TV company is needing help

A British documentary producer is searching for unseen footage of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as part of the largest global hunt for undiscovered film or photographs of the royal couple ever undertaken.
By John A. MacInnes
Published 3rd Dec 2020, 15:03 BST
HM The Queen toured the Outer Hebrides in the converted ferryHM The Queen toured the Outer Hebrides in the converted ferry
HM The Queen toured the Outer Hebrides in the converted ferry

Emily Dalton is putting together two royal documentaries for a major UK broadcaster, and is seeking material created by the public to use in the programmes, set to air in 2021.

“The Queen and Prince Philip began the tradition of the Royal Walkabout; they wanted to meet ordinary members of the public and it’s testament to the affection we feel for them that so many of us film or photograph them wherever they go. Over the past 70 years imagine how much material has been generated that hasn’t been seen,” says Dalton. “I’m particularly interested in footage from places like Stornoway because of the strong connection the Royal Family have with the area.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Queen has cruised around the Western Isles for her 80th birthday in 2006 and then again in 2010 for Prince Andrew’s 50th having sailed from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis boarding the Hebridean Princess. 

The Queen’s annual Scottish cruise, with its impromptu landings on remote beaches often draws the crowds, armed with video technology to capture an “I was there” moment. 

“Everywhere the Queen goes she is filmed by members of the public. Imagine how much material there is of her out there that hasn’t been seen,” says Dalton.

The documentaries will look back at the lives and work of the Queen and Prince Philip, with a definitive collection of archive footage including photos and film that viewers will have never seen before.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This is why Dalton is calling on anyone who possesses unseen footage – whether it’s old cine film or taken on a handycam or an iphone - of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip – together or separately, from any era – to come forward. The network is willing to pay for the use of any footage used in the documentary.

“Everybody – search your attics. Look under your beds. Let’s get everything out into the daylight and see if there is anything to make a definitive collection. We want to leave no stone unturned in our effort to create a definitive historic archive of Britain’s longest reigning monarch and her husband.”

If you think you’ve perhaps got something that may be suitable for the programme, you can contact Emily via email at: [email protected] 

Related topics:Queen