Close menu

Programme Index

Discover 11,128,835 listings and 280,062 playable programmes from the BBC

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

About BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Appears in

Suggest an Edit

We are trying to reflect the information printed in the Radio Times magazine.

  • Press the 'Suggest an Edit' button
  • Type in any changes to the title, synopsis or contributor information using the Radio Times Style Guide for reference.
  • Click the Submit Edits button.
    Your changes will be sent for verification and if accepted, will appear in due course More