What’s the Monarchy For?
9pm, BBC One
“Are you pro-monarchy?” David Dimbleby, who has reported on countless royal occasions, was once asked. “I’m pro television shows about the monarchy,” he replied. In this epic three-parter, he examines the role the royals have played – and predicts what will happen next. The opening episode asks how politically impartial the monarchy is and how much power its members really have, looking at, among other things, letters written by King Charles III, when Prince of Wales, to Tony Blair, and Queen Elizabeth II’s approval of the suspension of parliament in 2019. He speaks to insiders, including David Cameron, and critics such as journalist Ash Sarkar. One thing most can agree on, as Ian Hislop says: “It’s the ultimate soap, isn’t it?” Hollie Richardson
