But, as the Queen also said, Prince Philip didn’t “take easily to compliments.’ This film, as far as possible, lets Prince Philip speak for himself, by drawing on rare archive and audio recordings of the Duke talking about his own life and work. The archive spans over 80 years and has been sourced from across the world; we hear Prince Philip talk about his family, the monarchy, the environment, media intrusion, Prince Charles’ future…. topics that are hugely relevant today.
The film begins with Prince Philip’s turbulent childhood and we discover how he refused to be scarred by his past and instead focused on the future; we hear how he felt ‘pitchforked’ into the role of consort after his father-in-law’s unexpected early death and how he found a role for himself representing the Queen across the Commonwealth, leaving her free to focus on affairs of state at home.
In private, he was a hands-on father who oversaw his children’s schooling and tried to prepare them for a life in the public eye.
As Philip grows into his role of consort, the archive reveals how the Duke’s relationship with the media changed; at first he embraced it - he was the first Royal to present a television programme in 1957 and the first Royal to give a television interview in 1961. We rediscover footage from his youth and see the energy and charisma that surrounded his appearances: he was even voted the most fascinating and exciting man of the 20th century, ahead of Sean Connery and President Kennedy! But we also hear him talk about his feelings on press intrusion.
Augmented by interviews with biographers, friends and colleagues, (including the late Ellis Norrell, a naval rating who accompanied the prince on his famous 1956 tour) we create a portrait of the Prince that puts his own words front and centre, even giving him the last word on how he would like to be remembered after his death.
**** [Four Stars]
THE TELEGRAPH
**** [Four Stars]
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
"Lots of royal documentaries are [stupid], existing only to fill gaps in the schedules and supplement the pensions of former royal correspondents. But this one felt entirely appropriate."
THE TELEGRAPH
"Even the most ardent royalists
must be asking themselves whether we need another documentary about the Queen’s late husband, but this differentiates itself by putting
Prince Philip’s words front and
centre.”
THE I
"The talking heads in the programme were chosen with care... a rather fitting tribute."
THE TELEGRAPH
"This is no bland hagiography...a rounded portrait of a fascinating figure."
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
"Gems of archive footage."
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
"[Includes] footage that’s been
colourised for the first time."
DAILY TELEGRAPH
"A suitably admiring
tribute."
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
"The talking heads provide nuggets of
revelation."
THE TIMES
CRITIC'S CHOICE
THE TIMES
"Features rare footage of his astonishing life."
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
"This tribute unearths yet more fascinating details from biographers and friends."
SUNDAY MIRROR
"Fascinating... draws on 80 years' worth of material."
THE PEOPLE
"Judicious use of archive film."
THE SUNDAY TIMES
"[A] first-class royal documentary."
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
"The Duke of Edinburgh has been the subject of several TV tributes. This one is perhaps the most personal."
DAILY EXPRESS
"A poignant throwback to the last
time the Queen spent Christmas
alone."
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
"Colourised footage of the Duke and the Queen as newlyweds."
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
"Rare archive
interviews and recordings... he [Philip] talks with his characteristic
humour."
DAILY EXPRESS
"An intimate portrait of the
Duke of Edinburgh’s life and his
contribution to crown, country
and, above all, his family."
DAILY EXPRESS