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Grumbling Philip to control Queen's message
By Nicholas Hellen
September 29, 2003
THE Duke of Edinburgh has been asked to take overall control of the Queen's Christmas message after years of grumbling about the quality of the television broadcasts.
He is being lined up to supervise the production, direction and final editing of the show under the plans devised by senior palace officials. Broadcasting insiders were told earlier this northern summer about Prince Philip's proposed new role.
It emerged at the weekend that he has previously had a close involvement in the script but had felt let down by the finished program. "At the debriefing meetings each January he always finds something wrong with the BBC and ITN's efforts," one palace insider said.
"The Queen's approach is more inclusive, personal and endearing,' said a source. "The Duke believes the nation should listen to a stern Christian lecture. He isn't very interested in addressing the beliefs of Hindus, Muslims or Jews."
Courtiers are apprehensive that Philip's new role may backfire. "He doesn't care about the ratings element at all," said a source. The British audience for the address, which is also transmitted in the Commonwealth, has dwindled to a third of the 28million peak it reached in 1987.
Some years ago Philip objected to the inclusion of film clips from the Queen's overseas tours, intended to provide a dramatic backdrop. He reckoned that "travelogues" would arouse envy among viewers stuck in Britain for the winter.
With Philip in overall charge, he would be expected to be able to call on the co-operation of the Prince of Wales, the Earl of Wessex and other members of the royal family.
Private polling conducted by the palace shows that the public also expect Prince William and Prince Harry to start making walk-on appearances.
The princes have previously rejected such offers by the broadcasters.
One senior broadcaster warned the precedents were ominous. He said: "The last time the royal family took direct control of a broadcast they ended up with It's a Royal Knockout.
The Sunday Times
By Nicholas Hellen
September 29, 2003
THE Duke of Edinburgh has been asked to take overall control of the Queen's Christmas message after years of grumbling about the quality of the television broadcasts.
He is being lined up to supervise the production, direction and final editing of the show under the plans devised by senior palace officials. Broadcasting insiders were told earlier this northern summer about Prince Philip's proposed new role.
It emerged at the weekend that he has previously had a close involvement in the script but had felt let down by the finished program. "At the debriefing meetings each January he always finds something wrong with the BBC and ITN's efforts," one palace insider said.
"The Queen's approach is more inclusive, personal and endearing,' said a source. "The Duke believes the nation should listen to a stern Christian lecture. He isn't very interested in addressing the beliefs of Hindus, Muslims or Jews."
Courtiers are apprehensive that Philip's new role may backfire. "He doesn't care about the ratings element at all," said a source. The British audience for the address, which is also transmitted in the Commonwealth, has dwindled to a third of the 28million peak it reached in 1987.
Some years ago Philip objected to the inclusion of film clips from the Queen's overseas tours, intended to provide a dramatic backdrop. He reckoned that "travelogues" would arouse envy among viewers stuck in Britain for the winter.
With Philip in overall charge, he would be expected to be able to call on the co-operation of the Prince of Wales, the Earl of Wessex and other members of the royal family.
Private polling conducted by the palace shows that the public also expect Prince William and Prince Harry to start making walk-on appearances.
The princes have previously rejected such offers by the broadcasters.
One senior broadcaster warned the precedents were ominous. He said: "The last time the royal family took direct control of a broadcast they ended up with It's a Royal Knockout.
The Sunday Times
