Made for the BBC as Queen Elizabeth II celebrated the fortieth anniversary of her reign in 1992, Edward Mirzoeff takes a camera crew to follow the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as events in their year unfold. There are the grand scale ceremonial events, diplomatic functions and some more intimate familial occasions all narrated informatively and sympathetically by Ian Holm. It is an officially sanctioned product, so we see nothing here untoward - but given the nature of the subject and purpose of the documentary in the first place, that's hardly surprising. What we have here is a highly polished chronology of a year in the life of a lady who clearly has spirit and enthusiasm for her roles in the UK and elsewhere, as well as a passion for her horses and a sense of mischief and love of family. The narrative doesn't dwell on negatives, it's a positive affirmation of a woman dedicated to her responsibilities, is well put together and nicely scored by Rachel Portman. Yes, republicans will probably hate it - but that's maybe the problem they have. Despite the obvious anachronisms of monarchy and inherited power, when the incumbent commands respect and delivers integrity like this, it makes for a very hard target to politicise - and what's clear here is the Queen knows exactly what path to tread - especially with Margaret Thatcher, but also with a plethora of other global figures who have no need of her favour nor company but courted it nonetheless - regardless of their own political beliefs. A lesson in statesmanship, sanitised and rose-tinted, but still effective.
In 1885 the British army invaded Burma and deposed its King. He died in exile, ending a thousand years of monarchy. The royal family vanished, and the country was plunged into war and the longest military dictatorship of modern times. But after a century of silence they are back, and they're on a journey to bring the family - past and present - back together. Filmed through three years of seismic change in Burma, this is the story of a family and a country emerging from the darkness.
This is the story of how a prince became a king, a revealing portrait of our new monarch across the seven decades he spent as heir to the throne. It’s a journey from cradle to crown told almost solely in his own words, from film and television recordings to private home movies and featuring a wealth of material, some of which has never been seen before. As well as drawing on home movies from the Royal Collection, the film-makers were given exclusive access to sequences featuring the prince, shot for the landmark 1969 film Royal Family, including private unseen moments.
Produced in High Definition, with rare archive footage. Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for 60 years as the Queen of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. The Queen, who has witnessed incredible social, political and cultural changes in her reign, has retained the purpose and dignity of the British Monarchy. From the death of her father King George VI, to the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, this is the true story of how the young Princess became a great Queen.
News of the engagement of Britain's Prince William and Catherine Middleton stirred hearts worldwide. This close-up on the future king and his bride-to-be captures the romance of their courtship and the excitement leading up to the royal nuptials.
A unique celebration of the Queen's ninety years as she reaches her landmark birthday in April. Film-maker John Bridcut has been granted special access to the complete collection of Her Majesty's personal ciné films, shot by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen herself, as well as by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Much of it has never been seen publicly before. Various members of the Royal Family are filmed watching this private footage and contributing their own personal insights and their memories of the woman they know both as a member of their own close family and as queen. Among those taking part are the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent and his sister Princess Alexandra, who has never before given an interview.
Featuring unseen letters, photos, and insights, this in-depth exploration reveals the King’s life, from his early years to the challenges he faces today.
Kirsty Young, Huw Edwards, Sophie Raworth and Claire Balding are your guides for the historic coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Saturday 6 May. From her studio outside Buckingham Palace, Kirsty will be joined by guests, including friends and colleagues of the King and Queen, who will share their personal insights. Throughout the morning, a series of films will explore the King’s passions, and a broad range of experts will join Kirsty to provide analysis of this new chapter in British history. Across the capital, a team of presenters will be in key locations to report and commentate throughout the day as events unfold. As the armed forces prepare for one of the largest military parades in living memory, JJ Chalmers will speak to servicemen and women from across the UK and the Commonwealth as they arrive in London to take their positions.
This short explores the possibility that Louis XVII, son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, escaped death during the French Revolution and was raised by Indians in America.