A unique TV programme, Elizabeth at 90 – A Family Tribute, shows a relaxed side to the royal family as they watch home movies, discovers Caroline Lindsay
A family gathers in the living room to watch old home videos and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as toddlers totter and children roll down grassy banks or play with pet dogs.
So far, so normal.
But this is no ordinary family get-together. Instead the Queen and Prince Philip, along with other members of the royal family, come together to watch some of Her Majesty’s personal cine films in a unique programme. Elizabeth at 90 – A Family Tribute was aired on BBC1 on Thursday evening, to celebrate her milestone 90th birthday, with an extended version showing on Sunday.
Film-maker John Bridcut – who produced several other royal specials – was granted special access to the complete collection of 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 and local viewers will be fascinated to see Glamis Castle and Balmoral feature strongly in the young royals’ lives.
Coming over as relaxed and natural, various members of the royal family were filmed watching this charming 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 were the Prince of Wales who also narrates the programme, 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, and the Queen’s niece Lady Sarah Chatto who looked visibly moved by footage of her late mother, Princess Margaret.
The Queen offers observations along the way and is still as sharp as a tack about exactly where and when the films were taken.
The Prince of Wales comments that the Queen’s long life “has defined our age” and continues: “As we celebrate her 90th birthday, she, like all of us, can reflect on a life that has inspired and encouraged millions of people in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.
“In many ways, it’s a life that has defined our age.”
He goes on to say that it was the vow that the Queen made as Princess Elizabeth in South Africa in 1947, on her 21st birthday, when she said: “I declare that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” which “set the tone for the Age of Elizabeth”.
“The entire collection,” said the Prince, “provides a wonderful insight into my Mama’s long life.”
John Bridcut comments: “As a film-maker, it has been a great privilege to be given permission to view The Queen’s personal cine film collection, most of which has never been seen publicly before.
“This footage, much of it shot by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh themselves, gives a unique and personal insight into their family life, which I have found very touching. It has been fascinating to screen it for other members of the Royal Family, and see and hear their own reactions to it and the memories it triggered. The Queen is someone we all know well, while at the same time we scarcely know her at all – but these private films give an extra dimension to our understanding of this remarkable woman as she reaches her landmark 90th birthday.”
An extended 90-minute version of Elizabeth at 90 – A Family Tribute will be shown on April 24, 4.35pm on BBC1.
