Ep 3. Happy Families (1952-1972)

Inside Windsor Castle is a captivating docuseries that takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic royal residences. In season 1 episode 3, entitled Happy Families (1952-1972), audiences are treated to a fascinating look at the personal lives of the British Royal Family during a time of great change and upheaval.

This episode covers a period of two decades, beginning with the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1952 and ending with the birth of her grandson, Prince William, in 1982. During this time, the Royal Family underwent a great deal of transformation, both in terms of their public image and their private lives.

One of the main themes of this episode is the notion of a “happy family,” which was often used to describe the image that the Royal Family projected to the outside world. However, as the episode illustrates, behind the scenes there were many challenges and struggles that threatened to undermine this image.

One of the key events of this period was the breakdown of Princess Margaret’s engagement to Peter Townsend, which caused a great deal of controversy and scandal at the time. The episode explores the reasons for this breakdown in detail, highlighting the pressures that were placed on the couple by both the Royal Family and the public.

Another major event during this time was the birth of Princes Andrew and Edward, who were the Queen’s final two children. The episode delves into the fraught relationship between the Queen and her husband Prince Philip during this period, as well as the challenges that these new additions to the family posed both in terms of succession and public exposure.

Throughout the episode, there are also numerous interviews with experts and insiders who offer their insights into the inner workings of the Royal Family during this period. These include former staff members, historians, and journalists, who provide valuable context and analysis to help viewers understand the complex dynamics at play.

Overall, Happy Families (1952-1972) is a compelling episode of Inside Windsor Castle that provides a fascinating look at the personal lives of the British Royal Family during a time of great change and upheaval. Whether you are a die-hard royal watcher or simply have a passing interest in this iconic family and their history, this episode is sure to be both informative and entertaining.