Andrew Marr's THE DIAMOND QUEEN Documentary Premieres on BBC America Today, 6/3

By: Jun. 03, 2012
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Today, June 3, BBC AMERICA presents The Diamond Queen, a new US premiere documentary from writer and presenter Andrew Marr (History of Modern Britain), as part of an entire day of specials and documentaries in recognition of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign on the throne. The Diamond Queen is a definitive analysis of Queen Elizabeth II's reign with exclusive interviews with members of the Royal family including Princes William and Harry, The Duke of York and the Princess Royal. All three parts of The Diamond Queen premiere today, June 3 starting at 8:00pm ET/PT on BBC AMERICA.

In addition to The Diamond Queen, as part of BBC AMERICA's Summer of London programming slate, the channel will present live coverage of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Thames Pageant today, June 3, 9:00am ET and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Services of Thanksgiving and Royal Procession on Tuesday, June 5, 4:15am - 7:45am ET and 9:00am - 11:00am ET.

Part One

Andrew Marr observes the day-to-day duties of the Queen and hears from the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Earl of Wessex, the Princess Royal, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie about the remarkable skills she has acquired in 60 years of walkabouts, state visits and receptions. He looks at the influence of the Queen's grandfather, father and mother, the impact of the abdication and the unique relationship between the Head of State and her Government. The film follows the Queen to the Middle East and the US, assessing her global impact on British trade and international relations through interviews with the Duke of York, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Prime Minister David Cameron. Part One premieres June 3, 8:00pm ET/PT.

Part Two

Marr assesses the Queen's moves to modernize the monarchy over the last 60 years, from the abolition of the presentation of debutantes in 1958 to the opening up of the Palaces, themed receptions and garden parties at the Palace and the very modern wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. Reflecting on the hugely successful royal wedding, Prince William and Prince Harry talk about their grandmother's influence on the day - including their choice of uniforms. The program also looks at her response to the challenges of the 'annus horribilis' of 1992, and asks whether there is a royal master plan, with insight from members of the Royal Family on how they divide and choose their duties and engagements. David Cameron and Taoiseach Enda Kenny also give their verdict on the Queen's groundbreaking visit to Ireland. Part Two premieres June 3, 9:00pm ET/PT.

Part Three

The final episode examines the defining moments of the Queen's reign, beginning with her accession to the throne in 1952 and her Coronation 16 months later. Marr examines how she has coped with decades of changing - and sometimes tense - relations with the media; looks back in time and ahead to royal Jubilees and charts her trip to Australia to look at what some see as her most enduring achievement - The Commonwealth. For the first time, all of her adult grandchildren have their say about 'The Diamond Queen.' Part Three premieres June 3, 10:00pm ET/PT.



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