BBC takes the gloss off jewels in the Crown
Jubilee’s centrepiece documentary will explore ‘complex’ history of royal gems, corporation hints
THE BBC will highlight the “complex history” of the Crown Jewels in a documentary broadcast during the weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The broadcaster has announced the programmes it has planned to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years on the throne, with content on television and radio from all parts of the UK this month and next.
On June 3, Clive Myrie will present The Crown Jewels, having been granted special access to the 13 crowns and 24,000 precious gems in the national collection.
Hinting that the documentary may cover controversies surrounding some of the jewels, Mr Myrie said: “It’s been a really powerful journey of discovery for me finding out more about the amazing Crown Jewels, their importance to the monarchy and their role in the complex history of our islands.”
The BBC said the “dramatic stories behind these precious jewels from before the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 to today will tell the story of monarchy through the years”. For nearly a thousand years, the Crown Jewels have been an integral part of the coronation of Britain’s kings and queens, and have symbolised the power and authority of the monarchy. However, linked in many ways to Britain’s colonial past, they have also been the subject of controversy. One of the most contentious jewels is the Koh-i-noor diamond, set in the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The 105.6-carat stone – the size of a hen’s egg – was ceded to Queen Victoria in 1849. However, some believe the 10-year-old ruler of Punjab was forced to give it up. In 2016, the Indian government said it wanted the jewel to be returned. Special jubilee programming on BBC channels will start early this month and culminate in live events over the bank holiday weekend from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5. Broadcasters including Dame Mary Berry, Kirsty Young and David Dimbleby will host live and scheduled programmes and feature on radio coverage.
The occasion will mark the return to the BBC of Young, who stepped down from broadcasting in 2018 for health reasons.
The Duke of Sussex has not yet said whether he will take part in proceedings to mark his grandmother’s 70 years on the throne, including the anticipated “family photograph” on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
However, JJ Chalmers, a former Royal Marine and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who is a close friend of the Duke, will co-present the Jubilee Special of Trooping the Colour live on June 2 alongside Young and Huw Edwards.
On the same day, there will also be coverage of the traditional lighting of beacons across the nation and Commonwealth.
Presenters will cover the celebration around the country, including Jermaine Jenas at Buckingham Palace, Gethin Jones in Wales, Carol Kirkwood in Scotland, and Holly Hamilton in Northern Ireland.
In the presence of senior members of the Royal family, Young, Dimbleby and Sophie Raworth will broadcast the Service of Thanksgiving live from St Paul’s Cathedral in London on June 3.
On June 4, the Platinum Party at the Palace, a concert featuring music stars and actors, will be broadcast live on BBC One.
The day after, there will be coverage of the Platinum Pageant, which will bring together artistic performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers from across the UK and the Commonwealth to tell the story of the Queen’s reign in a festival of creativity.
During the pageant’s finale a number of well-known public figures will feature and Ed Sheeran will appear on stage to lead a special tribute to the Queen.
Coverage will also include The Jubilee Pudding: 70 Years in the Baking, a onehour special for BBC One, hosted by Dame Mary Berry.
The show will follow the nationwide competition to find an original and celebratory cake or pudding fit for the Queen and reveal the winning amateur baker.
In a special episode of Eastenders, on June 2, the residents of Albert Square will celebrate the jubilee with a street party organised by one of the soap’s most recognisable couples, Mick and Linda Carter.
CBBC will also mark the weekend with a Blue Peter jubilee takeover special on June 3, as well as continued specials on June 4 and 5 to involve younger audiences in the celebrations.