ROYAL UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS

Cinemavixion Review

In "Royal Upstairs Downstairs," presenters Rosemary Shrager and Tim Wonnacott offer a fascinating glimpse into historical hospitality at Yorkshire's Castle Howard. The program delves into the grandeur and meticulous preparations undertaken to host Queen Victoria, highlighting the efforts of the Carlisle family's ancestors. The narrative is enriched by interviews with the current Earl, Simon Howard, who shares intriguing anecdotes about the royal visit and its impact. Meanwhile, Rosemary Shrager transports viewers to the culinary heart of the era, recreating a signature 19th-century dish fit for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This documentary beautifully juxtaposes the opulence of the 'upstairs' world with the practicalities of the 'downstairs' kitchens, providing a comprehensive and engaging look at a significant historical event through the lens of social history and gastronomy.