The pride of Napoleon's victories, the Arc de Triomphe, whose first stone was laid in 1806 at the top of the Champs-Élysées, is, along with the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the French capital. Wanted by an emperor, inaugurated under the reign of a king (Louis-Philippe) and sanctuarized by the Republic, this patriotic temple polarizes the passions of a whole nation. A historical portrait before "packaging", which teems with anecdotes and unsuspected details.
To celebrate her 80th birthday, the Queen is holding a children's party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. She has invited many classic characters from British children's literature. But when the baddies, led by Cruella de Vil, discover that they have not been invited, they steal the Queen's handbag containing her spectacles and the text of her speech; without it, the Queen will not be able to make a speech at the party. Can the goodies find the handbag in time?
This film puts the late Prince Philip's own words front and centre. Drawing on rare archive recordings, he touches upon a range of topics including the role of the monarchy.
Filmed throughout his one hundredth year – before and after his death – this landmark portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh features only those who knew him best: his family and closest staff.
(2021) 17/04/2021 (GB) Documentary 61m
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.
Follow Prince Andrew, whose behavior brought scandal and disgrace to the royal family. Pushing him into the sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and then into a sex trafficking scandal that threatens the House of Windsor.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Their love story was not one without challenges. Marrying 35 years after they first met, they have become a widely accepted couple, having faced years of scandal, tormented by the media. Charles declared Camilla would be a non-negotiable part of his life. The fight for their relationship has proved worthwhile in one of histories greatest love stories. Charles and Camilla found their happily ever after, against all odds. Join us as we look back the story of our future king and queen.
The coronation of Elizabeth II as queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms took place on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London. She acceded to the throne at the age of 25 upon the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952, being proclaimed queen by her privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation was held more than one year later because of the tradition of allowing an appropriate length of time to pass after a monarch dies. It also gave the planning committees adequate time to make preparations for the ceremony.
It would be difficult to find more comprehensive tour through the byways and highways, lanes and paths, nooks and crannies, major sights and unexpected discoveries of enchanting England! After seeing the fascinations of London, It's out into the country for spectacular lakes and streams, green hills and dales, charming houses and inns, castles and cathedrals, thatched roofs and the cobblestone streets of scores of colourful towns in between, from Aldeburgh to York.
Marking the Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012) of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles shares his memories of the private side of his mother, the Queen, making use of his family's home movies.
Produced by British Movietone for “Her Majesty’s Central Office of Information”, Royal Destiny traces Queen Elizabeth II’s young life up to her ascension to the throne.
Highlights of Prince Philip's visit to Antarctica, Falkland Island Dependencies, the Falkland Islands themselves, Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena and Ascension Island.
2-6 March 1961 saw the Queen and Prince Philip make their first and only state visit to Iran. Their host was Mohammed Reza Pahlavi (1919-80), the Shah of Iran, who had already made an official visit to Britain in 1959.
Even the most devout monarchist may feel uncomfortable watching this film - hindsight makes this a rather poignant experience. Although clearly intended as a hymn to royal life, with a panting narration describing the bliss Charles, Anne and Andrew are experiencing (the film was made three years before the birth of Edward), the images tell a different story - only a couple of shots feature the children smiling, while the first glimpse of Andrew as a baby, a spotlight shining on his face as photographers snap away, is a faintly sinister symbol of the royals’ lack of privacy from birth. The knowledge that a future of divorce and tabloid scandal would tarnish these children's adult lives adds irony to this snapshot of supposed utopia.
Watching Sierra Leone Greets the Queen gives one a flavour of the hectic nature of royal tours; in just one week (from the 25th November to the 1st December 1961) the Queen and Prince Philip covered an exhausting array of sights, zooming around the country to take in the capital city Freetown, Bo, the Guma Dam, digging for diamonds (Sierra Leone’s biggest export), Hangha and observing the iron ore works at Marampa. The visit was politically significant - Sierra Leona had become independent from Britain in April the same year. Colonialism’s influence is felt throughout the film, and not just in the place names (Victoria Park, Queen Elizabeth II Quay) - the ‘day in the life of a Bo schoolboy’ seems not radically different from the British equivalent, while the ‘children’s rally’ consists of boys dressed impractically in boaters and blazers, and girls marching in gymslips.
An account of the state visit to Britain by the President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in June 1963. In London he accompanied the Queen on a State drive, visited the Commonwealth Institute, attended a Guildhall luncheon and visited the country.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh undertook an official visit to the region in February 1966, as documented in this film. The destinations on this month long excursion included: British Guiana; Trinidad and Tobago; Grenada; St. Vincent; Barbados; St. Lucia; Dominica; Montserrat; Antigua; St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla; Tortola (Virgin Islands); the Bahamas; Jamaica. This rich and detailed Technicolor travelogue was the only film authorised by the Palace. Strict instructions were given prior to the production being given the green light, most notably that the royals could only be filmed when ‘engaged in a public function’. Unlike the more relaxed footage or interviews you might see with the royals now the film is visually very official in tone.
The story of Queen Elizabeth II in her own words, featuring never-before-seen home movies.
Prince Philip has walked two steps behind Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth ever since she became Queen in 1952. For many years before then and many years since he has been the supporting man, husband and father that the Royal Family has needed him to be.
A behind-the-scenes look at royal weddings revealing how these grand events are organised. Featuring interviews with the performers, florists, dressmakers, tailors, security guards, vicars and jewellers who helped make the day so special.
25 Years is an impressionistic survey of the years from the Queen's accession to the throne in 1952 through to her Silver Jubilee in 1977. Combining archive and contemporary footage - including that of the royal visit to Canada and the US in 1976, the bicentenary year of American independence - the film explores the monarchy through a quarter-century which saw the conquest of Everest, the development of television as a mass medium, the first supersonic flight and space exploration. Through good times and bad, and tumultuous changes for better or for worse, one factor remained constant: the monarchy, in the person of Queen Elizabeth II, provided a continuity and stability which this film celebrates in her Silver Jubilee year.
Britain and Turkey had not always enjoyed the ‘special’ friendship referred to in the commentary. Their armies were on opposing sides in the First World War and there had been disagreementt over the future of Cyprus in the run up to the settlement of 1960. In the 1960s relations improved and this reciprocal tour (the President of Turkey, Cevdet Sunay, had paid a state visit to the United Kingdom in November 1967) was regarded as a milestone in the bilateral alliance between the two countries. The camera affords the viewer a prime vantage point by which to marvel at the splendour of the pageantry and contemplate every nuance of gesture and sartorial detail. As we linger on the bejewelled Queen waiting patiently at the British Embassy in Ankara to greet her guests we wonder what it might be like to be in her shoes.
A lavish documentary film of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953.
Newly born baby Charles (future King Charley III) shown by the proud parents.
Featuring a unique conversation between The Queen and Sir David Attenborough as they walked in the garden at Buckingham Palace last summer, a landmark documentary will explore the ambition of a remarkable new initiative - a vast network of native forests across Britain and the Commonwealth, protected forever in The Queen's name.
The 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II marked the moment when she was formally recognized as England's new sovereign in front of God and her subjects. Three hundred million people tuned in, making it the most watched event in history. Now, for the first time, Her Majesty shares memories of the ceremony. Join us as we unlock a thousand years of coronation secrets and provide an unprecedented, up-close look at the legendary Crown Jewels.
Documentary telling the inside story of the plans by Louis Mountbatten to maneuver his nephew and heir to the Greek throne, Philip, into marrying the future queen Princess Elizabeth and the tensions that that unleashed.
The complex relationship between royal brothers Edward VIII and George VI, who were both at the heart of the infamous abdication crisis of 1936, is the subject of this excellent documentary. From British Pathé TV's Royalty Collection.
Kirsty Young celebrates the 70th wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip by examining the longest royal marriage in British history through key moments. She looks at how every step of their life together has been played out in the glare of publicity and in service of the nation, while steering it through decades of change.
This film charts the lives of the British Royal Family's princes and their importance within the Royal House of Windsor. Profiling Princes Phillip, Charles, William, Harry and the new arrival Prince George. Made by A2B Media, a documentary specialist on the British Royal Family (Queen Elizabeth: The Diamond Celebration, Diana Princess of Wales - A Life on the Edge), this high-definition programme features exclusive interviews with royal biographers, correspondents and exclusive access to those who have worked with the royal family to give an inside view of how the royal Princes will shape the British monarchy and its transition from Queen Elizabeth, the longest reigning British monarch, to what will undoubtedly be a long succession of Princes becoming Kings.
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was held on 19 May 2018 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.
This amazing film of the Royal Wedding was shot by the late Jack Cardiff, a pioneer cameraman working with the then new Technicolor process in the 1940s. It contains never-before-seen footage in full colour of the processions at Westminster Abbey and afterwards at Buckingham Palace of the wedding of HRH Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in autumn of 1947.
The year 2012 marked the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II being the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. The only Diamond Jubilee celebration for any of Elizabeth's predecessors was in 1897, for the 60th anniversary of the 1837 accession of Queen Victoria. Following the tradition of the Queen's Silver and Golden Jubilees, commemorative events were held throughout the Commonwealth of Nations. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the United Kingdom and other members of the Royal Family toured the rest of the Commonwealth as the monarch' representatives. The jubilee celebrations marked the beginning of the withdrawal of the Duke of Edinburgh from public life and a more prominent role for the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry in commonwealth affairs. Numerous events and tributes were held over the year and throughout the Commonwealth, culminating in a jubilee pageant held in London.
Join HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey as they celebrate the momentous occasion of their marriage. Footage includes Catherine's breathtaking arrival at Westminster Abbey, the full ceremony, the carriage procession and the traditional balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. Presented by Huw Edwards
A BBC documentary producer is given unprecedented access in North Korea to chronicle the story of the famed 1966 World Cup team from the North that advanced to the quarterfinals. The feature includes interviews with surviving members of the team, English fans and soccer pundits who saw the North Koreans upset Italy, 1-0.
Documentary footage (from the 1950s) and accompanying commentary to attempt to answer the existential question, Why are our lives characterized by discontent, anguish, and fear? The film is in two completely separate parts, and the directors of these respective sections, left-wing Pier Paolo Pasolini and conservative Giovanni Guareschi, offer the viewer contrasting analyses of and prescriptions for modern society. Part I, by Pasolini, is a denunciation of the offenses of Western culture, particularly those against colonized Africa. It is at the same time a chronicle of the liberation and independence of the former African colonies, portraying these peoples as the new protagonists of the world stage, holding up Marxism as their "salvation", and suggesting that their "innocent ferocity" will be the new religion of the era. Guareschi's part, by contrast, constitutes a defense of Western civilization and a word of hope, couched in traditional Christian terms, for man's future.
Intimate portrait of the daily life of the British Royal Family drawn from 18 months of filming within Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral.
Fundraising film for the National Playing Fields Association, of which Prince Philip was president. Included on the BFI DVD "A Royal Occasion".
Fundraising film for the National Playing Fields Association, of which Prince Philip was president. Included on the BFI DVD "A Royal Occasion".
Celebrating the 50 year marriage of Her Majesty the Queen and her husband and consort Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, the Duke of Edinburgh.
An intimate look at Princess Diana’s life behind the gates of Kensington Palace, including interviews with friends, historians and biographers.
This documentary uncovers the tensions and conflict between the Queen Mother and Prince Philip in the build up to Princess Elizabeth's coronation in 1953
No profession, no say, no freedom of expression. Life as a prince consort is not exactly pleasure taxing. No constitution ascribes any function to the husband of a queen. Nowhere does it say what he must or must not do. A life in the shadow of the crown. Can that go well?
A documentary short celebrating the life of Louis Braille, his invention of the writing system named after him, and the legacy he has left behind.
The longest-serving heir apparent in British history, King Charles III has acted as the Prince of Wales for a staggering 64 years. It is a role that he came to embrace and ultimately redefine it in his own way. As the role passes on to his son, Prince William not only has to keep up the tradition of duty and hard work that the royal family has always embodied, but also prepare for his destiny to inherit the crown and become King. As the world remains on stand-by to see how Prince William will take on his new title, does he have what it takes to live up to the legacy of a 'Duchy Original'?
A visit to the Isle of Wight, with glimpses of the stunning coast, picturesque towns, and magnificent countryside.
A look at the educational centres where training in technical subjects is aiming to keep pace with the demands of this scientific age.
A Hong Kong mobster's sister is working with authorities on their investigation into her own brother's plot to assassinate the Queen.
Gene Kelly is a legend of the heyday of the Hollywood musical. His name stands for masterpieces such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Paris". As a singer, dancer, actor, choreographer and director, he was a true all-round artist who revolutionized the world of dance in particular. Kelly, who loved to experiment, explored new forms of dance expression and helped a whole generation of young talents to fame. From his beginnings in cabarets and on Broadway to his recognition as a choreographer and director, the documentary shows how the good-looking star with a charming smile expanded the boundaries of dance expression: He danced in the open air in the streets of New York, with a cartoon character or his own reflection. But this dazzling entertainer image should not obscure the fact that Kelly, as a staunch supporter of the American civil rights movement, also saw dancing as a political statement.
Prince Phillip drives a Warship loco at an exhibition of locomotive development held at Marylebone Station.
Exploring every concrete corner of Birmingham's original mega-mall, from planning and construction to the site's official opening, attended by Prince Philip.
Queen Elizabeth The Second was the longest reigning monarch in British history. During her 70 years on the throne, Her Majesty has witnessed incredible change, and so did the nation she ruled over, but there was always a constant in her life: always by her side, Prince Philip was the man that offered her unconditional support and devotion. Through hardship and change, Elizabeth and Philip were inseparable for 73 years - their enduring love and unbreakable bond has been a staple of modern history.
A look at the challenge provided by the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award scheme to children in Britain.
Buckingham Palace is a symbol of Britain and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. For over 300 years, Buckingham Palace has been a closed and secretive place --it is littered with scandals, infighting, and tragedies -- all seeking to bring down the British monarchy. Take a look behind the walls where Queen Victoria once abandoned it to George VI's defiance against Hitler and all the way to Queen Elizabeth II's 60+ year reign.
Film of the royal visit to Tasmania.
During the 1957 opening of Canada's twenty-third Parliament by Queen Elizabeth II, cameras record the ceremonies in the House of Commons and the Senate. They also bring to the screen many informal glimpses of the Queen and Prince Philip in residence at Government House.
Account of the royal tour of New Zealand taken by the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Includes film of various visits and ceremonies attended during the state visit.
Compiled in 1953, this is a scrapbook-style documentary about Britain’s Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It charts her transition from childhood to womanhood and from Princess to Queen. Footage includes the Coronation of King George VI, Her Majesty’s first broadcast, her engagement to Prince Philip and their wedding, as well as her experiences of the war captured on newsreel. With voice-overs by well known British figures, this is both an insight and a tribute to Britain’s much-loved Monarch.
This is the story of the Great Barrier Reef, from man's ancient awareness of it, to his realisation that it is a major world wonder of great value to mankind. Beautiful, dangerous and diverse, the Reef provides escape and recreation, a vast resource and limitless retreat for the fisherman, tourist, adventurer, industrialist, scientist, artist and sportsman. But — a small increment of pollution or a slight deprivation of sunlight may set in motion a chain of events that could precipitate a decline and decay of the Reef on which little coral polyps have been working for some six hundred thousand years.
A documentary view of the galas of Paris’s Palais Garnier in the 1950s and ’60s.
This entertaining documentary of the World Cup Soccer tournament of 1966 follows the 15 countries competing for the sport's most coveted prize. Nigel Patrick narrates, with commentary provided by Brian Glanville. The executive producer spent $336,000 on the production and used 117 cameras to record nearly 48 hours worth of action. Four editors were employed to create the final 108-minute feature.