Watch The Queen's Diamond Decades: The 1990's
- PG
- 2012
- 45 min
The Queen's Diamond Decades: The 1990's is a documentary that provides an insight into the life of Queen Elizabeth II during the 90s. It covers significant events during the decade, including the Queen's reaction to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Gulf War, the release of Nelson Mandela, and the death of Princess Diana. The documentary is split into five chronological sections, corresponding to each year of the decade. The narrative is a mix of archive footage, interviews with those who were close to the Queen during the 90s, and commentary from experts.
One of the key themes of the documentary is the Queen's transition into a modern monarch. Throughout the decade, she embraced the changes brought about by new technologies and adapted to a media landscape that was changing rapidly. The documentary provides details of how the Queen became the first monarch to have an email account, went online in the early days of the world wide web, and even sent her first tweet in 2014.
Despite the modernization, the documentary also shows how the Queen remained true to tradition. Her weekly meetings with the Prime Minister, for example, maintained the culture of collaboration between the Crown and the Government - a tradition that has lasted over 60 years.
The Queen's role as a diplomat is also explored in the documentary. Her meeting with Nelson Mandela after his release from prison in 1990 marked a significant milestone in the history of South Africa. The Queen's relationship with the newly elected South African President was a symbol of global acceptance of his rule.
The impact of Princess Diana's death on the Royal Family is also discussed in detail. The documentary shows how the Queen, Prince Charles, and their children reacted to the news of the Princess's tragic death. The handling of the media and subsequent funeral were viewed by many as a turning point in the public relationship between the monarchy and the people.
Overall, The Queen's Diamond Decades: The 1990's offers a fascinating insight into the personal and public life of Queen Elizabeth II. It provides nuanced commentary on the key events of the decade and is essential viewing for those interested in modern British history. The documentary is a testament to the Queen's unwavering commitment to duty and service, and her ability to adapt to the changing world around her.