A Royal Tour of the 20th Century

Princess Elizabeth is in Kenya when she learns of her father's passing. Despite the loss, many loyal supporters of the British monarchy view her arrival through the lens of the optimistic post-WWII era. However, in many places across the globe, scars run deep from the battering of two world wars and a complete redrawing of the map of many countries.

The 1960s bring political upheaval around the globe and changes to the Windsors’ relationship to the Commonwealth. Former colonies move towards independence, with violence often following. The British and other former colonial powers struggle to come to terms with a new world order and diminished power.

During the Cold War, Elizabeth makes her first visit to a communist country, Yugoslavia in 1972. She also takes her Silver Jubilee tour to Australia, where after the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, there is increasing pressure from some quarters for a republic. But perhaps more perilously, this era sees a shift to a far more aggressive media presence in the royals’ lives: the paparazzi.

Moving through the final decade of the 20th century and into the new millennium, this episode looks at the next generation of royals. After a remarkable century full of both great loss and celebration, the legacy of the Windsors continues to stand the test of time, strengthened by touring and the connection to the people.