Sir Trevor McDonald To Present Four Part Series Exploring Royal Traditions

4x60’ series presented by Sir Trevor McDonald for HISTORY™ and Sky 3D - Features unique archive 3D footage of The Queen from 1953

In the year that HRH Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, Sir Trevor McDonald is to present a four-part series on the traditions and institutions surrounding the monarchy for HISTORY™ and Sky 3D. TREVOR MCDONALD’S QUEEN AND COUNTRY, produced by Colonial Pictures, will explore the institutions and traditions surrounding the monarchy, from Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace to the ancient ritual of Swan Upping on the Thames. 

The series covers ‘peculiars of the crown’, including the Channel Islands where The Queen is known as the ‘Duke of Normandy’; and historic royal palaces such as the Tower of London where the Ceremony of the Keys has been carried out every night for 900 years. 

Sir Trevor will also be looking at the excitement which surrounds a typical royal visit and viewing unique 3D footage from 1953 – the first summer of the new queen’s reign. The institution of the Commonwealth and the role The Queen has played in its development is also part of the series.

Sir Trevor McDonald said "It has been remarkable to observe how The Queen has been able to update this remarkable institution with a modern face with such dignity and grace and charm. If anything, it has made the monarchy a much more solid institution than we ever thought it could be."

Rachel Job, Head of Acquisitions & Commissioning, HISTORY & MILITARY HISTORY® at A+E Networks™ UK, said: ‘’Trevor McDonald’s Queen and Country is a perfect way for HISTORY to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as it highlights the historical customs and traditions that punctuate her long reign.  And told reassuringly by Sir Trevor McDonald, a British institution in his own right.’’

Colonial Pictures' Alastair Layzell, who is producing and directing the series, said: "We feel privileged to be working with Sir Trevor McDonald. His many years as one of the nation's leading journalists makes him exactly the right person to examine the traditions and institutions surrounding the British monarchy - which look especially ravishing in 3D."

Benedetta Pinelli, Executive Producer, Sky 3D, said: “To celebrate one of the significant national events of 2012, we are thrilled to offer Sky 3D customers a fully immersive viewing experience exploring the Royal traditions that continue to fascinate us all.”

TREVOR MCDONALD’S QUEEN AND COUNTRY was commissioned by John Cassy for Sky 3D, Rachel Job for HISTORY and Stephen Segaller for WNET Thirteen in New York. The series is produced and directed by Alastair Layzell for Colonial Pictures. Executive Producers are Benedetta Pinelli for Sky 3D, Sarah Proctor for HISTORY and Stephen Segaller for WNET.