A collaboration with BBC Radio 4 to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Friend or Foe
For centuries, understanding enemies and forging alliances has been an essential component of statecraft. The Monarchy’s role in this complex process is explored through objects spanning almost 650 years.
François Clouet (c. 1520-1572)
Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87)
Johann Hass (active 1621-1650)
The Exeter Salt (The Salt of State)
British School, 16th century
The Field of the Cloth of Gold
Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87)
Embroidered panel
Ministry of Defence [Great Britain]
Facsimile of Victoria Cross metal
? English
Great George
English
Garter star
Henry VIII, King of England (1491-1547)
The Suffolk Garter Book
Cundall & Howlett
Private Jesse Lockhurst and Private Thomas O'Brien
Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830)