Digital Royals: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's Tech Journey
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip weren't born into the digital age, but they certainly made their mark on it. From televised coronations viewed by millions to royal tweets that captured global attention, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip not only witnessed the digital revolution but actively steered the British monarchy into the modern age with surprising enthusiasm and strategic foresight.
Stepping into the Modern Era
Think back to Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953—a groundbreaking moment when television brought the tradition and grandeur into living rooms across the nation. It was an early sign that the monarchy was willing to adapt. The broadcast was a major undertaking, requiring significant planning and technical expertise, and it set a precedent for future royal events.
Beyond television, the royal family also utilised radio for important announcements and addresses. Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas broadcasts, for example, became a beloved tradition, reaching millions of listeners around the world. The telephone, too, played a crucial role in their daily lives, facilitating communication with government officials, family members, and dignitaries. Over time, they adopted email and social media, strategically using these tools to enhance their communication and stay relevant.
Queen Elizabeth: A Digital Pioneer
Christmas Broadcasts: In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II gave the first Christmas broadcast on television, marking a significant step in using the medium to connect with the public. This technological advancement from the radio broadcasts allowed people to see her as she delivered her message.
Website: In 1997, the British Monarchy launched its first official website, a groundbreaking initiative to provide a centralised source of information about the Royal Family and its activities. The website initially featured biographies, news, and photo galleries and aimed to connect with a global audience in a new and accessible way.
The Regal Tweet: Remember when Queen Elizabeth II sent her first tweet from an iPad in October 2014? It was from the Science Museum in London, marking the opening of the "Information Age" exhibit. Signed "Elizabeth R," it showed her personal touch in the digital world.
Scan Computers Royal Warrant: The Queen's issuance of a Royal Warrant to Scan Computers, a provider of high-performance computers, underscores the monarchy's commitment to supporting technological innovation within the British tech sector. The Royal Warrant, a prestigious mark of recognition, allows Scan Computers to display the Royal Arms and advertise its services to the Royal Household, signifying its status as a trusted supplier of technology to the Royal Family.
Virtual Engagements: During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth embraced virtual meetings, addressing the nation via video conference. It was a testament to her adaptability and commitment to staying connected.
The Royal Mobile: The Queen reportedly had her own smartphone and learnt how to text. The phone is said to be an ultra-slim model, small and light enough to fit discreetly in a pocket or handbag, and equipped with a camera. Its encryption is reportedly similar to that used by security services, making it virtually impossible to hack. The Queen also possessed an iPad and a laptop and maintained a personal Facebook account.
Prince Philip: The Tech Enthusiast
Prince Philip, with his keen interest in engineering and gadgets, was always looking for innovative solutions. He was known to embrace change and had an active interest in new technologies, which influenced the royal family's approach.
Engineering Enthusiast: Prince Philip's journey into the world of engineering began when he joined the Royal Navy in 1939, where he was exposed to its practical applications. This experience fuelled his passion and ultimately led him to play a critical role in the formation of the Royal Academy of Engineering. His dedication to the field was further recognised when he was appointed a Senior Fellow of the Academy.
Supporter of the Sciences: He served as President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science (today the British Science Association) in 1951. Then, beginning in 1952, Prince Philip was the Patron of the Industrial Society (since renamed The Work Foundation), visiting research establishments and laboratories.
Car Phone Innovator: In 1958, he oversaw the installation of the first car phone in the UK. The car phone, a Pye Telecommunications PTC112 remote mount mobile, was installed in his car. Earlier, in 1954, Prince Philip drove an Aston Martin Lagonda 3-litre Drophead Coupé, which also featured an early radio telephone.
The Royals on Social Media
The Royal Family has strategically embraced social media to connect with a global audience, share updates on their activities, and promote their charitable work.
Twitter (X): The official Twitter accounts @RoyalFamily, created in April 2009, and @KensingtonRoyal, the account for The Prince and Princess of Wales, established in September 2014, share updates on their activities, charitable work, and engagements.
Instagram: The Royal Family's official Instagram account, @RoyalFamily, was launched in March 2013, while The Prince and Princess of Wales created their Instagram in January 2015. These accounts provide a visual glimpse into royal life, featuring photos and videos of events, tours, and initiatives.
Facebook: The British Monarchy's Facebook page was established in September 2010. It serves as another platform to share news, photos, and videos, and engage with a broad online community.
YouTube: The Royal Family maintains an official YouTube channel, providing videos of royal events, documentaries, and historical content.
Connecting with the World
Technology has allowed the royal family to connect with a wider, more diverse audience. Social media has provided a platform for direct engagement, fostering a sense of connection and transparency. Through digital media, they've shared their history, traditions, and values with the world.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's tech journey shows their commitment to modernising the monarchy. By embracing technology, they connected with people in new and meaningful ways, ensuring the monarchy's continued relevance in the digital age.
Interested in the British monarchy? Check out the royal features on Global Trekker. Enjoy weekly fresh articles and monthly documentaries you can enjoy via your local providers included in our Where to Watch page.
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