Watch The Queen's Diamond Decades

2012
1 Season

The Queen's Diamond Decades is a docu-series produced by HTI that explores the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II, focusing on key milestones in her life and reign. The show takes a deep dive into six decades of the Queenâs life, specifically from her Silver Jubilee in 1977 to the present day, celebrating her 90th birthday. The series is a poignant exploration of the transformation of the monarch and the evolution of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over the past 60 years.

The program opens with the iconic image of the teenage Queen, ascending to the throne in 1952 after the untimely death of her father, King George VI. Through interviews with historians, authors, and key figures, The Queen's Diamond Decades delves into the challenges faced by Elizabeth II in the early years of her reign and how she navigated those murky waters, establishing herself as a formidable and beloved monarch. The show explores the importance of the young queen's coronation, the first to be televised, and how it inspired a new level of connection between her and her subjects.

One of the highlights of the series is the reflection on the Queen's 1977 Silver Jubilee tour, which was an opportunity for her to connect with her people across the Commonwealth. The show takes the viewers on a trip down memory lane, exploring the fashion, music, and culture of the time. The program also highlights the significant socio-political changes that were occurring, including the decolonization of Africa and the rise of the feminist movement, which shaped the opinions of young people across the Commonwealth.

The series moves on to explore the Queenâs Golden Jubilee in 2002, which marked 50 years of the queen's reign. The program reflects on the transformative changes that had occurred during this time, including the end of the Cold War, the rise of the EU, and the technological revolution. The show takes a deep dive into the nerve-wracking events that occurred during the Jubilee celebrations, from the popup-book crash that nearly ruined the party to the moving tribute given to the Queen by her son, Prince Charles.

As the series continues, viewers get a chance to explore the Queen's relationship with her family and how it has evolved over the years. The program features interviews with members of the royal family, including Prince William, Prince Harry, and Princess Anne, as well as key staff members such as Paul Whybrew, the Queen's page. The show offers an intimate look at the turbulence that has beset the royal family in recent years, including the divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and the fallout from Prince Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein.

The final episodes of the series center around the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, during which Britain celebrated her 60 years on the throne. The program showcases the music and performances that made the occasion memorable. The show features exclusive footage of the Queen's Royal Barge, as she sailed down the Thames, alongside the iconic flotilla of boats. The program also reflects on how the Queen's Diamond Jubilee showcased the global implications of monarchy, as people from all corners of the world tuned in to be a part of the celebrations.

Overall, The Queen's Diamond Decades is a unique and thoughtful look at the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II from 1952 to the present day. The series is a reminder of the importance of tradition and continuity in the ever-changing world of politics and society. The show succeeds in giving an intimate portrait of the Queen and her relationships with her family and her people. The program showcases the key moments that have shaped her reign, and how she has influenced the world in turn. The series is a must-watch for royal enthusiasts and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of British history and culture.

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Seasons

7. Jubilee

July 22, 2012

This is the story of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. From nationwide street parties to spectacular pomp and pageantry on the river Thames, millions turned out to thank Queen Elizabeth II for 60 years of selfless dedication.

6. The 2000's

May 28, 2012

The new millennium has witnessed powerful events and poignant moments for Queen and country. The whole nation celebrated the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother in 2000. But the devastating events of 9/11 ushered in a dark new era, and London itself would be traumatised by terrorism. There was personal sorrow as the Queen reached a great milestone; she lost both her sister and mother early in her Golden Jubilee year. But the Queen was heartened by the outpouring of pride and affection from a grateful nation, and as she turned 80 four years later, her sense of duty remained as strong as ever. Her son and heir, Prince Charles finally married Camilla Parker Bowles. Princes William and Harry followed family tradition by joining the Armed Forces, as war in Iraq and Afghanistan dominated the headlines. And with the global economy in dire straits, the whole world was captivated by the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Now, in the summer of her Diamond Jubilee, the nation is preparing to celebrate the remarkable reign of our great Queen, as never before.

6. The 2000s

June 22, 2012

Like the rest of the world, England rejoiced the coming of the new Millennium with a bang. It was a celebration of a new age of peace and prosperity, but following the events of September 11th in America would prove otherwise.

5. The 1990's

May 28, 2012

The 1990's began joyously for the Queen, as she became a grandmother for the sixth time, and prepared to mark 40 years on the throne. But this would be the decade in which the monarchy endured some of the worst crises of modern times. In 1992, the Royal Family's private lives became a media sensation as three of Her Majesty's children suffered the pain of marital breakdown. After Windsor Castle was ravaged by fire, the Queen proclaimed 1992 an "Annus Horribilis". Her Majesty proudly opened the Channel Tunnel in May 1994, and weeks later marked the 50th anniversary of D-Day. When Tony Blair's New Labour swept into power, Cool Britannia ruled the day - and the Royal Yacht Britannia said farewell. But 1997 would be remembered above all for the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. However, the Queen and Prince Philip's Golden Wedding anniversary brought much-needed cheer, and the decade ended on a high note for Her Majesty when her youngest son, Prince Edward, wed Sophie Rhy-Jones. What would the new millennium have in store for Queen and country?

4. The 1980's

May 28, 2012

When the 1980's began, there was one question on everybody's lips whom would Prince Charles, the world's most eligible bachelor, take for a bride? We soon had our answer and a shy nursery teacher, Lady Diana Spencer, became famous around the world. Marriage preparations consumed the country and their union would become "The Wedding of the Century". The invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1982 became both a constitutional and personal matter for the Queen; not only was she Head of State, but mother of a serving pilot, Prince Andrew. Victory was followed by further national celebration, with the birth of a future King, Prince William. There was further happiness when Prince Harry arrived in 1984. Two years later, royal wedding bells would delight the nation again, when Prince Andrew married the feisty Sarah Ferguson. The indomitable Margaret Thatcher won a third term and survived the Brighton bombing. A politically charged decade - at home and abroad - ended with the exhilarating fall of the Berlin Wall. Through times of celebration and turmoil, our Queen still reigned supreme.

3. The 1970's

May 28, 2012

The 1970's were a mix of gloom and glitter. The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated 25 years of marriage, and their daughter, Princess Anne, wed fellow equestrian Mark Phillips. But the troubles in Ireland spread to mainland Britain. Strikes forced a three-day working week, and a fuel crisis sparked food shortages and mounting discontent across the country. The long, hot summer of 1976 was burned into our memory - both for the heatwave and civil unrest. But in 1977, the Queen's Silver Jubilee revived the nation, with street parties and bunting stretching mile after mile. The Queen was greeted by an outpouring of affection both at home and across the Commonwealth. But Royal tragedy followed with the assassination of Prince Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten. And after Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister in British history, the two most important positions in the country were now occupied by women. Would life in the 80's be any different?

2. The 1960's

May 28, 2012

The arrival of the 1960's found Britain in optimistic mood. Post-war austerity had given way to something of a consumer boom and the times were a-changing. The Royal Family was expanding fast. The Queen gave birth to Prince Andrew in 1960, ten years after Princess Anne. And Prince Edward was born in 1964. The Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, followed suit with a son and a daughter following her marriage to an untitled society photographer. Four lads from Liverpool were topping charts and breaking hearts on both sides of the Atlantic. The whole world, though, stopped in its tracks following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. At home, we mourned the passing of the great wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, while England rejoiced a year later after winning the 1966 World Cup. Swinging London's pop culture dominated the world Mary Quant's mini skirt would become one of the decade's defining trends. The Queen rounded off the 1960's by crowning Prince Charles the Prince of Wales, as Concorde took to the skies. A spectacular close to this colourful decade. Would the 1970's be as exciting?

1. The 1950's

May 28, 2012

In 1952, the sudden death of King George VI changed Elizabeth's life forever. Our monarch was just 25, and mother to Prince Charles, three, and Princess Anne, 18 months, when she came to the Throne. Winston Churchill was her first Prime Minister. Britain was still bandaging its war wounds and the Coronation sparked the biggest party since VE Day. The country was relieved when rationing ended and enthralled as the Queen named the new royal yacht Britannia. Terrible floods brought us back to earth and the Suez Crisis took us to the brink of war. But the nation was starting to party again, with the help of rock 'n roll. Harold Macmillan's Britain had never had it so good. As the 1950s drew to a close, Elizabeth II had made a dazzling impression on the world. She and Prince Philip were expecting their third child and her glamorous sister was secretly engaged to be married. The 1960's was going to start with a bump.

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