Documentary maker on hunt for photos or film of Queen and Prince Philip in the Highlands
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A British documentary producer is searching for unseen footage of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the Highlands.
Film maker Emily Dalton is putting together two royal documentaries for a major UK broadcaster, and is seeking material created by the public to use in the programmes, set to air in 2021.
The request is part of the largest global hunt for undiscovered film or photographs of the royal couple ever undertaken.
Ms Dalton said: “The Queen and Prince Philip began the tradition of the royal walkabout as they wanted to meet ordinary members of the public and it’s testament to the affection we feel for them that so many of us film or photograph them wherever they go.
"Over the past 70 years imagine how much material has been generated that hasn’t been seen.
“I’m particularly interested in footage from places like Inverness because of the strong connection the Royal Family have with the area.”
Queen and Prince Philip visited Inverness in July 1981 with thousands of people lined the streets as part of a Highland tour, rekindling memories of happy times earlier in her reign as well as emphasizing a strong connection to the city.
"The Queen has also cruised around the Western Isles for her 80th birthday in 2006 and then again in 2010 for Prince Andrew’s 50th birthday having sailed from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis boarding the Hebridean Princess.
"The Queen's annual Scottish cruise, with its impromptu landings on remote beaches often draws the crowds, armed with video technology to capture an 'I was there' moment.
“Everywhere the Queen goes she is filmed by members of the public. Imagine how much material there is of her out there that hasn’t been seen,” says Ms Dalton.
The documentaries will look back at the lives and work of the Queen and Prince Philip, with adefinitive collection of archive footage including photos and film that viewers will have never seen before.
Ms Dalton is calling on anyone who possesses unseen footage – whether it’s old cine film or taken on a handycam or an iphone - of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip – together or separately, from any era – to come forward. The network is willing to pay for the use of any footage used in the documentary.
She continued: "Everybody – search your attics. Look under your beds. Let’s get everything out into the daylight and see if there is anything to make a definitive collection.
"We want to leave no stone unturned in our effort to create a definitive historic archive of Britain’s longest reigning monarch and her husband.”
If you think you’ve got something great for the programme, you can contact Ms Dalton at footage@factualfiction.co.uk.
