Channel 5’s Inside the Tower of London returns, and if you thought a few beefeaters shuffling around constituted high drama, prepare to be corrected. This week, the series offers a front-row seat to the Constable’s Dues, a 700-year-old tradition that, in 2024, apparently involved more pageantry than a royal wedding.
Forget the usual hushed reverence. This year’s Dues ups the ante considerably. We’re talking over 80 Royal Marine commandos, high-speed boats zipping down the Thames, a Royal Navy helicopter buzzing overhead, and a Royal Marine marching band providing the soundtrack.
At the heart of this organized chaos is Yeoman Gaoler Clive Towell. He’s tasked with the ceremonial challenge, confronting the arriving commandos at the Tower gate as part of a time-honored security protocol. It’s a theatrical standoff with just the right touch of historical gravitas, reminding us that even in the 21st century, some traditions die hard.
The episode aims to capture the intricate choreography behind this elaborate display. Viewers can expect a glimpse into the logistical wizardry required to pull off such a spectacle, from coordinating the various military branches to ensuring the ravens don’t stage a mutiny.
Tune in to Channel 5 this Thursday, November 28, 2024, to witness this historical extravaganza.
