Elizabeth At 90: A Family Tribute gives rare insight into our sparkling monarch as ‘mama’ and ‘granny’

Elizabeth At 90: A Family Tribute, narrated by Prince Charles is a charming reminder of the Queen’s remarkable stoicism and her royal legacy.

Dazzling...The Queen at 90: A Family Tribute features rare insight into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Supplied/UKTV.

IT says something about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II that when a heavy cold confined Her Majesty to bed recently, royal watchers were sent into a tailspin.

Such has been her stoicism and fortitude over her 90 years in the public eye, that this moment of vulnerability — not uncommon at one her age — was newsworthy, sparking a new admiration for her leadership and legacy.

It makes Elizabeth At 90: A Family Tribute a wonderful homage to the woman who has provided an enduring foundation for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, and as her son and heir Prince Charles narrates: “inspired and encouraged millions of people around the world.”

The fascinating documentary, a 90-minute special celebrating her life by those know her best, including Princes William and Harry, daughter Princess Anne and Danish queen Margrethe, gives charming insight into the real woman who wears the crown.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II beside a koala while Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and QLD Premier Anna Bligh talk to wildlife officers. Picture: Supplied

Home movies from the palace vault show the Queen as ‘mama’ and ‘granny,’ away from the regimen of royal duty and relaxed with those she loves.

As a public relations exercise, it is just the portrait of a warm-hearted, hands-on mother, grandmother and now great grandmother courtiers would have relished using in the dark days after Diana’s death; when grief, coupled with tradition and protocol, put the Queen at a distance from the vast majority of her subjects for the first time.

While she was honoured as the longest-reigning monarch in history last year, it is left to Princess Anne to remind audiences of what an onerous record that has been for the Queen.

“People tend to forget she passed the longest reigning monarch only because her father died so young. It’s a record she would much rather not have been able to pass.”

ELIZABETH AT 90: A FAMILY TRIBUTE AIRS 8.30PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 ON UKTV