Royal Children

Overview

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.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

January 2, 1961

Original language

English

Spoken languages

English

Production

BFI,COI,Associated British-Pathé

Cast

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

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

IMDb

tt2162966