Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King

Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King is an intriguing documentary from PBS in 2016 that centers around the life and times of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. This hour-long documentary seeks to unravel the intricate details of political intrigue and machinations that surrounded his marriage with Queen Elizabeth II and ascension to British royalty. Integrating historical archives and personal accounts, the documentary presents exclusive insights into his formative years, his rise to prominence and his strong influence on the British monarchy.

Born as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in 1921 Corfu, Greece, Prince Philip's life required an early exercise of strength and resilience. His family was exiled from Greece when he was barely a year old after the Greco-Turkish war. The documentary takes its viewers on a journey through his adolescence, highlighting his formative years in France and eventually the United Kingdom, where he attended school. These years played an instrumental part in molding the Prince into an accomplished linguist, a competitive athlete, and a naval officer – some of the many multifaceted aspects of his personality touched upon in the documentary.

The plot gets more engrossing as it delves into Prince Philip’s transition into British royalty. The documentary reveals how Prince Philip, a foreign prince with German blood and essentially devoid of wealth, became a 'Royal' in post-World War II Britain, a period marked by anti-German sentiment. While giving an account of the clever maneuvers that went into this transition, this special highlights the vital role of Philip's ambitious uncle, Louis Mountbatten.

Mountbatten, a British naval officer and statesman, is portrayed as a scheming figure maneuvering in the background. He is depicted with hopes of restoring his family's glory through his nephew's marriage to the future queen of England, making Prince Philip a significant pawn in the high stakes game of royalty. The documentary presents an enlightening perspective on Mountbatten's strategies, revealing the dynamics of court politics.

At the heart of the documentary is Prince Philip’s relationship with Queen Elizabeth II. Spiraling into the depths of their courtship and eventual marriage, the documentary provides a private look into their early years together. Their love story, which began when Philip was 18 and Elizabeth was just 13, withstood the test of trials and tribulations, and eventually reshaped the future of the British monarchy. As Prince Philip's life becomes irrevocably interwoven with the House of Windsor, the film underscores his adjustment from his independent, navy-driven lifestyle to living under the shadow of the crown.

Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King also includes interviews with numerous royal insiders, including the couple's cousin, Patricia Mountbatten, and historian Hugo Vickers. Their testimonies add authenticity and nuance to the portrayal of Prince Philip – as a man and as a monarch. Moreover, these personal accounts provide valuable inputs into understanding the transformation of the dynamic and charismatic Prince into a figure of steadfast support for the Queen.

In a broader sense, through exploring the life of Prince Philip, the documentary offers a fascinating exploration of the British monarchy in the 20th century, particularly in the post-WWII era. It details the challenges faced by the monarchy during this tumultuous period and how Prince Philip's personality and influence helped steer it through.

Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King is an eye-opener into his life and a lesser-known chapter in the history of the British monarchy. It is engrossing and enlightening, offering viewers an opportunity to see beyond the surface of royal glitter and engage in a history marked by ambition, conspiracy, romance, and change. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in British royal history, the man behind the royal title, and the undeniable influence he exerted on the monarchy during his lifetime.