Royally Obsessed
My Ultimate Guide to British Royal Family Content
My lifelong fascination with the British royal family was first sparked in childhood, when my mother introduced me to images from Princess Diana’s wedding—an event so saturated in grandeur, emotion, and historical significance that it instantly captured my imagination and never quite let go. From that moment, my interest evolved from a passing curiosity into a full-fledged passion, one marked by both reverence and relentless curiosity. I have risen before dawn to watch the weddings of both Catherine Middleton and Meghan Markle, complete with homemade scones and a hastily pinned fascinator; I once flew to New York solely to attend a Platinum Jubilee brunch; and I proudly subjected both my parents and my husband to a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace that, in true “Lauren” fashion, lasted approximately an hour longer than the official version (though, to be fair, they were warned).
When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, I found myself unexpectedly bereft (for someone who was ninety-six), tearfully mourning the loss of a figure who, despite the distance and symbolism, had somehow become a part of my inner world. Since then—and long before—I have devoured with near-academic zeal every documentary, biography, dramatization, podcast, and critical think piece available, especially those touched by the creative hand of Peter Morgan. Whether decoding the nuances of “Megxit” or discussing the recent and deeply humanizing disclosure of the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis, I’m often the first call or text for friends, family, and colleagues alike when royal news breaks. And just as often, I’m asked for recommendations—for the definitive reads, watches, and deep dives that will satisfy even the most casual observer’s curiosity. So, in the spirit of sharing my royally obsessive enthusiasm, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the most compelling British royal family content across books, film, television, and digital creators.Because yes—I’m an unabashed anglophile, and this post is for those who are too!Coffee Table Books
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes
With wit and insight, Holmes unpacks the intentional fashion choices of modern royal women, exploring how clothing becomes a language of duty, diplomacy, and identity.
Her Majesty: A Photographic History 1926–2022 (Taschen)
A breathtaking visual biography of Queen Elizabeth II, this volume traces her life and reign through rare and iconic photographs—each one a window into history.
The Queen: 70 Years of Majestic Style by Bethan Holt
Holt captures the evolution of the Queen’s wardrobe as a tool of tradition and image-making, offering both fashion commentary and cultural reflection.
The Other Side of the Coin by Angela Kelly
Written by the Queen’s longtime dresser, this candid, elegant memoir reveals the rituals and relationships behind royal presentation—told with warmth, loyalty, and quiet authority.
Non-Fiction Books
A Journey Around The Queen by Craig Brown
With his signature wit and flair for satire, Brown weaves a sharply observed mosaic of anecdotes, cultural commentary, and public impressions to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II both reverent and refreshingly original.
Spare by Prince Harry
A searing, deeply personal memoir that lifts the veil on royal life, Spare offers a candid exploration of grief, identity, and disillusionment from a modern royal caught between tradition and autonomy.
The Queen by Andrew Morton
From the biographer who first cracked open the royal mystique in his coverage of Diana, this portrait of Elizabeth II traces her evolution from dutiful heir to global symbol, blending access and insight in equal measure.
Elizabeth & Margaret by Andrew Morton
An intimate dual biography that unpacks the tension, affection, and contrast between two royal sisters—one destined for the crown, the other forever in its shadow.
17 Carnations by Andrew Morton
A chilling dive into the controversial ties between the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Nazi Germany, this book illuminates one of the darkest corners of royal history with meticulous research and narrative flair.
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
Both forensic and fabulously readable, Brown’s account dissects the modern monarchy through the women at its center—Camilla, Catherine, Meghan, and the Queen herself—offering insight into survival, strategy, and spectacle at the highest level.
Dianaworld: An Obsession by Edward White
This one’s still on my to-read list—it just came out in April of this year—but I’m already fascinated by the premise. Rather than a traditional biography, Dianaworld is a cultural deep dive into the world’s obsession with Princess Diana. Through the stories of superfans, impersonators, critics, and admirers, Edward White explores how Diana became more than a person—she became a symbol of longing, vulnerability, and emotional rebellion.
Fiction Books
Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series by S.J. Bennett
In this delightfully clever mystery series, Queen Elizabeth II secretly moonlights as a detective behind palace walls. Wry, well-paced, and full of insider charm, it’s a loving fictional homage to her wit, intellect, and unflappable poise.
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
Set in post-war London, this moving novel traces the lives of the embroiderers behind Princess Elizabeth’s 1947 wedding gown. Through their stitches, Robson weaves a story of friendship, sacrifice, and the quiet elegance of craftsmanship.
Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson
A richly imagined glimpse into the days surrounding the Queen’s 1953 coronation, this companion novel captures the emotional weight of history unfolding—not only on the global stage, but within the private lives shaped by it.
Documentaries
The Royal House of Windsor (2017)
Spanning a century of monarchy, this six-part series expertly charts the evolution of the Windsor dynasty—from war and abdication to reinvention and resilience—with rare footage and sharp historical commentary.
Diana: In Her Own Words (2017)
Using Diana’s actual voice from previously unheard recordings, this haunting documentary offers an unfiltered account of her life behind palace walls—raw, reflective, and remarkably intimate.
Seven Days That Shook the World: Diana (2017)
A poignant retelling of the week following Princess Diana’s death, this film captures the nation’s grief and the royal family’s unprecedented reckoning with public emotion and evolving expectations.
Harry & Meghan (2022)
This docuseries peels back the glossy veneer to explore the Sussexes’ extremely human path from fairy-tale romance to public rupture—probing questions of privacy, press, and the modern monarchy’s limitations.
Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2018)
With commentary from her children and grandchildren, this affectionate film celebrates the Queen’s life through private home videos and personal recollections—a rare glimpse at the sovereign through her family’s eyes.
Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy (2017)
Tender and deeply personal, this documentary features Princes William and Harry reflecting on their mother’s warmth, courage, and enduring impact—reminding us that royal legacy is most powerful when it is personal.
Television & Movies
The Queen (2006)
Helen Mirren’s masterful portrayal of Elizabeth II in the days following Princess Diana’s death captures a sovereign at the intersection of duty and modernity—an exquisite meditation on public grief and private restraint.
The King’s Speech (2010)
A moving exploration of King George VI’s reluctant ascension and his battle with a debilitating stammer, this film reveals the quiet courage required to wear the crown under extraordinary pressure.
A Royal Night Out (2015)
Set on VE Day in 1945, this charming, fictionalized tale imagines Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret slipping out of Buckingham Palace to join the celebrations—offering a rare and playful glimpse at the young women behind the royal façade.
Diana: The Musical (2021)
Okay, hear me out. It’s camp. It’s chaotic. It’s kind of amazing in a so-bad-it’s-good way. Worth a watch if you love a musical trainwreck with tiaras with tunes that will be stuck in your head for days.
The Crown (2016-2023)
An unparalleled achievement in historical drama, The Crown combines meticulous production design with nuanced performances to chronicle the reign of Elizabeth II in all its personal and political complexity. As a lifelong royal watcher, I can say with certainty: it is my Super Bowl, my Met Gala, my season finale all in one.
Victoria (2016-2019)
Elegant and emotionally resonant, this period drama traces the formative years of Queen Victoria’s reign and her relationship with Prince Albert. Jenna Coleman delivers a luminous performance, bringing youthful intensity and quiet resolve to one of Britain’s most iconic monarchs.
Podcasts
Vanity Fair’s Dynasty
Dynasty delves into the power dynamics, personalities, and politics of the Windsors, offering listeners in-depth explorations of both past events and ongoing royal developments.
The Crown: The Official Podcast
Produced alongside the acclaimed Netflix series, this podcast provides fascinating behind-the-scenes insights, historical context, and interviews with creators and cast—perfect for fans seeking to enrich their understanding of the dramatized narrative.
Royally Obsessed
Although sadly now retired, this much missed gem of my week blended well-researched history with contemporary royal news, all delivered with warmth, humor, and a keen eye for fashion and lifestyle. Take a spin back through their archive of episodes to get see for yourself how the hosts handled the biggest news breaks from 2020-2024, as well as some of their incredible guest interviews.
Creators
Elizabeth Holmes (@eholmes)
A former Wall Street Journal columnist and the author of HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, Holmes is the gold standard for royal fashion analysis. Her Substack newsletter is a must-read, and her near real-time Instagram stories a fabulous follow, weaving humor and warmth into smart, nuanced reflections on the symbolism of royal style.
Roberta Fiorito (@robertafiorito)
Co-host of the since retired Royally Obsessed podcast, Fiorito combines deep knowledge with a lively, approachable style, offering insightful commentary on current royal events, history, and the lifestyle and fashion that surround the monarchy. She continues to stay up to date with the Windsors, posting in real time as relevant news breaks.
Rachel Bowie (@rachelbowie)
Also co-host of the inactive Royally Obsessed, Bowie contiues to brings wit and warmth to royal discourse in her writing, expertly balancing respect for tradition with a fresh perspective covering not only royal news but also the lifestyle and fashion that define the modern monarchy.
Meghan’s Closet Chronicles (@megansclosetchronicles)
An elegant archive of the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe, this account pairs sartorial detail with contextual insight, showing how Meghan’s fashion choices reflect her values, evolution, and quiet defiance of expectation.
Royal Style Watch (@royalstylewatch)
Focused on the fashion moments of the senior royals, this stylish feed blends high-resolution images with well-informed captions that track designer details, rewears, and royal dressing diplomacy with flair.
Town & Country (@townandcountrymag)
With an editorial sensibility rooted in heritage and high society, Town & Country remains a trusted source for thoughtful royal reporting, exclusive interviews, and beautifully curated coverage that spans both tradition and trend.
