As first published by History Extra in October 2020. The only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne has often been a stalwart face of duty and (relative) normality throughout many of the royal family’s more turbulent periods. Yet the Princess Royal’s own life has not been without its challenges. From an infamous kidnap attemptContinue reading “In profile: Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II”
Author Archives: Ed Owens
The monarchy and the next Great Depression
As first published by History Matters in June 2020. It has been an oft-quoted refrain since the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Europe: along with much of the rest of the world, Britain and the continent face a looming recession on a scale that hasn’t been witnessed since the 1930s. The first half of this inauspicious decadeContinue reading “The monarchy and the next Great Depression”
The monarchy, mythmaking and VE Day
As first published by On History in May 2020. On the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Ed Owens — author of The Family Firm. Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public, 1932-53 — reflects on the royal family’s careful cultivation of a media image in wartime, culminating with the events of 8 May 1945. Given the circumstances,Continue reading “The monarchy, mythmaking and VE Day”
The family firm falters part 3
As first published by Talking Humanities in April 2020. The coronavirus presents the British monarchy with a set of unique short-term and long-term challenges. In this third and final article, written in connection with the release of The Family Firm, Dr Ed Owens reflects on the royal response to the Covid-19 crisis and the consequences ofContinue reading “The family firm falters part 3”
The family firm falters part 2
As first published by Talking Humanities in February 2020. As the royal commentariat pore over the minutiae of the statement released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex concerning their transatlantic future, the bigger question now is how does the House of Windsor move on from the Harry-Meghan episode and set a new course of travel inContinue reading “The family firm falters part 2”
The family firm falters part 1
As first published by Talking Humanities in February 2020. History is not repeating itself. Harry and Meghan are not Edward and Wallis. Prince Andrew’s transgressions are unlike those committed by other members of the royal family in the recent past. The slimmed down monarchy of 2020 looks different to the monarchy of 2010, let aloneContinue reading “The family firm falters part 1”
The family firm fights back
As first published by Talking Humanities in October 2019. Dr Edward Owens, author of ‘The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and British Public, 1932-53’, reflects on the current relationship between the British royal family and the press. Prince Harry has done something extraordinary. He has loudly and emotionally condemned some of Britain’s leading newspapers forContinue reading “The family firm fights back”
Modernising royal weddings: a historical perspective
As first published by OUPblog in May 2018. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding demonstrated on a spectacular scale that there is an enduring interest among sections of the press and public in royal love stories. Amidst all the pomp and circumstance, and alongside all the usual reports on street parties, flowers, presents, and theContinue reading “Modernising royal weddings: a historical perspective”
Buckingham Palace’s balcony: a focal point for national celebration
As first published by History Extra in June 2016. From George V’s appearance on the eve of the First World War to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s post-wedding kiss in 2011, the Buckingham Palace balcony has been the setting of many iconic moments in history. Here, ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday celebrations, EdContinue reading “Buckingham Palace’s balcony: a focal point for national celebration”
Dr Ed Owens 