Royal Stories

ITV3, 8pm, Today

Britain’s royals are riding high in the popularity stakes at the moment, and some of that must be down to the changing attitudes of the women who have married into the Royal Family.

This edition of the documentary series, featuring archive footage and personal memories, looks at how the role of royal wives has changed over the years.

In the modern era, there has been a shift from women having a behind-the-scenes role to becoming loyal companions at the forefront of the decisions that affect the family.

Samantha Bond narrates the programme, which looks at the lives of, among others, Princess of Wales Diana Spencer, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, and how they have altered the monarchy.