Programs

The Queen and Her Prime Ministers

As tributes pour in for Queen Elizabeth II, we look back at the fascinating relationship between the Queen and her fourteen prime ministers. From Winston Churchill, who was smitten with his young queen, to the difficult relationship with Margareth Thatcher, to the boisterous Brexiteer Boris Johnson – this film sheds light on the secretive relationship between the head of state and the head of government.

Filmmakers Katharina Wolff and Larissa Klinker see Queen Elizabeth II as a symbol of the centuries-old power structure in the United Kingdom. Although Britain’s monarch has no direct political power, every week the prime minister drives from Downing Street to Buckingham Palace for a private audience. In this film, personal secretaries, political pundits and Buckingham Palace insiders reveal what is discussed during these secret meetings, and how much personal likes and dislikes determine the relationship between royalty and government, between representative and political power.

Using archive footage and personal accounts, this film shows how the Queen has accompanied her prime ministers through their time in office. Much has changed in Britain during the 70 years of Elizabeth’s reign – but one thing hasn’t: Governments come and go, the Queen remains.

NB: This film was initially released in 2011 but has been significantly updated.

PRODUCTION INFO

  • Year: 2021
  • Duration: 52 mins
  • Production: A&O Buero
  • Director: Katharina Wolff and Larissa Klinker
  • Available Versions: ENG, GER
  • Country of production: Germany

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