Ep 4. Four Divorces and a Fire (1972-1992)

Inside Windsor Castle is an intriguing docuseries that explores the history, secrets and inner workings of the iconic English castle, which has been the residence of the British monarchy for almost 1000 years. In the season 1 episode 4 titled "Four Divorces and a Fire (1972-1992)", the focus is on the tumultuous years that saw major changes and upheavals in the royal family and their castle.

The episode begins with a dramatic event that shook the foundations of Windsor Castle - a devastating fire that broke out in 1992, causing extensive damage and destroying precious artworks and artifacts. The show takes a deep dive into the causes of the fire and the efforts to restore the castle to its former glory, revealing exclusive footage of the damage and the restoration process.

But the fire is not the only crisis that the royals faced during the years covered in this episode. The title refers to the four divorces that took place among Queen Elizabeth II's children and the ripple effects they had on the family and the public. Through interviews with experts and insiders, the show explores how the monarchy dealt with the scandal and controversy of the divorces, and how it affected the perception of the family and the institution of monarchy.

The first divorce discussed in the episode is that of Princess Anne, the only daughter of the Queen, from her first husband Mark Phillips. The show examines the strained relationship between Anne and Mark, and the impact of their separation on their children and the royal family as a whole.

The second divorce is that of Prince Andrew, the Queen's third child, from Sarah Ferguson. The show delves into the tabloid frenzy surrounding their marriage, Sarah's infamous toe-sucking scandal, and the aftermath of their split, including the impact on their two daughters and the ongoing friendship between Andrew and Sarah.

The third divorce covered in the episode is that of Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister, from her husband Lord Snowdon. The show explores the complicated marriage between the two, the affairs that led to their separation, and the consequences of their divorce for the royal family and the public.

The final divorce discussed is arguably the most scandalous one - that of Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, from his wife Diana, Princess of Wales. The show examines the tumultuous relationship between Charles and Diana, the public fascination with their marriage, and the aftermath of their divorce, including Diana's tragic death in 1997.

Throughout the episode, viewers get glimpses of the inner workings of Windsor Castle and the various roles played by the staff and officials in handling the crises and challenges faced by the royal family. The show also sheds light on the Queen's role as a steadfast and resilient leader during these tumultuous years, despite the personal and professional challenges she faced.

Overall, "Four Divorces and a Fire (1972-1992)" is a riveting and informative look at a pivotal period in the history of Windsor Castle and the British monarchy. With its mix of rare footage, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes peeks, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and struggles of some of the most famous figures in the world.