The British Monarchy on Screen

This book offers a thorough examination of the British monarchy's portrayal in film and television, from early cinema to modern representations. The British Monarchy on Screen is essential for media scholars.

In The British Monarchy on Screen, readers are presented with a comprehensive exploration of how the British monarchy has been depicted in film and television throughout history. This rich collection of essays delves into the early representations of royalty, starting with the 1895 drama, The Execution of Mary Queen of Scots, which marked one of the first moving images related to the monarchy. The book highlights significant milestones, such as the 1953 coronation of Elizabeth II, which captivated audiences across the globe and demonstrated the power of television in shaping public perception of the royal family.

The essays within The British Monarchy on Screen are penned by distinguished scholars who analyze various aspects of royal representation, from the reign of Henry VIII to contemporary figures like William and Kate. The contributors examine a range of formats, including early actuality films, amateur cinema, and modern documentaries, providing a multifaceted view of how the monarchy has been portrayed across different media. This examination not only reflects the evolution of film and television but also the changing societal attitudes towards the monarchy itself.

As a pioneering work in the field, The British Monarchy on Screen serves as an essential resource for scholars and students interested in the intersection of media, history, and politics. Through seventeen insightful essays, the book offers a long-overdue contribution to film and television studies, inviting readers to reconsider the significance of royal imagery in shaping national identity and public discourse.