BBCWW, Food Net get royal treatment

Royal family fever continues as the UK’s Food Network and BBC Worldwide (BBCWW) both pick up new programmes about the British monarchy.

Food Network has acquired Secrets of the Royal Kitchen (1×60′) from UK-based distributor DRG. The show features former royal chef Graham Newbound, who reveals tips on cooking for the British monarchs.

“With everyone experiencing royal fever these days, Food Network UK is serving up the perfect wedding appetiser with Secrets of the Royal Kitchen,” said Nick Thorogood, MD of EMEA for the Scripps Networks Interactive/Chello Zone joint-venture cable channel.

It debuts on Food Network on April 17 in a mid-afternoon slot, with two further showings on April 28 and 29, the latter being the day of the royal wedding.

Meanwhile, BBCWW has snapped up global distribution rights to North Pole Warriors (working title), a TwoFour-produced doc following Prince Harry on a charity trek to the North Pole. The young royal’s team comprises Afghanistan war veterans.

Last week, the BBC’s commissioning editor for formats and features Alison Kirkham ordered the programme for UK pubcaster BBC1. The special, executive produced by Bridget Sneyd and Melanie Leach, will debut at MipTV next week.

In related news, US network NBC has hooked up with ITN, UK terrestrial ITV’s news arm, to broadcast 20 hours of combined coverage of the royal wedding with MSNBC, including a 60-minute primetime documentary.

NBC News coverage will also go out on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and GetGlue.