I think I’m about a year behind the curve on this one (SHOCKING, I know) – but in all my recent HD channel surfing, I’ve run across the most stunning program.
It’s called Windsor Castle: A Royal Year – and it is just breathtaking. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of Windsor Castle, and if you are an Anglophile, it will be a little piece of heaven on earth for you. If you’re not necessarily an Anglophile but love to entertain, you will be fascinated by the intricacy of their preparations for a state dinner. I could’ve watched hours and hours about the housekeeping staff alone.
As an added bonus, you get to hear Prince Philip say “ye gods” a whole bunch. And it will make you smile. I held my breath watching Queen Elizabeth do a pre-dinner inspection of flowers and table settings – I so wanted her to appreciate the hard work her staff had done.
(She did. And it made me want to hug her.)
If this series isn’t on in your area, you can also buy the DVD.
And I’ll tell you something else: Her Majesty’s staff could teach Martha Stewart a thing or nine. They all come across as incredibly gracious and professional and thorough.
Should they ever come to Alabama, I would like to fry them some chicken.
Check out the show if you get a chance – you will enjoy it so much (and it’s a great history lesson for your kids, too).
I AM an anglophile. How did I miss this one? I’ll search for it on my local listings.
:)
Anglophile here … and you’re right! I’ve seen the show, and it’s magnificent.
I especially like where they highlight the man who raises the flag when the Queen is in residence.
Fascinating!
YES!! I checked my local listings, and all three episodes will be on several times between now and July. I am fascinated by their lifestyle, and who wouldn’t want to see the inside of a castle?! I’ll be watching!
I’ve seen it but I didn’t know it was a series. I’ll have to keep an eye out for all this episodes I’ve missed. We got a chuckle out of the guy who walks on that huge entertaining dining room table in his socks.
I haven’t seen this show, ‘me lady, but perhaps I’ll check it out with a spot of tea.
I’ve always been fascinated by all things Royal family. Little interesting tidbit…my son shares the same birthday with Princess Di and she died on my birthday. Isn’t that weird?!
On a similar note, there is a National Geographic documentary doing a behind-the-scenes at the White House prior to a state dinner. Fascinating stuff, I tell ya. Yeah, I’m an event planner so it’s like a how-to video for me…but it’s really interesting to watch. I could watch it over and over again. Just the meal prep, table setting… really cool.
I knew last year when I found Boomama that you and I were going to be friends. And to prove that point: I have had “Windsor Castle: A Royal Year” in my DVD player for going on nigh 4 months. And I love it. And I love you for loving it.
I find myself replaying the State Dinner preparation scene over and over – and marveling at the WORK these people have done for themselves at THEIR CASTLE. And please tell me you’ve done this: I’ve pretty much imagined what it would feel like to have all those nice people at my beck and call at my very own castle every day since.
Oh! Did you see the Christmas caroling party where Her Majesty comes out to hear her peeps sing to her and brings with her the eleventy-hundred dogs she owns. She’s also pretty cute having a little toddy in their honor. I bet she would just love having your fried chicken with that toddy.
Oh! And if we ever have the chance to talk or meet, I will bring the pictures: I have been to Windsor Castle. Not of course, as a guest. But still. And I loved every single square foot they allowed me to see. And now, as the happy DVD owner, I’ve been allowed to see waaay more.
I could just talk royalty with you all day long, so I’ll stop. But I won’t stop watching my little happiness that is the DVD. : )
Oh, wait! What about how their staff unpacks all your luggage when you are their castle-guest, and makes everything ever so lovely? And then they RE-PACK your suitcase for you with layers of tissue between all your lovely things?? Okay, seriously – that is all.
And here I am thinking I was so hip. I found this show last month. I was certain I was the first to watch it!
Yes, it is a lovely show. Glad you’re enjoying it too.
Write down Windsor Castle on your must visit list…for when you visit England with me. :)
Just popping in to say hi–I’ve missed you :)
How did I miss this? I really must start laying on the coach more and catch up on my TV viewing. I can’t find it in my listings, which network was carrying it. Is it BBC???
Thanks,
Julie
thanks for sharing…this sounds fabulous…and it’s available from Netflix too!!! blessings, amy :-)
Have seen it and adored it. I loved seeing parts of the castle other than the usual state rooms, etc., that we always see.
Just wanted to say for so good southern cooked fried chicken…I might have to come to Alabama myself. I can smell it now as I am wiping off the drool from my chin.
Now that you have entered the world of Hi-Def, you will also want to find Planet Earth on Discovery Channel HD. I don’t know if there are reruns running yet – but this is certainly a don’t miss! My children watch it over and over and over.
I’ve caught this several times (since I’ve visited the castle a few years back) I’m very intrigued by the show. Now if I could only meet Tony Blair that would make it all complete! :)
I live about 2 hours from there, anyone wanna come visit and we can go to Windsor? ;) I would love some fried chicken about now….mmmmm.
I’m an anglophile with strong British ancestry. We’ve really been enjoy the Windsor Castle series. It’s so very neat.
I haven’t heard of it before. Sounds like a wonderful little show. I’ll have to check that out!
It’s a GREAT series! We’ve seen it a couple of times and it never gets old. Windsor is a must if you get to England. Also, don’t miss the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Our pastor is from England, so we get the “royal treatment” every Sunday. LOL!
The series on the White House is a good one as well.
I watched it too–and loved it! Incredibly fascinating. I can’t wait for the next installment on the special events at the castle!
Oooh!!! This sounds so delightful and totally up my alley!!! Thanks for the details!