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Royal Children

Jan 2, 1961 · 18m
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Documentary
Family

PLOT

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.

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CAST

Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
King Charles III of the United Kingdom
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
Anne, Princess Royal
Princess Margaret
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

DETAILS

Status
Released
Original language
EN
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Production
BFI, COI, Associated British-Pathé
Country
GB
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