King Charles teams up with Idris Elba and Netflix for special documentary
It's set to premiere in autumn 2026
King Charles is set to work with Idris Elba and Netflix on a documentary exploring the impact of his charity, The King’s Trust, with filming beginning next week.
The film, which is as yet untitled, will tell the story of The King’s Trust. Charles, 76, set the charity up in 1976 as The Prince’s Trust when he was the Prince of Wales. He wanted to help young people with work and education.
Actor Idris, 52, received a grant from the Trust to study acting when he was younger. He’ll be involved in the documentary, joining the king as he finds out more about the charity’s impact.
He’s become one of the UK’s most recognisable actors, winning a Golden Globe Award. He was even included in Time’s Most Influential People in the World list in 2016.
Idris Elba gushes over The King’s Trust in statement ahead of Netflix documentary
He said in Netflix’s statement: “The King’s Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life. At a time when I didn’t have the resources to pursue my ambitions, they offered real, practical support, including financial help, that helped me take those first steps to advance my career.
“Today, through the Elba Hope Foundation, I’m focused on creating those same opportunities for young people who are full of potential but lacking access. Around the world, millions are still waiting for that one door to open.
“This documentary is about shining a light on what’s possible when it does – and why the work of The King’s Trust remains so important.”
The King’s Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life.
Netflix UK’s official account also said: “King Charles III and Idris Elba are teaming up for a new documentary marking 50 years of The King’s Trust Elba, who got his acting start thanks to a grant from the charity, will join the king in telling the stories of one million young lives changed. Only on Netflix, Autumn 2026.”
A Buckingham Palace aide said: “The king is pleased for the trust to have this wonderful opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience, sharing the compelling stories of some of the more than 1 million young people it has helped in Britain and internationally over the past 50 years.”
The documentary will begin filming next week and is set to be released on Netflix in autumn next year. It’s produced by 22 Summers, the production company founded by Idris Elba and Diene Petterle. Meanwhile, part of the production team will be young people the Trust has supported.
King Charles’ other projects
The announcement comes after Charles partnered up with Apple Music to share his playlist earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the monarch is also working with Amazon Prime Video to create a documentary about his environmental philosophies.
This new film, however, marks the first time any royal apart from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has worked with Netflix.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with Netflix began in 2020, after they quit their senior royal duties.
In recent days, Meghan’s As Ever brand, which she partnered on with Netflix, has announced new products, including a rosé wine, an apricot spread and a limited-edition honey.
Harry and Meghan’s shows with Netflix
Meghan’s latest Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, premiered on the platform on March 4. It features a number of the duchess’ famous friends as she gives tips and tricks on cooking, crafting and gardening.
In 2022, meanwhile, the docuseries Harry & Meghan began streaming on Netflix. The six-parter explored the couple’s relationship from their early meetings to their decision to step back as working royals.
Harry also worked on another documentary for Netflix in 2024 called Polo, all about the sport.
How can I watch the King Charles documentary?
Charles’ documentary will premiere on Netflix in autumn 2026, and it will be available to stream on the platform. The cheapest Netflix subscription in the UK is £5.99 a month. In the US, the cheapest is $7.99 a month.
If you can’t wait for your royal fix until next year, Channel 5 recently aired another documentary, William & Catherine: Putting Family First. You can watch it on demand.
In the documentary, an emotional plea Charles reportedly made to his son, Prince William, following his wife Kate’s cancer diagnosis is revealed. Father and son had a conversation about how to proceed with duties amid Kate’s treatment, per royal commentator Ingrid Seward.
Read more: King Charles ‘could feel uncomfortable’ over Prince Harry’s Invictus Games ‘invite’
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