Watch A Royal Tour of the 20th Century

A Royal Tour of the 20th Century is a documentary television series that takes viewers on a journey through the 20th century with the help of the British royal family. Hosted by historian and presenter Lisa Kay, the show explores the key events, personalities, and cultural changes that defined the past century.

The show begins by setting the scene of the early 1900s, when King Edward VII was on the throne and the world was on the cusp of huge changes. From there, we follow the royal family through the tumult of two world wars, the rise of the British Empire, the swinging sixties, and the various scandals and controversies that dogged the monarchy throughout the century.

Along the way, the show features a wealth of archival footage, photographs, and interviews with historians and experts. We see the royal family in a variety of settings, from solemn state occasions to informal family moments, and we learn about the key figures who shaped the course of history during this fascinating period.

One of the standout aspects of A Royal Tour of the 20th Century is its attention to detail. Every episode is packed with information, but the show never feels dry or academic. Instead, Lisa Kay is an engaging and enthusiastic guide, who brings history to life with her infectious enthusiasm and her ability to connect with both her audience and her subject matter.

Another strength of the show is its use of primary sources. By leaning heavily on archival footage and photographs, the show gives viewers a sense of what it was really like to be there. We see the faces of kings and queens, the crowds that lined the streets for royal processions, and the destruction wrought by war. This adds a powerful emotional resonance to the historical events, helping us to understand them in a more visceral way.

Throughout the series, the focus is very much on the royal family's role in history. We see how they adapted to changing circumstances, how they navigated the tricky waters of politics and diplomacy, and how they evolved in response to the cultural changes of the era. We also learn about the Queen's role as a unifying force in times of crisis, and about the various ways in which the royal family has had to adapt to stay relevant in an increasingly modern world.

Perhaps most importantly, A Royal Tour of the 20th Century is a show that invites us to reflect on what it means to be British. For many people, the royal family is a symbol of national identity and pride, and the series delves into exactly why this is the case. Through its exploration of key events and figures, the show sheds light on the complex relationship between the monarchy and the people of Britain, and on the ways in which this has shaped the nation's identity.

Overall, A Royal Tour of the 20th Century is an engrossing and illuminating series that will appeal to anyone with an interest in modern history, British culture, or the royal family. With its combination of expert analysis, primary sources, and engaging presentation, the show is a fitting tribute to the people and events that defined one of the most tumultuous and fascinating centuries in human history.

A Royal Tour of the 20th Century is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 28, 2019 and on Acorn TV