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The Archive Hour: The Queen at 80 - Royal Tours

BBC Radio 4
on BBC Radio 4 FM

In 50 years, the Queen has undertaken more than 250 official overseas visits to 128 countries. The modern tours, invented by politicians in the early 1900's to cement the Empire and the Commonwealth, have become one of the principle justifications for the monarchy's existence. At the same time they have provided the stage for some of the royals' most public dramas. Denys Blakeway weaves through the archive and discusses the set-up, significance and impact of the Royal Tour.

(The Queen at 80 season continues Monday-Friday at 9.45am/10.45pm with The Queen at 80: the Biographer's View.)
(See also The Queen at 80: Writing the Royals on Monday at 8pm)

Contributors

Presenter:
Denys Blakeway
Producer:
Joanne Coombs
Source: Radio Times

BBC Radio 4 FM

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