The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II, 2nd of 5 -- The Magic Circle [30min]

As the Queen approaches her 80th birthday, Anthony Howard looks back at key episodes that have marked her reign. How much power is invested in the monarchy and what part does it play in the constitution? Ministers (much to Tony Benn's annoyance) and bishops in the Church of England still take an oath of allegiance to the Queen and she retains the right to withhold or grant the dissolution of Parliament. But her limited powers were reduced further after a controversial decision to appoint Alec Douglas-Home over Rab Butler in 1963. With contributions from Sir Edward Heath, Lord Callaghan and Tony Benn.