Secrets of Royal Travel

Secrets of Royal Travel is a fascinating documentary series created by PBS Living, premiering in 2020, that provides viewers with a captivating glimpse into the traveling habits and luxuries afforded to the British monarchy over the last century. Divided into concise episodes, each offering its own unique take on royal travel, the series is not only a treasure trove of historical data but also an exceptional journey through time with access to the world of absolute luxury and privilege.

The central premise of Secrets of Royal Travel is to delve into how the monarchy has traveled over the years, revealing the improvements, changes, and the corresponding historical context at each stage. The series takes the audience through a comprehensive historical journey starting from Queen Victoria’s reign, through the eras of WWI and WWII, the jet age, up until the modern era.

Notably, the series shines a light on the refinement of the British monarchy’s modes of travel and how these are representative of the pivot points in their reign. It tells the fascinating stories behind some of the most iconic royal transport, such as the Royal Train and the Royal Yacht. It also focuses not just on the modes of transportation but also on where it takes the monarchy, the purpose of these trips, and the challenges and triumphs they encounter throughout their journeys.

The first episode of the series is titled "The Royal Train." This episode tells the story of the trains built especially for the queens and kings over the ages, starting from Queen Victoria's time. The audience discovers how these trains evolved in terms of luxury and sophistication, and how they were used for various purposes – from aiding in governance, through diplomatic visits to providing a space for rest and privacy for the royal family.

The second episode further enhances audience’s experience by divulging the secrets of "The Royal Yacht." It spotlights the illustrious past of the Royal Yacht Britannia – the ship that marked the golden age of royal seafaring. Ships have been part of royal travel since the reign of King Charles II, and the Britannia has held a special place of significance to the monarchy. It served not only as a sanctuary for the royals but also as an instrumental tool in Britain’s diplomatic efforts during the final years of the Empire and the start of the EU.

Keeping the audience engaged with intriguing insights and anecdotes, the series is elegantly paced and includes high-quality renditions of photo archives, interviews with historians, past staff members, present royal protocol experts and royal correspondents. All of these provide an in-depth understanding of the monarchy’s transportation rituals and preferences.

Moreover, the series has been painstakingly created with due diligence. Every scene, every historical context, every anecdote, and every expert’s perspective has been included only after thorough research and validation. Not a single stone has been left unturned when understanding and narrating the secrets behind every mode of royal travel. For all the history buffs and admirers of royal rituals and traditions, this series definitely emerges as a must-watch.

Though the series revolves around the theme of luxury travel, it’s not devoid of substance. There are episodes that pertain to milestones in British history, intricate diplomatic procedures, and the personal lives of royal family members. These add much weight and relevance to the series and solidify its position as an incredible documentary.

Overall, Secrets of Royal Travel is a journey in itself. It throws open the doors to the regal world of royal voyages, offering viewers a golden opportunity to understand the traditions, the transitions, the extravagance and the stories that lie within and behind the lavishly furnished carriages, the sumptuous ship cabins, and the technologically advanced private jets. Amalgamating history, privilege, and power into a compelling narrative, the series is a wonderful exploration of the British monarchy’s journey through the lens of travel.

For anyone looking to experience a captivating dive into royal history or seeking to indulge their curiosity about the finer details of royal travels, Secrets of Royal Travel is a series not to be missed.