Royal Paintbox

Royal Paintbox is a very illuminating documentary produced in 2013 on the artistic endeavours of the British Royal Family going back hundreds of years. We see works from as far back as Mary Queen of Scots while imprisoned for 13 years before her execution; up to the present time with the Prince of Wales creating his own watercolours. The Prince of Wales, something of an art historian himself, guides the viewer through the treasure trove of art, which includes a huge output from the families of George III and Queen Victoria, with each of those monarchs contributing immensely to the works from the royal paintbox. Much of Victoria's own art reflects the Scottish country estate of Balmoral, which Charles himself has painted. Her daughter-in-law Queen Alexandra's book of detailed paintings are exquisite. Victoria's daughter Princess Louise became a sculptor, and one of her statues is of her own mother which the Queen unveiled for her Golden Jubilee. Charles reveals a beautiful study of Queen Elizabeth at breakfast some 50 years ago which Prince Phillip painted. Today, we witness a modern royal, Sarah Armstrong-Jones, daughter of Princess Margaret, with her own gallery. It is certainly a credit to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, that he has taken such an interest in the cultural life of his country, not only the art of painting but also his achievements in landscape design, organic gardening, and architecture. As such, he makes a fitting interview subject for this program.