually present and involved at that time! Each generation had their problems and their foibles, and this series is unflinching with its facts.
***And as far as that interview with Martin Bashir, Diana DID regret it, and we now know that Mr. Bashir manipulated facts and falsified documents to convince her to do it.
A Great Perspective
chenyanfei-7036721 April 2021
A lot of people complained about the bias towards Princess Diana. I, on the other side, appreciated the perspective of this documentary that explained lot of "unreasonable" things, such as why the queen shows little personality, why Diana was disfavored by the royal family, why royal family members tried to escape. It is all because the ultimate agenda for the royal family is survival, which doesn't allow them to show much personality, preference or imperfections for the public or media to pick on. The conflict between the royal rule and urge for personality caused so much tragedy. It's sad. And it's probably time to say goodbye to royal families.
Such a publicity for Charles!
karishmaparashar15 March 2019
Disgraceful to Diana
sophiekalimeridi14 October 2018
I definitely didn't like the way they portaied Diana. They gloss over the fact that she was being cheated on and blamed the decay of her marriage to her having depression and "Charles not knowing how handle it".. Also, saying that she chose HIV charities on purpose just to be controversial.. I'm very disappointed in this.
Ill potrayal of Princess Diana
vilji28 November 2019
I hate this series only because of the ill potrayal of Princess Diana. They constantly keep showing her as a politically driven person who was damaged from childhood and makes it look like royal family has nothing to do with her mental condition. This documentary is biased and want to make royal family look great!
Biased
jaseleehough1 June 2019
Completely brushes off the British involvement and contribution to the segregation in South Africa.
If it's truly going to bash the Afrikaners, why not also mention how the British let Boer women and children die of starvation and disease in concentration camps.
Interesting first few episodes, but blatantly biased against Diana, the Princess of Wales
anneclairedrocourt27 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The first few episodes were quite interesting, especially with the use of previously undisclosed documents.
However, the Diana-centric episodes were blatantly biased, and absolutely negative towards the late Princess of Wales.
Mentioning that her and the Prince of Wales were mismatched is alright, and in my opinion truthful, but describing her as absolutely uneducated, almost to the point of stupidity, and then characterizing her as a willing troublemaker to the Crown, is absolutely shameful.
Such shame should be extended to the Windsor family, if they were involved in the matter.
Furthermore, the constant comparison of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Edwards the 8th were absolutely unnecessary in my opinion.
Deeply biased
alisonbullrun7 January 2020
Shameful marketing for prince Charles
gismk7 December 2019
Everything was ok until they try to blame Diana for the unsuccesful marriage saying she had problems and depresión. Charles should had support her and helped her if she had depression, instead he cheatted with Camila. We are not going to dislike Diana never! She was kind and brave. And sorry but we dont linke Charles.
Totally biased
fangyu-5197030 August 2019
WHAT???
susanselene5 February 2020
Oh you jealous Royals!! Charles was cheating on the princess from day 1.... . Diana was shunned and abused by the entire spoiled, jealous royals. This documentary is a cold reminder of those days and how cruel Brits can be. Diana will always be the most loved royal of all time around the globe. This would be a great film if the facts were correct. Chatles has always been a pompous ass infant and placed his affair in Diana's face from day 1. The entire royal family was and continues to blame Diana. The world knows better....
Do not waste your time
entrepreneurshipservice30 November 2018
Don't Bother. Just lies.
koralrosecancion8 February 2020
No offense, but having grown up obsessed with Princess Diana, you honestly expect anyone to believe she was a manipulative, schemer and that poor, lonely Charles had no choice but cheat on her. If that episode had so many lies, than what about the rest.
Watch if you must. It seems like an ode to the monarchy ... and as such, very one-sided.
Watch if you must. It seems like an ode to the monarchy ... and as such, very one-sided.
Seems quite biased
stephhotfit22 September 2020
In general, it's quite a good watch however, the episode where it drives into the War of the Wales' the narrative took quite a disgusting turn.
It's commonly understood now that neither party were happy in the marriage and that Charles always loved Camilla. However, to make Diana seem like a manipulative nut case who was basically a media attention freak is beyond disgusting. She was an incredible beacon of charity, humanity and humility.
The integrity of the whole program was definitely put into question after that. Awful to slander Diana's name and legacy.
LOVE DIANA
susanselene5 February 2020
I hate to break it to all those pompous Brits that talk bad about her but Diana was and continues to be the most loved royal all around the globe. Ignorant? Looks like you are kissing that cheating, spoiled Charles ass. Everyone knows the truth, so you may stop behaving like jealous, vindictive, little brats....I mean Brits.....Precious Diana❤❤❤
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