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.
- Genre: Documentary, Family
- Studio: BFI, COI, Associated British-Pathé
- Keyword:
- Cast: Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Margaret
