Prince Philip documentary—how to watch and everything you need to know about The Royal Family Remembers

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers saw the royals share precious family memories

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers will see the royals reflect on the life of the late Prince Philip
(Image credit: BBC)

The new Prince Philip documentary, The Royal Family Remembers, featured Prince Philip's beloved children and grandchildren as they reflected on his remarkable legacy. 


Prince Philip’s passing in April 2021 changed the Royal Family as we know it as the Queen continues to mourns the loss of her beloved husband after a momentous 73 years of marriage. The Duke of Edinburgh was not only the longest serving consort in British history at the time of his death, but was just months away from celebrating his milestone 100th birthday. From his career as a naval officer, to his sweet first meeting with the Queen and his commitment to the Sandringham estate after he retired in 2017, Prince Philip lived an extraordinary life. And it’s one that his children and grandchildren paid tribute to in a brand new documentary. 

The new documentary aired on the BBC on September 22 and saw them share never-before-heard stories about the Duke of Edinburgh. Here we reveal how to catch up on Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers and which of his royal relatives opened up on their love for this remarkable figure. 

How to watch the Prince Philip documentary in the UK

For UK-based royal fans intrigued to see what the wider Royal Family has to say about Prince Philip in the new BBC documentary, then the wait is now over. Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers aired on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday September 22, 2021. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during "The Patron's Lunch" celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday

(Image credit: Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

There were plenty of wonderful stories and insights shared throughout this spellbinding one hour-long Prince Philip documentary. And for anyone who was unable to watch the documentary in real-time, or who might want to re-watch their favorite heartfelt moments, never fear. 

As with other BBC royal documentaries like the Prince William and Kate anniversary documentary, this new special is also to catch up on via BBC iPlayer.

How to watch the Prince Philip documentary in the US

Sadly for anyone who wished to tune in to watch the new Prince Philip BBC documentary and who live outside of the UK, it’s not yet known how or when the special might air in the US and elsewhere in the world. This means you’ll need a VPN if you want to catch up on Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remember in the US and around the world. 

Princess Elizabeth with her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne

(Image credit: Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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What is the new Prince Philip BBC documentary about?

The new BBC Prince Philip documentary saw his and the Queen’s children and grandchildren came together to offer their personal thoughts, memories and reflections as they honored the life and legacy of the late Duke of Edinburgh. As reported by the BBC, the project was originally conceived as a wonderful way to mark Prince Philip’s 100th birthday on June 10th. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary

(Image credit: Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)

Very sadly, Prince Philip passed away just months before, though many members of the Royal Family took to social media on this big day to celebrate his life.

The Queen showed her “vulnerable” side with her touching tribute to her late husband and their youngest son Prince Edward reflected on his father’s “larger than life” character.

The BBC have reported that their landmark documentary featured interviews filmed both before and following the Duke’s passing. They revealed that the documentary makers went inside Buckingham Palace itself and were given unique access to meet Prince Philip’s staff.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh laugh as they watch the games during the Annual Braemar Highland Gathering

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

They also captured his study, private office and library, exactly as they had been throughout his seven decades being right at the heart of royal life. 

According to the BBC, “There are poignant recollections, plenty of humour and numerous fresh insights into the character and legacy of this royal pioneer.

“With special access to the Queen’s private cine film collection, this documentary is an unrivalled portrait of a man with a unique place in royal history - by those who knew him best.” 

Who appears in the Prince Philip documentary?  

Royal Family members who featured:

  • Prince Charles
  • Princess Anne
  • Prince Andrew
  • Prince Edward
  • Prince William
  • Prince Harry
  • Zara Tindall
  • Peter Phillips 
  • Princess Eugenie
  • Princess Beatrice
  • Lady Louise Windsor

As might have perhaps been expected, Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers featured a huge amount of royals. The BBC previously reported that this was the first time on television that more than a dozen members of the Royal Family offered their thoughts. This included all four children and many of Prince Philip and the Queen’s grandchildren too. 

Fans were already eager to hear what emotional insights were to come after seeing Prince William and Prince Harry pay tribute in the BBC’s first teaser clip released for the documentary. 

Prince Philip was known for his mischievous quips and the Duke of Cambridge even revealed the fun practical joke that his late grandfather loved to play that used to get Prince Philip into a “a lot of trouble” with the Queen. 

As the teaser trailer opens, Prince William explains, “He’s always been a huge presence behind everything we’re done really.” 

Whilst Prince Harry added, “What you see is what you got with my grandfather, he was unapologetically him.” 

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers featuring Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall

(Image credit: BBC)

Their cousin Zara Tindall, who lives on the Gatcombe Park estate where her mother Princess Anne resides, then declared, “You never really prepare yourself for losing him because he was always there.”

“We were lucky to have him for nearly 100 years,” Prince Charles then says poignantly as the teaser draws to a close.

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers documentary starring Princess Eugenie

(Image credit: BBC)

They were joined in the full BBC documentary by Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor and Princess Beatrice, who has just welcomed a baby girl

The Queen did not make an appearance in this new special, though her love for her late husband is something her grandchildren touched upon in their interviews. According to The Independent, Prince Harry referred to his grandparents as the “most adorable couple” as he reflected on their marriage. 

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers documentary starring Prince Harry

(Image credit: BBC)

Prince Harry continued, “I don’t know if anyone’s ever described them as adorable but, to me, knowing the cheekiness of him and knowing that behind what the world sees you have two individuals who were very much in love, and both at a very young age dedicated both of their lives to service.”

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!