Hollywood Right Royal Podcast

A Right Royal Podcast: When the royal family goes to Hollywood

What goes into bringing the royal family to the big screen? Join our latest episode of A Right Royal Podcast for details

TV & Film Editor
September 27, 2023

Welcome back to another episode of A Right Royal Podcast, where for this episode we'll be looking at when the royals find their name in lights in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood! As perhaps the most famous royal family in the world with a vast history, it is simply inevitable that TV and movies have adapted tales on the royals over the years – so join us as we discuss what goes into bringing the royals to the screen…

Joining us for the very special episode is the leading lady of our hearts, HELLO!'s very own Emily Nash, who opened up about her favourite adaptations, and who would play her if she was ever to be cast (as a royal editor) in Netflix's The Crown. We're also joined by the director of Amazon Prime Video's smash hit movie Red, White and Royal Blue, Matthew Lopez. 

Matt tells us everything about making a fictitious royal family seem believable – and why the movie's main character Prince Henry has many key similarities to Princes William and Harry. Plus, for fans of the movie, he spills the beans on potential sequels – and even hints at a trilogy!

© Jonathan Prime

Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry and Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex Claremont-Diaz in Prime Video's Red, White & Royal Blue.

Next up, we're joined by professional writer and photographer Ian Lloyd, who shares his expert opinion on The Crown – and if the hit Netflix show should have disclaimers over whether its storytelling is fact or fiction.

Memorable occasions UK royals have visited the US

© Getty

Over the past century, the British royal family have made several official visits Stateside. Here are some of the most notable trips:

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (1939)

King George VI made history in June 1939 when he became the first reigning British monarch to visit the US. Accompanied by his wife, the Queen Mother, the trip was intended to strengthen ties between the UK and the US before the Second World War.

Queen Elizabeth II (1957)

The late Queen's first official visit to the US took place in 1957 and solidified the "special relationship" between the two countries. The monarch emphasized this bond in her speech to Congress, whilst another highlight was also visiting Jamestown to celebrate the 350th anniversary of its founding.

Princess Diana (1985)

Princess Diana's 1985 visit was her first solo tour without her husband Prince Charles. The People's Princess charmed the American public, with the trip reflecting her personal interests in fighting homelessness, supporting the arts, and advocating for AIDS patients.

The Prince and Princess of Wales (2014)

While William and Kate visited the US as part of their first overseas tour as a married couple in 2011, their 2014 trip to New York City and Washington DC was also very memorable. The royals paid a solemn visit to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, and also met with President Barack Obama at the White House.

And finally, Tracy Borman joins us for a fascinating chat about how royal families have been represented in movies over the years – and what Hollywood has got wrong in that time – with some particularly jaw-dropping details about King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I! So with no further ado, lights, camera and action! 

© Photo: Rex

Claire Foy as Elizabeth II in The Crown

More Royalty

See more