Watch God Save the Queen
- 2017
- 1 Season
God Save the Queen is a fascinating series produced by Great Big Story, which explores the incredible world of royal memorabilia collecting through personal narratives and expert interviews. This show delves deep to reveal the stories behind the people who collect royal artifacts, the lengths they go to find them, and the value they place on them.
Through interviews with collectors and scholars, the show conveys how royal memorabilia has evolved throughout history and the social significance it holds in modern times. The show begins by introducing viewers to several collectors, each of whom has specific reasons for collecting, whether it's nostalgia, historical significance or admiration for the monarchy.
The episode takes us on a gripping journey into the world of royal memorabilia and how it is valued. It starts by featuring a collector who has built an impressive collection of Royal Wedding china from the UK, going back over 100 years. The collection includes over 150 pieces of commemorative china, so extensive that it needs an entire room to be displayed. We learn how the collector's passion for the collection started, how she finds the unique pieces, and the lengths she goes to acquire them.
Another interview follows, this time with a royal scholar, who discusses the history and cultural significance of royal memorabilia. The scholar provides insight into how royal memorabilia has evolved across generations, from souvenir coronation teaspoons to more elaborate, often absurd, items like royal condoms. We learn fascinating details, such as the reason for the popularity of the coronation cups and the impact of the royal family on the UK's ceramic industry.
The show moves on to showcase more specialized collections, such as a collector who has devoted himself to collecting items related to the life of Queen Elizabeth II, another dedicated to Princess Diana, and another who acquires various items related to King Richard III.
One particularly memorable segment of the show features a man whose passion is collecting coronation medals. He has acquired medals that date back as far as 1902 and explains how each one tells a different story about the royal family and the history of the UK.
Throughout the show, the collectors explain the significance of their collections, from rare items that tie to significant moments in the monarchy's history, to everyday items that demonstrate the reach and influence of the royal family in popular culture.
God Save the Queen culminates with a look at the incredible lengths that collectors will go to find and acquire elusive items. Through one collector, we learn how sometimes the most valuable items are found in the less expected places. The collector shares the story of how he received a priceless item to his collection while working in a charity shop, giving viewers a sense of the vast and often unpredictable nature of the memorabilia world.
With incredible insight into the world of royal memorabilia, God Save the Queen is a captivating series. From the casual admirers to the serious collectors, this show provides an insider's glimpse into an extraordinary and unique world, highlighting the role the monarchy has played in shaping the cultural identity of the UK.