3. Thoroughly Modern Monarch

In this episode of Radio 4's new podcast on the life of Elizabeth II, James Naughtie looks at how she put her stamp on the monarchy. In the 1950s, Britain - and the Commonwealth - were changing fast and the public expected to see and hear a different style from Buckingham Palace. Yet achieving that while also maintaining the royal traditions that she regarded as a bedrock was a formidable challenge for the young queen. And not all her actions won golden opinions - indeed, some of the sharpest criticism she received came from a surprising quarter. With the help of some of those who observed her at close quarters, we find out how the sovereign responded.