Secrets of the Royal Traditions

A look at the State Opening of Parliament, a tradition celebrating the marriage of monarchy and democracy that has shaped Britain for almost 400 years, revealing the shocking events that led to the ceremony of the Black Rod coming about. A visit to Kew Palace also reveals the traditional and horrific 'cures' inflicted on George III as he dealt with his secret 'madness' and how, 200 years later, the younger royals are creating a new atmosphere of encouraging discussion about mental health.

A look at the Birthday and New Year Honours lists, revealing how they came about, taking in everything from the savagery of medieval warfare to the horrors of the First World War. The programme reveals how the knighthood is steeped in ceremonial ritual and harks back to a time of chivalry that never actually existed. The tradition of the servant is also explored, a role that stretches back as long as royalty itself, including the long gone and much-missed post of jester.

A look into the turbulent history of why every monarch is expected to produce at least two offspring, preferably male, known as the tradition of the Heir and a Spare. Other practices explored in this edition include the curious custom of royal warrants issued to everyone from cornflake manufacturers to broadband suppliers, an endorsement worth millions of pounds to many British manufacturers and an intriguing insight into the eating habits and day to day activities of the royal family.