Movie Description

Royal Children

(1961)

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.

Cast

Posters

Facts

Original TitleRoyal Children

Status Released

Release Information

  • 1961-01-02

Original LanguageEnglish

Runtime 00h 18m

Production CompaniesBFI,COI,Associated British-Pathé

Genres

  • Documentary
  • Family