The Queen and Her Faith

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Edward Stourton explores the faith of Queen Elizabeth II.

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The Queen and Her Faith: Duty and Devotion

Duty and Devotion

BBC Radio 4 - The Queen and Her Faith, Duty and Devotion

Edward Stourton explores the faith of Queen Elizabeth II

Edward Stourton explores how Queen Elizabeth II's religious beliefs have been central to both her personal life and her public role.

‘Faith, family and friendship’ 

Queen Elizabeth II once said that these three things were both a constant and a ‘source of personal comfort and reassurance’ through the many changes she had seen.
As the world prepares for the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen, Edward Stourton explores her faith; the religious beliefs that inspired her throughout the 70 years she spent on the throne.

With BBC Archive and music from Royal occasions, he explores how tensions between duty to her role, to her family and to God had an impact on some of the most significant episodes during her long reign. From the time of her Coronation in Westminster Abbey, she was devoted to a life of service. She was anointed with oil; consecrated into a religious role as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. But she was also a woman with a personal faith that proved to be a constant through the changes and chances she faced in life. 

With contributions from those who knew her in times of public ceremony and private devotion. Lord Carey, who was Archbishop of Canterbury through what she described as her ‘annus horribilis' and Graham James, former Bishop of Norwich who spent time with the Royal Family at Sandringham, reflect on her constancy through difficult times. Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch sets her role in the context of ecclesiastical history and Royal Biographer, Robert Lacey explores how her religious beliefs played a part in her personal life and relationships. Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis speaks to Edward about the Queen’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, who was a Chaplain to the Queen, describes how Elizabeth II responded to developments within the Church of England.

MUSIC INCLUDES:
Zadok the Priest– GF Handel
Westminster Abbey Choir

Mass in G Minor: Sanctus –Ralph Vaughan Williams
Westminster Abbey Choir

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace – SS Wesley 
Gabrieli Consort & Players

ARCHIVE INCLUDES:
Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal: Pleasure vs Duty (BBC FACTUAL)
Modern Times: The Shrine (BBC FACTUAL)
Sounds Of The 20th Century – 1954  (BBC Radio 2) Billy Graham London Crusade (Sourced from Pathé)


Producer: Katharine Longworth
Editor: Helen Grady

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