Ep 7. A New Generation
- TVPG
- September 6, 2020
- 42 min
As the British royal family enters a new decade, they are also ushering in a new generation. In this episode of The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty, viewers get an inside look at some of the young members of the family who are poised to take on more prominent roles in the coming years.
The episode begins with a focus on Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have become synonymous with the modern, relatable face of the monarchy. We see archival footage of their wedding and early years together, before shifting to more recent events like their trip to Pakistan. Throughout the episode, commentators examine the careful brand management that has gone into crafting William and Kate's image, from their emphasis on charity work to their relatable family life with their three children.
Next, we turn our attention to the newest addition to the royal family: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Although the couple has faced their fair share of controversy in the press, commentators note that baby Archie has been a particularly unifying force for the family. We see footage of his christening, as well as the official photos released by the couple, which feature the Queen and Harry's father, Prince Charles.
Prince Charles himself is the subject of the next segment, which looks ahead to what kind of monarch he may make. Although he has been Prince of Wales for over 50 years, the importance of his role as King cannot be overstated. We see footage of his time as a young man in the military, as well as his many philanthropic endeavors. Despite early controversies - including his divorce from Diana, Princess of Wales - commentators note that Charles has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to his close relationship with his grandchildren.
The episode also examines some of the younger, lesser-known members of the royal family who are starting to take on more public roles. For example, Princess Charlotte - the daughter of William and Kate - has been seen on a number of royal tours, and is quickly becoming a media darling. We see footage of her playing with other children on these trips, as well as her first day of school. Similarly, the children of Prince Andrew - Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie - have been in the public eye more frequently in recent years, as they take on more royal duties of their own.
As the episode draws to a close, it takes a broader look at the changing face of the monarchy itself. With Prince Philip's retirement and the Queen's advancing age, the royal family is starting to shift in its public image and role. Commentators discuss some of the challenges that lie ahead, such as how to balance the traditional, formal elements of the monarchy with the more modern, casual approach personified by William and Kate. Regardless of what the future holds, however, it's clear that a new generation of Windsors is ready to take on the challenge.