Made for the BBC as Queen Elizabeth II celebrated the fortieth anniversary of her reign in 1992, Edward Mirzoeff takes a camera crew to follow the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as events in their year unfold. There are the grand scale ceremonial events, diplomatic functions and some more intimate familial occasions all narrated informatively and sympathetically by Ian Holm. It is an officially sanctioned product, so we see nothing here untoward - but given the nature of the subject and purpose of the documentary in the first place, that's hardly surprising. What we have here is a highly polished chronology of a year in the life of a lady who clearly has spirit and enthusiasm for her roles in the UK and elsewhere, as well as a passion for her horses and a sense of mischief and love of family. The narrative doesn't dwell on negatives, it's a positive affirmation of a woman dedicated to her responsibilities, is well put together and nicely scored by Rachel Portman. Yes, republicans will probably hate it - but that's maybe the problem they have. Despite the obvious anachronisms of monarchy and inherited power, when the incumbent commands respect and delivers integrity like this, it makes for a very hard target to politicise - and what's clear here is the Queen knows exactly what path to tread - especially with Margaret Thatcher, but also with a plethora of other global figures who have no need of her favour nor company but courted it nonetheless - regardless of their own political beliefs. A lesson in statesmanship, sanitised and rose-tinted, but still effective.
