HRM JE

A bit of randomness from the "it's a public holiday, why are we on the computer?!" pile. This is from the Adelaide Advertiser on July 21st 2000, by Patrick McDonald and Simon Yeaman.

* Royal in focus BRITISH TV company ITV is planning a $5 million drama about the Queen Mother, focusing on her life as a young woman, wife and mother. Sources say the project, expected to go into production next year, will start with the abdication of Edward VIII and the then-Duchess of York's feelings about her brother-in-law and Wallace Simpson.

It will include a tender account of her relationship with and marriage to the shy Duke of York, later George VI, and show her wartime efforts and devastation at becoming a widow at age 51 in 1952. The film is expected to end with the Coronation of her elder daughter, Elizabeth II.

Pride and Prejudice star Jennifer Ehle is said to be among those considered for the lead role.

According to a senior royal aide, the Queen Mother a keen TV viewer would "take no interest in it".

In other royal news, it has been confirmed the Queen Mother will receive a telegram from her daughter on her 100th birthday.