Summary
Balmoral 8.30pm, BBC2 ****
Originally shown on BBC4, this illuminating documentary explores the Royal Family's enduring love affair with Scotland, which began in 1842 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert ventured north of the border for a holiday. The royal couple were received with full- blown Scottish hospitality; the Queen pronounced porridge to be 'very good'; and both fell in love with the country - and with the 15th-century castle they had leased for their stay. This was one holiday romance that was to last. In 1848, they bought the castle outright (along with Sandringham, the castle is the Queen's private property, entirely separate from the Crown Estate) as a private hideaway, and, to remind him of his childhood, Albert helped with a German-style remodelling. While some guests over the years have found it too chilly and cluttered with tartan and bagpipes for their liking, Victoria and Albert couldn't have been happier. And, to this day, Balmoral remains the royal family's summer retreat, carrying on a tradition that has lasted more than 160 years, and looks set to continue.See the full content of this document
Extract
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The Thick Of It 10.10pm, BBC2 ****
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