Once a week, throughout the Queen’s long reign, the Prime Minister of the day leaves Number 10 for the short drive to Buckingham Palace. What is discussed at their private audience is almost never made public … Spanning 8 decades and 14 premiers, Queen Elizabeth has seen Britain change beyond all recognition. The Queen & Her Prime Ministers, Channel 4 2021
In 1976 after 8 years in office, Wilson suddenly resigned, reportedly due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He departed in little doubt he’d been one of the Queen’s favourite prime ministers. Both seasoned players in this unique piece of political theatre. ibid.
The Queen addressed the nation today and offered a country that has endured a year like no other her comfort. 2021: The Queen’s Terrible Year, news, BBC 2021
It’s been one of the Queen’s most difficult years to date. 1992 was famously labelled as her annus horribilis: scandal, marital woes, and tawdry tabloid stories dragged the Royal Family’s reputation through the mire. But the past year has seen a sense of history repeating itself. ibid.
Not least the growing schisms in the family which were about to get worse. ibid.
On the day of Prince Philip’s funeral there were blue skies with Windsor Castle bathed in sunshine. In a stripped-back service, the small number allowed to attend were forced to sit apart. ibid.
Elizabeth II is preparing for her coronation: soon she will be crowned. She is just 27 years old. The future of the House of Windsor rests on her shoulders. As the Queen takes her first cautious steps as monarch she is torn between the palace old guard led by her mother and those like her husband Philip who want to change. The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty aka Succession III
The Queen has a unique relationship with her eldest child: mother and son, queen and heir. Bonds between mother and son are crucial. But this one is critical to the future and stability of the monarchy. It’s a complex relationship. The Queen & Charles: Mother & Son, Channel 5 2020
In recent years, the Prince has opened up about this mother’s absence in his childhood. ibid.
The first great audience-grabbing broadcast on British television was the coronation of the young Queen, Elizabeth II. Melvyn Bragg on the Box, BBC 2017
It was one of the most eagerly anticipated moments in British history. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II brought the nation together in celebration. After hundreds of years the ceremony’s veil of secrecy was lifted giving television cameras unprecedented access. Secrets of the Queen’s Coronation, Channel 4 2022
Cameras have always been a part of our lives. I think there’s a difference to watching a home movie when you know who it is on the other side of the lens holding the camera. It adds to the sense of intimacy. Like many families my parents wanted to keep a record of our precious moments together. Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen, BBC 2022
‘Life is a great adventure. The key to all true progress lies in faith, hope and love.’ ibid. George VI
People matter. And it is our relationship with one another that is most important. What people are and what people do does make all the difference. The joint efforts of individuals can defeat the evils of our time. ibid.
For seven decades the Queen has been acclaimed. The leading lady in an historical drama that’s been running for a thousand years. Now, as the world’s most famous royal dynasty braces itself for change, we examine the three key players. The Real Windsors: Queen of Steel, Channel 4 2022
‘We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again.’ ibid.
The Crown comes first. Even ahead of her own family. ibid.
‘For me we must speak of change. It’s breath and accelerating pace over these years.’ The Longest Reign: The Queen and Her People
The Queen was a threat of continuity running through seventy years of British history … For many, she was more than a sovereign and a figurehead. ibid.
The state opening of parliament. The Lord Great Chamberlain bears the imperial state crown into the robing room. The crown is the ancient symbol of supreme authority. For forty years it has been worn by Elizabeth II. Elizabeth R, opening commentary, 1992
The ceremony of monarchy does not change but behind the pageantry is a different world. ibid.
‘The possibility of meeting more people is very important.’ ibid. Queen
The Queen has sat for more than 100 portraits since she came to the throne. ibid.
8th September 2022: There wasn’t a sniff of this huge news that would come later that afternoon. The Day the Queen Died Minute by Minute, Dan Walker, Channel 5 2023
She was elderly and frail but her eyes were twinkling. ibid. Richard Kay
Early on the 8th September at Balmoral Castle in Scotland the Queen’s medical team are called to her bedside. ibid.
‘When we heard that the family were flying up to Balmoral, it was very clear what the significance of this was.’ ibid. woman
1953: A young woman was ready to launch eight hours of the world’s biggest television broadcast to date. How the BBC Began II, BBC 2022
The Queen’s coronation was a pivotal moment for the BBC. For the first time television outstripped radio. ibid.