Episode 1

Broadcaster David Dimbleby has reported on countless royal occasions – from weddings to funerals and jubilees. But often he feels his role has been to help the palace and the people inside it present themselves as they want to be seen.

Now, as recent events put the family under the spotlight, Dimbleby probes politicians and royal insiders on fundamental questions about the institution at the heart of our national life.

In this episode, we are told the monarch is politically neutral and would never influence the running of the country – but is that really true? How much power does the king or queen really have? And in a world where political leaders are continuingly under attack, what role is there for our unelected head of state?

Featuring interviews with royal insiders alongside political players such as David Cameron and Jacob Rees-Mogg.