Royal Family's favourite telly: From ITV daytime show to period drama

From a gritty crime thriller to an ITV daytime staple, The Royal Family have a varied range of favourite television programmes.

In recent years, various members of the family have opened up about which shows they enjoy sitting down to watch.

But if you thought the monarchy did nothing but watch The Crown on repeat, you'd be mistaken. 

It turns out their tastes are decidedly more broad, spanning everything from blockbuster dramas to light entertainment. 

So, with April now underway, let us take a look at which programmes the royals have highly rated.

Downton Abbey

This acclaimed period drama - which aired on ITV from 2010 to 2015 - was said to be a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, according to The Telegraph.

The monarch - who died in 2022 - would reportedly 'point out things they have got wrong, partly because she is familiar with Highclere Castle, where it is filmed.'

After Downton Abbey's run on TV concluded, the series continued on with a film trilogy.

These were respectively released in 2019, 2022 and wrapped up with The Grand Finale in 2025.

Loose Women

Author and TV personality Sarah Ferguson, formerly the Duchess of York, has been a frequent guest on the ITV daytime show.

She made her debut appearance in November 2023, promoting breast cancer screening after her own diagnosis - which had been symptom-free. 

Since then, Sarah has returned to the show on multiple occasions, whether discussing her book or addressing big stories impacting the UK. 

In October 2025, she was dropped by ITV amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal circling her ex-husband, the former Prince Andrew.

Strictly Come Dancing

Having first hit screens in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has become a much-loved favourite over those 20+ years.

The show's fanbase is said to include multiple members of the Royal Family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are reportedly regular viewers.

Last year, the Princess of Wales made a low-key visit to the studio and dropped in on the rehearsals with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

Elsewhere, Johannes Radebe, a professional dancer on the programme, told Jonathan Ross on his ITV show that Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is dying to take part.

He revealed: 'She would love the opportunity to [compete in Strictly Come Dancing] but obviously she can't. She has told me this.' 

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla paid tribute to long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as they bowed out of the programme.

Her note, which was read out on the show, said: 'Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.

'I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

'If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success.

'I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life's journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing. 

'With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.'

Slow Horses

This acclaimed spy thriller premiered in 2022 and follows a team of disgraced MI5 agents placed at Slough House, a dumping ground for career-ending mistakes.

Led by Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), the group often uncover real conspiracy threats while being looked down upon by headquarters.

Speaking at the Royal Television Society Awards 2026, actor Christopher Chung, who plays Roddy Ho, disclosed that one famous face is a secret fan of the show. 

He told The Express: 'Gary has been knighted, and he has regaled us with stories of the Royal Family being big fans of the show, so for them to have watched Slow Horses is enough for me. 

'I'm pretty sure the Queen Camilla watches it and William because he gave Gary his knighthood.'

Clarkson's Farm

Having debuted in June 2021, Clarkson's Farm follows Jeremy Clarkson's running of Diddly Squat Farm near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

He is joined by partner Lisa Hogan, farm manager Kaleb Cooper, head of security Gerald Cooper and land agent 'Cheerful Charlie' Ireland.

Speaking to ITV News, Prince William revealed his son, Prince George, is a fan of the Prime Video series.

The Prince of Wales further shared that, when he asked Prince George what he should tell Kaleb if he met him, the youngster replied: 'Tell Kaleb to mind his language.'

Poldark

Historical drama Poldark aired for five series on BBC One - based on the novels by Winston Graham.

Taking place from 1781 to 1801, the story follows British Army veteran Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) and his maid-turned-wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson).

The series aired from 2015 to 2019 - and has one very significant fan.

King Charles said previously: 'What I can't get over watching that Poldark stuff on TV is how many he wrote.' 

Rivals

Based Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, raunchy comedy-drama Rivals debuted on DIsney+ in 2024.

The ensemble cast includes David Tennant, Danny Dyer, Emily Atack, Aidan Turner and Katherine Parkinson, to name a few.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is reportedly among the show's many fans.

According to Hello!, a palace insider revealed the Queen 'adored Rivals' and had received a preview copy.