The Archers, the world's longest-running soap opera, has captivated the hearts of many, including members of the royal family. The late Princess Margaret was a devoted listener, so much so that she appeared on the show in 1984 and even 'shushed' Queen Elizabeth II during an episode. But the current Queen Camilla is no slouch in the Archers fandom department either. She's an 'Archers addict', having played herself in an episode in 2011 and met the cast on several occasions. During her investiture for an MBE in 2018, King Charles leaned over and whispered, 'My wife would be so jealous. She's such a fan.'
The show's longevity is marked by a UK tour featuring live episodes, question-and-answer sessions, and a glimpse into the making of sound effects. One of the cast members, Tim Bentinck, who has played David Archer since 1982, shared a memorable encounter with Princess Anne at an agricultural show. He performed a reggae version of The Archers' theme tune, and Princess Anne frowned at him, looking as if he was 'completely barking mad'.
However, Camilla's reception was warmer. She's described as 'so easy and so lovely', and during their last meeting, she seemed to understand the significance of her role as the Queen. Sunny Ormonde, the voice behind Lilian Bellamy, also had a delightful encounter with the Queen in 2011. The Queen asked about Sunny's laugh, and Sunny replied with a witty reference to gin. This shows how The Archers has been a source of comfort and joy for the royal family, providing a moment of lightheartedness in their busy lives.
Despite being an earl, Tim Bentinck had to lobby hard to get a part in The Crown. He eventually succeeded with a voiceover role as Sir John Betjeman and later appeared on screen as Henry Herbert, Earl of Carnarvon. However, he was slightly hurt when one of his scenes was cut. Tim has also lent his voice to various roles, including James Bond in a video game and the 'mind the gap' announcements on the London Underground.
The Archers' appeal extends beyond the royal family, as it has a certain cachet and is enjoyed by taxi drivers who recognize the voices. The show's longevity and its ability to connect with people from all walks of life make it a true British institution. As The Archers celebrates its 75th anniversary, it continues to entertain and comfort its listeners, proving that sometimes, the simplest things in life can bring the most joy.
