Royal Visit to the TARDIS
Thursday, 4 July 2013 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Roath Lock Studios as part of their annual summer tour of Wales yesterday, coming face-to-face with the Doctor and a number of his foes! In the first Royal visit to the BBC Cymru Wales Roath Lock studios since they officially opened in March 2012, the visitors were taken on a tour around the studios and the Doctor Who production office. After being given a rundown on how to fly the TARDIS, The Prince and The Duchess were then introduced to the Daleks, with the Prince demonstrating his own take on their famous cry. The were also treated to displays from the show’s costume designer, locations manager, graphics artist, set decorator and production designer, plus production secrets revealed with a green screen display, demonstrated by SFX.
The visit concluded with Their Royal Highnesses meeting some of the Skillset apprentices who are currently training at Roath Lock.
Commenting on the visit, outgoing Doctor, Matt Smith, said:
It was great to welcome The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to set today. Showing them how to fly the TARDIS was a real treat and something I never thought I would be doing when I first took on the role. The Prince of Wales said he remembers watching the show when he was 15 and seemed very knowledgeable on the Who history, so it’s nice to think they are watching.
Jenna Coleman - who met the Queen at Broadcasting House last month - added:Meeting The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today was such an honour. The Prince was particularly interested in the mechanics of how the TARDIS works and the storyline for the upcoming 50th anniversary special, but I didn’t give too many secrets away.
Executive producer and lead writer Steven Moffat said:I haven't thought about how I could weave a meeting between the Doctor and the royal family. But Prince Charles's attempt at being a Dalek was great. There would be a part in the show for him if he wanted it.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director BBC Cymru Wales:
It's been a very special day - and a moment to celebrate everything that's been achieved at Roath Lock. Doctor Who's success worldwide is a remarkable story, and I was particularly delighted that our Royal visitors were able to meet the brilliant production team. They are very special talents - and BBC Cymru Wales is immensely proud of their achievements.
Danny Cohen, Director BBC Television:The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall seemed to thoroughly enjoy their visit to the set of Doctor Who. The Prince did an extremely good impression of the voice of the Daleks using the special audio effects. Following his time in the TARDIS we may well have an exciting new option for the casting of the next Doctor.
Videos from the visit can be found on the BBC News site, which include Matt and Jenna's thoughts on meeting the Prince (and his chances of being the next Doctor!), and of the TARDIS set visit (which includes a brief discussion between Jenna and Prince about the 50th Anniversary Special). Photo galleries are also available from both BBC News and the BBC's Doctor Who website.
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