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Royal Facts Queen of the World Documentary

7 Fascinating Things We Learned About the Royal Family, Thanks to the Queen's New Documentary

Sep 28 2018

The Queen has let us all behind the doors of Buckingham Palace for a new royal series following her work with the Commonwealth, and while we knew we'd get to see Queen Elizabeth II and her family in action, we didn't know they had so many surprises lined up for us. Queen of the World, which aired on ITV on Sept. 25, is packed with stand out moments that will raise your eyebrows and put a smile on your face. Here are a few of our favourites.

Image Source: Getty/ Chris Jackson

1. The Queen Wears Tiaras on Planes

We struggle to find the perfect track pants for a flight, but the Queen sets all the standards when it comes to air travel. Queen of the World treats us to one of the best royal moments ever: archival footage showing Queen Elizabeth II boarding a plane in full gala gown and tiara. Yes, the Queen caught a plane in a tiara. The documentary shows her heading off from Canada straight after a glitzy dinner, which means negotiating aircraft stairs in a full length, sparkly pink evening gown — that someone needs to steal for next year's Oscars — and one of her favourite diamond diadems. Too, too fabulous.

Image Source: Getty/ William Lovelace

2. The Royals Enjoy Really Smooth Sheets

If you think ironing your pillowcases makes you a domestic goddess, there's bad news coming. The royal family's official residence in Canada, Rideau Hall, is about to make you feel like a total slouch. Queen of the World reveals that this particular home has sets of special sheets that are only used for specific royal visitors. We got a glimpse of them being pressed to perfection for the arrival of the Prince of Wales, and that means at least an hour at the ironing board, per sheet, for a team of housekeepers. Lifestyle aspirations we will never achieve.

Image Source: Getty/ Dan Kitwood

3. The Queen Gets Stressed by Commuting, Too

Even royals have transport issues. OK, it's not waiting for a bus that's running late, but one of the highlights of Queen of the World is hearing the queen explain how she was left with just one option when she found her globetrotting ways meant time was tight for a really important date. In one archival clip, she admits that the only way she could get home to open parliament was to hop on board Concorde. It's a bit of an eye opener: Queen Elizabeth II is so busy that they only way she can keep up is to go supersonic.

Image Source: Getty/ Hulton Archive

4. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Blush Easily

Everyone loves them, and they're followed by huge crowds wherever they go, but it seems that William and Kate can become shy with all that attention. We don't know which is cuter — William telling a crowd he'll blush if they don't stop cheering him, or Kate trying to quickly move on as someone tells her how lovely she looks in one of the maternity outfits she wore while expecting Prince Louis.

Image Source: Getty/ Chris Jackson

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5. Harry's Lifestyle Isn't So Royal

We know he lives at Kensington Palace, but somehow we always imagined that Prince Harry spent quite a lot of time at Buckingham Palace as well. Instead, Queen of the World reveals that the sixth in line to the throne puts the total amount of his life passed in its corridors at less than two weeks. Harry is chatting to a group of interns at the palace who tell him they've been there for a fortnight. "You guys have spent way more time in Buckingham Palace than I ever have," he admits.

Image Source: Getty/ Chris Jackson

6. A Future King Nearly Went Overboard

In centuries past, the heir to the throne was treated with kid gloves and could expect lots of special attention while they were still in their crib. However, Prince Charles got a royal telling off as a youngster on board the Royal Yacht Britannia when he woke one of the sailors up. As those who kept the regal boat afloat talked about having a young Charles on board, they recalled him being picked up by the scruff of the neck by the person he'd disturbed and told that if he did it again, "he wouldn't live to be king." Presumably, Charles was really, really good after that.

Image Source: Getty/ Keystone/ Hulton Archive

7. The Queen's Got Everyone's Back

If you didn't want the Queen to be your friend already, you will once you've seen how hard she works to make sure no one looks bad in photos. Queen of the World shows Her Majesty up close and personal during engagements, and at one official audience, she goes out of her way to make sure her guest is at their best in the official snap by directing them to move, telling them how to stand, and pointing out where the camera is so they can look their very best. We all need friends like that!

Image Source: Getty/ Chris Jackson

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