The Majestic Life of Queen Elizabeth II

In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's “Diamond Jubilee,” this archival clip-laden laudatory program showcases the life of the current regent of the United Kingdom. Featuring commentary from Anglophiles including broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, historian Robert Lacey, royal correspondent Camilla Tominey, and actress Helen Mirren (who won an Oscar for her role as Elizabeth in The Queen), The Majestic Life offers a chronological look at “Lilibet's” upbringing as a daughter of York in Piccadilly, where the idyll of George's “Four of Us” tight-knit family was irretrievably altered with Edward's abdication, and Elizabeth went from Daddy's girl to being thrust upon the throne. Benchmarks covered here include Elizabeth's time as an inner-palace Girl Guide, wartime stint in the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, romance and wildly popular wedding with dreamy though black sheep-y Philip, widely televised coronation (many British subjects bought TVs for just that reason), and Commonwealth tours. Some time is spent on Charles and Di and other royal family members (with daggers directed towards Rupert Murdoch, who is supposedly bent on monarchical destruction), but the core focus remains on Elizabeth R in this biographical tribute that nicely balances her private life with her respected status as a symbol of stability. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)