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The Diamond Queen
BBC political and royal events commentator 'Andrew Marr' examines the life and role of the present British monarch at the occasion of the diamond jubilee, 60 years after her father's death put her on the throne of most Commonwealth nations. He examines how monarchy is a matter of (at least apparent) tradition and (preferably smooth, often unnoticed) change, to balance a heritage since the feudal age and the demands of the modern media age.
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Episode 1
Episode #1.1
62 mins
At the rare occasion of a monarch's diamond (60 years reign) jubilee, Andrew Marr examines the nature and practice of the British monarchy, notably during that period. George V 'nationalised' the ruling branch of the German Saxe-Coburg dynasty as the nationalistic House of Windsor, to refute German sympathy allegations in World War I. Edward VIII's abdication over the US divorcée Simpson traumatized the royalist camp. George VI designed modern constitutional monarchy, aiming for 'mystical' popularity, a model elaborated on in the present reign. Political influence consists mainly in weekly audiences for the PM and numerous visits to and from foreign statesmen. Reading piles of red boxes is the daily price, travelling within and beyond the Commonwealth as well as touring the country - a never-ending life's work for the whole royal family.
