The British Royals in Popular Culture (Routledge Advances in Popular Culture Studies)

The British Royals in Popular Culture examines the intricate relationship between the monarchy and popular culture from the Tudors to the Windsors, illustrating how the institution has persistently adapted to maintain its symbolic, psychological, and theatrical significance over centuries. It underscores the intrigue and authority of the British royals, revealing the fine balance between public visibility and the maintenance of mystique that has been pivotal to their enduring presence.

Popular culture is a powerful lens through which to view the monarchy. As cultural industries have shifted over time, so too has the portrayal of the royals. The British royal family has continually navigated the complexities of celebrity culture. Through curated public appearances and carefully staged ceremonies, the royals have maintained their iconic status, bolstering the monarchy’s enduring appeal and cultural significance, while maintaining a mystique essential for ongoing fascination. With the death of Elizabeth II and the coronation of Charles III, this book emphasizes a renewed global interest in assessing how royals occupy cultural and social spaces. It invites readers to critically examine why in a contemporary world, where many sovereigns live largely out of the public eye, the British royals remain a captivating subject of public gaze.

Ultimately, this book highlights how the British royal family has evolved through popular culture, transforming from a historical institution into a global brand. By unpacking the fantasy and reality of the monarchy, it reveals how the royals navigate their roles, maintain their influence, and continually engage with society. In examining how they are fashioned and perceived through various cultural dimensions – from media to fashion, and weddings to state occasions – the text paints a comprehensive portrait of how the British monarchy has persisted through ongoing reinvention and adaptation.

Jo Coghlan’s research interests are in popular culture and material culture, in historical and contemporary contexts. Her research interests are in food studies, film and television studies, and everyday culture. Jo has published in the Australasian Journal of Popular Culture, Clothing Cultures, Film, Fashion and Consumption and Media/Culture Journal, and contributed to books on female political leaders and how they are represented in popular culture. Jo, along with Lisa Hackett and Huw Nolan, are the founders of The Popular Culture Research Network, Australia’s leading research network on popular culture and material studies, which brings together scholars and researchers who share a fascination in the academic inquiry into all manner of mass phenomena.

Lisa J. Hackett’s research examines aviation, fashion, clothing, uniform, and crime in popular culture through a sociological and historical lens to expose the ways popular culture objects define identity and social roles. She has published extensively in international journals and is currently writing a book about the history of chewing gum and along with Jo Coghlan has just written The Social and Cultural History of the Swimsuit for Reaktion Books.

Huw Nolan is an Animal Welfare Scientist and Ethicist with a strong passion for science and its portrayal in popular culture. His research investigates the implications of human imagination, beliefs, and intuitions on the welfare of animals and the environment. He is committed to scrutinizing the ethical dimensions of how non-human life is represented in popular media and its subsequent influence on societal attitudes and behaviors, combining his enthusiasm for science with a focus on its role in shaping public perceptions.