The story of Britain's royal builders and collectors in nine programmes Told by Huw Wheldon
8: Victoria, Queen and Empress
Although Queen Victoria had withdrawn from public life immediately after the death of the Prince Consort, by the end of her reign she had won renewed popularity and sympathy from her people, SIR HUW WHELDON relates the factors in this change of popular feeling: the growth of communications - the railways, the post and photography; and the revelation of the life of the Queen and her family at Balmoral Castle through the published extracts of her journal. Also reflected in the Royal Collection is the growth of the Empire and national prestige; and above all, the Queen Empress's interest in India.
There may be another series as solidly and consistently enjoyable, springing from such a felicitous marriage of narrator and subject, just around the corner. But it might be best not to hold your breath while waiting for the equal to Royal Heritage. (DAILY MAIL) Magnificent (DONCASTER EVENING POST) Historical adviser j. H. PLUMB Producer MICHAEL GILL
Directed by ANN TURNER
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