Plot Synopsis

Veteran newsman Sir Trevor McDonald looks at the traditions and institutions surrounding the monarchy, as England celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's second longest-reigning monarch. This series reveals the customs surrounding the monarchy -- from the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to the Queen's royal visits -- as well as offering a glimpse of the greatest historic royal places. The four, 60-minute episodes are: "London: Royal City," during which Sir Trevor McDonald introduces viewers to the ongoing traditions of the monarchy in London, from members of the Grenadier Guards, the Scots Guards of Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards and to the opening of the Parliament by the Queen; "Royal Visit," which follows the Queen to Scotland at the Braemar Gathering and on a visit to Liverpool; "The Queen's Possessions," which highlights Westminster Abbey, the Royal Swans and the Chapels Royal, as well as the Royal Collection, to which she has added nearly 150 portraits over the past six decades; and "Traveler," during which the Queen travels to some of the 16 realms that make up the Commonwealth, including a trip to Perth in Western Australia where Commonwealth countries are being asked to change the rules of succession so that a first-born girl may inherit the crown.