Water Music that the Elector of Hanover approved of Handel's permanent move to London, knowing the separation between them would be temporary. Both were aware the Elector of Hanover would eventually succeed to the British throne after Queen Anne's death. Many portions of "Water Music" have become familiar in popular culture. From 1958 to 1988 this was featured as the theme music from the British network Anglia Television a brand by ITV. From 1977 to 1996, Walt Disney World featured movements from both installments of "Water Music" as the background music for the Electrical Water Pageant, a parade of sea creatures lit
The Royal Opera were, according to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", "beside themselves with enthusiasm". In 1968, on the recommendation of the Home Secretary, James Callaghan, the Queen conferred the title "The Royal Opera" on the company. It was the third stage company in the UK to be so honoured, following the Royal Ballet and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Webster retired in June 1970. The music critic Charles Osborne wrote, "When he retired, he handed over to his successor an organization of which any opera house in the world might be proud. No memorial could be more appropriate". The successor was Webster's former assistant,