The Queen and Her Prime Ministers is a 2012 documentary which chronicles the reigns of Queen Elizabeth II and her relationship with her 12 prime ministers over the course of her more than 60 years on the throne. The film features interviews with historians and experts on British politics and the monarchy, as well as archival footage and photographs from throughout the Queen's long reign.
Judy Wade, an expert on the royal family, narrates the film and provides insightful commentary on the Queen's relationships with each of her prime ministers. Robert Lacey, an author and historian who has written extensively on the British monarchy, also provides commentary throughout the film, offering valuable insights into the political context of each prime minister's time in office.
Michael Cockerell, a veteran political journalist and documentary filmmaker, directed the film and conducted many of the interviews featured in the documentary. Through these interviews, Cockerell is able to shed light on the personalities and motivations of each of the Queen's prime ministers, as well as the challenges they faced during their time in office.
The documentary is divided into 12 segments, each of which corresponds to a different prime minister who served under the Queen. Beginning with Winston Churchill, who was prime minister when Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952, and ending with David Cameron, who resigned in 2016 after calling the Brexit referendum, the film offers a comprehensive overview of British politics and the monarchy over the past six decades.
Along the way, the film explores the Queen's relationships with each of her prime ministers, highlighting both the moments of friction and conflict, as well as the times of close collaboration and cooperation.
The documentary does not shy away from the controversies and scandals that have marked the Queen's reign, such as the Profumo Affair under Harold Macmillan, the troubles in Northern Ireland under Edward Heath, and the death of Princess Diana under Tony Blair. Instead, the film offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on these events, exploring their impact on the Queen, her prime ministers, and the British people.
Throughout the film, we see the Queen evolve from a young, inexperienced monarch who relied heavily on her prime ministers for guidance, to a more confident and assertive figure who is able to assert her own views and opinions. We also witness the changing nature of British politics and society over the course of the Queen's long reign, from the post-war era of Churchill and Macmillan, to the tumultuous 1970s under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, to the more stable and prosperous years under Margaret Thatcher and John Major.
Overall, The Queen and Her Prime Ministers is a fascinating and informative documentary that offers a unique perspective on both the British monarchy and British politics. Through its careful research, insightful commentary, and rich archival footage, the film provides a comprehensive and engaging look at one of the most important and enduring relationships in British history.
The Queen and Her Prime Ministers is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.
