Windsor Castle: A Royal Year Lesson Plan
Basic Outline of the Movie Windsor Castle: A Royal Year
Windsor Castle: A Royal Year is a series of three episodes that are each about an hour long. It is a great series for showing a little about the modern working castle and goes well with a class on modern British history. It does a wonderful job of featuring the different everyday workers of the castle and their jobs while still bringing in the Royal events featuring the Royal family.
Part 1: The Banquet is about preparing for a banquet with the main guest being the President of France. It features the hustle and bustle of preparing for the Queen and her guest's arrival including some challenges and even the bringing in of a major theatrical production.
Part 2: Four Seasons is a brief look at the anchor events of the Royal Year including Easter, Garter Day, horse races at Royal Ascot, and Christmas. It is an interesting behind the scenes look at the different annual events.
Part 3: The Ranger is mostly about the grounds and the preserving of the castle for the next generation. It includes showing the farms, as well as the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla.
Questions for Students to Answer as They Watch
Part 1: The Banquet
What do the windows in the chapel commemorate? The fire of 1992
How far in advance do they start planning a state occasion? 6 months
What do fendersmiths normally do? Take care of the fireplaces
What stage production are they preparing for? Les Miserables
What country is the guest of honor from? France
Part 2: Four Seasons
When does the Windsor Royal Year Cycle begin? Easter
What is this time of year called? Easter Court
Who names the horses? The Queen
What is the second event shown of the Windsor Royal Cycle? Garter Day
What is the maximum number of Garter Knights that there can be at one time? 24
How many different ways are the household staff trained to fold napkins? 6
What is the third event shown? Horse Races at Royal Ascot
What wins in the Royal Hat bet? White
Who was the longest living member of the Royal family? Princess Alice of Gloucester
Part 3: The Ranger
The castle depends on ______ to maintain its art. (visitors/tourists)
Why is the horse show being moved to a new site? The show is getting to big for old site
What does mean that St. George’s is a Royal Peculiar? Not within a Church of England Diocese, only one boss, the Queen
What kind of farm is the Prince Consort’s Farm? Dairy
What was the old airfield turned into? Polo playing field called Smith’s Lawn
What does the ranger believe every ranger’s main duty is? To be a custodian of Windsor for the future
What wedding is shown in this part? Prince of Wales, Charles, marriage to Camilla