The 1985 Broadcast

Location:  Buckingham Palace

Produced by:  BBC

Theme:  Elizabeth II talks on the subject of news.  While acknowledging that there seems to have been much bad news in 1985 'with a constant stream of reports of plane crashes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and famine', the Queen reminds us that there is a considerable amount of good news amongst the bad: 'Just think of the quiet courage and dedication of the peace-keepers and the rescue workers and all those who work so hard to restore shattered lives and disrupted communities.'  Her Majesty recalls that she is in the fortunate position of being able to meet those who are being honoured for acts of bravery or service to their fellow citizens at Investitures at Buckingham Palace.  The Queen also speaks of good news in industry and commerce which helps generate prosperity.

Commentary:  Seldom have we seen a more 'the Queen at work' look to a Broadcast, with Her Majesty's desk in the Regency Room chaotically cluttered with files, telephones, a radio, the morning newspapers and of course her famous red boxes;  the desk itself is in its usual position and has not been moved as part of creating a convenient 'set' for the cameras.  It is almost as though Elizabeth II took ten minutes out of a particularly busy day to record her speech.  This 'you'll-have-to-take-me-as-you-find-me' look may not be the most aesthetically appealing, but it is probably as authentic as it gets with regard to what the proverbial fly on the wall would see on a normal working day while buzzing around Buckingham Palace.

The 'Queen at work' subtext is underscored with the use of special footage from a Buckingham Palace investiture.  Although primarily present as part of the 'good news' theme of the Message, these images also show Elizabeth II performing her duties as Monarch.  Footage of investitures was quite rare in 1985, since at that time such occasions were not routinely recorded as they are today.

This was to be the final Broadcast produced by Richard Cawston who, sadly, died in 1986.  Cawston's lasting achievement in his fifteen years in charge of production was to guide the Christmas Broadcast through the 'golden age' of television, working with Elizabeth II's slightly dry and camera-conscious broadcasting style to generate a warmth and intimacy between Monarch and viewer, ensuring that the young tradition of the televised Broadcast became an institution;  an established part of the Christmas Day ritual for the average family in the UK and many parts of the Commonwealth.

Trivia:  The aerial footage of Buckingham Palace seen as God Save The Queen is played at the start of the programme was clearly not filmed in December as the trees are still in full leaf.

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