Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has been a subject of fascination for filmmakers and television creators for decades. Her life and legacy have inspired numerous portrayals across both movies and TV shows. Whether as a central character or through significant historical moments, her story has been depicted in various forms of media, from biographical films to fictionalized dramas. Below is a detailed list of notable movies and TV shows in which Queen Elizabeth II has been portrayed.
The King’s Speech (2010)
- Portrayed By: Queen Elizabeth II (through archival footage, portrayed briefly)
- Director: Tom Hooper
- Plot: The film chronicles the story of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II’s father, and his efforts to overcome his speech impediment with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The film focuses primarily on George VI but features Queen Elizabeth II briefly in the background as a young Saoirse Ronan Early Life and Personal Life
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A Royal Night Out (2015)
- Portrayed By: Sarah Gadon
- Director: Julian Jarrold
- Plot: This comedic drama imagines a fictionalized night when Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister, Princess Margaret, were allowed to leave Buckingham Palace and join the celebrations of Victory in Europe Day in 1945. The film shows the sisters’ experience in a war-torn London, providing a light-hearted glimpse into the royal family’s lives before Elizabeth’s coronation.
- Notable Fact: While this movie is based on real events, much of the story is speculative and fictionalized for entertainment purposes.
TV Shows Depicting Queen Elizabeth II
The Crown (2016–present)
- Portrayed By: Claire Foy (Seasons 1–2), Olivia Colman (Seasons 3–4), Imelda Staunton (Seasons 5–6)
- Creator: Peter Morgan
- Plot: The Crown is a critically acclaimed Netflix series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The show spans the decades of her reign, focusing on her personal and political struggles, as well as her relationships with family members and world leaders. It covers major historical events such as the Suez Crisis, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the Falklands War.
- Notable Fact: The series has won multiple awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, for its performances, particularly by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.
Victoria & Albert (2001)
- Portrayed By: Victoria Hamilton (Queen Elizabeth II)
- Creator: Paul Unwin
- Plot: This drama miniseries focuses on the relationship between Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. Although the main characters are Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Queen Elizabeth II is portrayed in a few scenes as a descendant of the royal family. The series offers insight into the royal family’s history and the monarchy’s evolution.
- Notable Fact: Queen Elizabeth II is depicted as a symbolic figure in the monarchy’s continuity rather than the primary focus of the show.
The Royal House of Windsor (2017)
- Portrayed By: Narration & archival footage
- Creator: BBC
- Plot: A documentary series that takes a deep dive into the history of the British royal family, with a particular focus on the House of Windsor. While it doesn’t provide fictional portrayals, Queen Elizabeth II is featured extensively, examining her reign and the events that have shaped the monarchy.
- Notable Fact: The series uses interviews, archival footage, and historical insights to present a factual account of the royal family’s journey, from the reign of King George V to the present day.
The Windsors (2016–2018)
Notable Fact: While the show is humorous and exaggerated, it offers a lighthearted and comedic perspective on the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Portrayed By: Haydn Gwynne
Creator: George Jeffrie, Bert Tyler-Moore
Plot: The Windsors is a satirical sitcom that parodies the lives of the British royal family, with a comedic spin on the royal family’s personal dynamics and public appearances. Queen Elizabeth II is portrayed with exaggerated traits for comedic effect, and the show focuses on the family’s antics and scandals.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
- Portrayed By: Queen Elizabeth II (in a brief, symbolic reference)
- Creator: Scott Frank
- Plot: The Queen’s Gambit is not about the royal family, but Queen Elizabeth II is symbolically referenced in a few scenes. The show focuses on the life of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy in the 1960s, and her journey to become a world-class player. The title “Queen” in the show’s name is a metaphorical reference rather than a direct portrayal of the British monarch.
- Notable Fact: The show became a global sensation, winning several awards, including Golden Globes for Best Television Series.
The Queen (2006)
- Portrayed By: Helen Mirren
- Director: Stephen Frears
- Plot: The Queen is a biographical drama that explores the events following Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997. The film focuses on how Queen Elizabeth II responded to the crisis, including her complex relationship with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the British public’s reactions. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the Queen as she navigates a modern monarchy in a changing world.
- Awards: Helen Mirren’s performance as Queen Elizabeth II was widely praised, and she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal.
The Audience (2013 – Stage Play & 2015 – Film Adaptation)
Notable Fact: Helen Mirren reprised her role as Queen Elizabeth II, a role she had made famous in The Queen. Her performance in both the stage play and film adaptation was widely praised.
Portrayed By: Helen Mirren
Director: Stephen Daldry
Plot: Originally a stage play, The Audience was later adapted for television. It focuses on Queen Elizabeth II’s weekly meetings with British Prime Ministers over the years. The series delves into her personal relationships with key political figures, offering a rare and intimate look at her role behind closed doors. The play examines her duty, power, and the cost of her public life.
A Royal Night Out (2015)
- Portrayed By: Sarah Gadon
- Director: Julian Jarrold
- Plot: A Royal Night Out is a fictionalized account of the night in 1945 when Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister, Princess Margaret, were allowed to leave Buckingham Palace to join the celebrations on Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The movie imagines the sisters’ adventures as they experience the excitement of post-war London, interacting with ordinary citizens and blending in with the crowd.
- Notable Fact: While A Royal Night Out takes some creative liberties, the film gives viewers a glimpse into the more youthful and personal side of the Queen before she assumed the throne.
The King’s Speech (2010)
- Portrayed By: Queen Elizabeth II (Briefly)
- Director: Tom Hooper
- Plot: This Academy Award-winning film focuses on King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, and his efforts to overcome a speech impediment with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist. Queen Elizabeth II is portrayed as a young child in the background, as her father’s struggles with speech therapy take center stage. The film primarily highlights the monarchy’s role during World War II.
- Notable Fact: The film won multiple awards, including the Oscar for Best Picture. While Queen Elizabeth II is not the central figure, the film provides historical context to her reign and the royal family’s impact on the world.
TV Shows Depicting Queen Elizabeth II
- Portrayed By: Claire Foy (Seasons 1-2), Olivia Colman (Seasons 3-4), Imelda Staunton (Seasons 5-6)
- Creator: Peter Morgan
- Plot: The Crown is perhaps the most famous and comprehensive portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II’s life. This critically acclaimed Netflix series chronicles her reign from the early days of her ascension to the throne in 1952, all the way through the challenges of the 21st century. Each season covers key historical moments in her reign, such as her relationships with her family, political figures, and world leaders. The series delves into her personal struggles with duty, family, and the changing world.
- Awards: The series has received numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, for its performances, particularly by Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton.
| Title | Year | Type | Portrayed By | Description |
|---|
| The Queen | 2006 | Movie | Helen Mirren | A biographical drama about Queen Elizabeth II’s response to Princess Diana’s death and the challenges within the royal family. |
| The Audience | 2013 | TV Movie | Helen Mirren | A film adaptation of the stage play focusing on Queen Elizabeth II’s weekly meetings with British Prime Ministers. |
| A Royal Night Out | 2015 | Movie | Sarah Gadon | A fictionalized account of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret sneaking out of Buckingham Palace on VE Day in 1945. |
| The King’s Speech | 2010 | Movie | Queen Elizabeth II (Child) | Follows King George VI’s speech therapy, with Queen Elizabeth II depicted briefly as a child during her father’s battle with stammering. |
Elizabeth at 90 (2016)
Notable Fact: Elizabeth at 90 provides a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the Queen’s life, giving audiences a glimpse into the private world of the British monarch.
Portrayed By: Queen Elizabeth II (Documentary)
Creator: BBC
Plot: This documentary was made to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday and features interviews with family members, royal experts, and the Queen herself. It offers a personal and intimate look at her life, legacy, and the history of her reign, along with rare footage from her private life and her work as a monarch.
Other Appearances of Queen Elizabeth II in Popular Media
Documentaries & Specials
- The Queen’s Green Planet (2017): A documentary special hosted by Sir David Attenborough, focusing on Queen Elizabeth II’s personal passion for conservation and her role in promoting environmental initiatives.
- Queen Elizabeth II: The Final Years (2022): A documentary that explores the Queen’s later years, focusing on her legacy and the royal family’s adaptation to a changing world.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has captivated audiences around the world for decades, and her life story continues to inspire filmmakers, television creators, and audiences alike. From the historical drama of The Crown to the comedic exaggerations of The Windsors, Queen Elizabeth has been portrayed in a variety of ways, each providing a unique perspective on her role as the monarch. These portrayals not only reflect the complexity of her life but also highlight her profound impact on the history and cultural fabric of the United Kingdom and the world.
Whether dramatized or documentary-style, the depiction of Queen Elizabeth II in media will likely continue to drama