Crowning GLORY

CLIVE MYRIE on exploring the history of the Crown Jewels

- IAN MACEWAN, ELAINE REILLY

THE CROWN JEWELS

NEW HOLIDAY FRIDAY, 7.30PM, BBC1 FACTUAL

He's recently been busy reporting from war-torn Ukraine, so Clive Myrie was pleased to take on a rather less stressful assignment, much closer to home, as the presenter of a new documentary about the Crown Jewels.

Part of the BBC's celebrations to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the one-off special sees Clive explore the symbolic, historic and cultural value of the priceless collection that includes 13 crowns and nearly 24,000 gemstones, and is housed in the Tower of London.

The Mastermind host also traces the remarkable story of how Scotland's Crown Jewels, known as 'the Honours', were saved from being destroyed by 17th-century political leader Oliver Cromwell, plus he even tries his hand at making a crown!

TV Times caught up with Clive, 57, to find out more...

Clive, how familiar were you with the Crown Jewels before making this show?

I’d been to the Tower of London, but hadn’t seen the Crown Jewels, out about their history, and how they embody monarchy, power and strength. That’s why Oliver Cromwell felt he had to destroy them!