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LONDON – Queen Elizabeth II has spent her entire life in the public eye and is among the most photographed people in the world. This weekend, the British will be treated to rare home movies and unprecedented images – many shot of herself and her family – in a BBC documentary on Sunday to celebrate 70 years of her rule.
Elizabeth, 96, was seen as a baby being pushed into a stroller by her mother and later playing with her father, King George VI, in Windsor as she fell from a garden chair. In another video, she crosses lakes near Balmoral with her sister Margaret and a corgi. The film also shows the young princess staring lovingly at her engagement ring shortly after Prince Philip proposed marriage.
“Cameras have always been a part of our lives,” Elizabeth said in a statement in Windsor Castle on the 75-minute BBC film “Elizabeth: The Invisible Queen”.
“Like many families, my parents wanted to record our precious moments together. And when it was our turn with our own family, we did the same, “she told the BBC.
“I’ve always liked capturing family moments,” the monarch continued. “Private photos can often show the fun behind the formality.”
Elizabeth has made fewer public appearances in recent months with health issues ranging from a sprained back to an episode of covid. A night in hospital last year also raised serious concerns about the minor’s health. She has since made a number of virtual appearances and has been seen publicly using a cane, with Buckingham Palace citing sporadic “mobility issues”.
Earlier in May, she missed the opening of Parliament, one of the most important dates in the royal calendar, leaving her son and heir, Prince Charles, to stand.
However, before his platinum anniversary celebrations, the monarch attended a royal horse show, where she smiled happily and waved to the crowd before receiving a standing ovation. Elizabeth also appeared for the opening of the newest London Underground line, which bears her name and aims to transform the city for travelers and visitors.
Queen Elizabeth II attended a star cast on May 15 at events marking the platinum anniversary of her reign. (Video: Reuters)
The platinum anniversary celebrations will run for four days, starting on Thursday, and Union Jack flags and buntings are already adorning stations and parks as people rush to buy souvenirs for the upcoming pomp. Thousands are expected to flock to Buckingham Palace to watch parades and concerts as they try to catch a glimpse of the monarch and her family on the balcony.
The BBC film will be shown in the United Kingdom this weekend, but it is unclear whether it will be shown later in the United States.
“The production team had no idea how special access to this very personal archive was,” said Claire Popwell, creative director of BBC Studios Events Productions, according to the television operator. “Allowing the Queen to tell us her own story is the very heart of this film.”
In the documentary, Elizabeth reflects on the photos and footage: “You always hope that future generations will find them interesting, and you may be surprised that you were once young.
Carla Adam contributed to this report.
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