Royal Children

About This Movie

So, 'Royal Children' from 1961 is this odd little documentary that captures the lives of the younger royals, Charles, Anne, and Andrew, in a way that feels almost nostalgic now. The narration is quite breathless, almost as if it's trying to sell you the idea of royal bliss while you’re watching, but with a weight that's difficult to ignore in hindsight. The pacing is leisurely, allowing moments of candidness to seep through, which makes it feel both intimate and unsettling. The practical effects are minimal, focusing instead on the everyday lives of these kids. It’s all very earnest, but there’s this strange undercurrent that might make even staunch monarchists squirm a bit. It’s a time capsule of a different era for the royal family, and you can’t help but feel there’s more beneath the surface.

Finding a copy of 'Royal Children' can be a bit of a challenge, as it wasn’t widely circulated beyond its initial release. There are some VHS editions floating around, but they’re not common. Collectors show interest mainly due to the unique perspective it offers on the royal family during a more innocent time, which feels especially poignant today. The film's scarcity only enhances its intrigue among those who appreciate royal history and documentary filmmaking.