The Crown - "hyde Park Corner" - Pilot Episode (screenplay) w605u

THE CROWN by Peter Morgan

Episode I "Hyde Park Corner"

Draft 1

9th December, 2013

© Left Bank Pictures 7th Floor, The Place 175 High Holborn WC1V 7AA

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FADE IN: 1

INT. THRONE ROOM - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DUSK

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A series of faces. Stern. Tense. Formidable. The faces of the British Establishment. CAPTION: “19th NOVEMBER, 1947” King George VI, the Lord Chamberlain, the Master of the Household, the Secretary of the Central Chancery, The King’s Private Secretary (Lascelles), the Lord Chancellor, (keeper of the Privy Seal), the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, two of the privy Council, and the Home Secretary. All are assembled in a rich, baroque room at Buckingham Palace, necks craned, watching intently as.. A fountain pen scratches across parchment. The 26-year-old PHILIP MOUNTBATTEN signs his name.. LORD CHAMBERLAIN Here, Sir. Once. LORD CHAMBERLAIN And here. Twice. LORD CHAMBERLAIN Thank you, Sir. Three times. Intricate legal documents. Then PHILIP kneels in anticipation as his father-in-law-to-be anoints him.. KING GEORGE Philip Mountbatten, Baron Greenwich, Earl of Merioneth, Duke of Edinburgh.. The KING puts a wide blue sash over PHILIP’s shoulder, then pins a medal to his chest, a gleaming Garter Star. KING GEORGE ...Knight of the Garter. PHILIP rises. Shakes the KING’s hand. PHILIP Thank you, Sir. Silence in the room. One or two eyes look away. Throats cleared. People check their watches. There is no one present for whom this is a particularly happy moment.

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INT. CENTRE ROOM - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - SAME TIME

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But there is one person who is happy about this. PRINCESS ELIZABETH, the 21-year-old heir to the throne, who waits in a neighbouring room.. She stares out of a window. A window etched with raindrops. Looking out into the Mall. The real world. A world she barely knows. The Royal Standard fluttering in the wind. Presently, from next door, the sound of doors opening. The dark rumble of male voices and laughter. ELIZABETH goes to the door. Walks out into the corridor. 3

INT. CORRIDOR - PALACE - DAY

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She sees all the white-haired men emerging from the investiture in conversation. Walking off together. Familiar to one another. Friends. of the same club. Finally PHILIP emerges. Handsome and immaculate. Naval uniform. Garter sash. Medals. But something unmistakably dangerous about him, too. Not part of the ‘club’. ELIZABETH stares at him. Still the swooning fourteen year old girl with a rebellious crush she was the day she met him. ELIZABETH How was it? “Your Royal Highness?” He lights a cigarette. PHILIP They got through it. I got through it. He looks at her. The blunt humour. The hint of danger. PHILIP Think they’d all have preferred a nice, pink-faced Marquis with a grouse moor in the Scottish Borders. (feigns seriousness) Are you sure you wouldn’t have preferred one of those? ELIZABETH watches PHILIP inhale deeply. ELIZABETH Must you smoke? You know how I hate it.

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PHILIP Pity. Because I love it so very much. And like a great many other things, I’m going to give it all up...for you. He takes a last puff. Savours it. Eyes closed. Then breaks into a smile, and stubs it out. ELIZABETH You’ve still got twenty-four hours to change your mind. PHILIP No. You’ll be marrying a non-smoker. ELIZABETH I meant about everything. PHILIP What? You think I can still change my mind, now? He indicates his Garter sash. His medal. His ‘rewards’. PHILIP I’ve signed myself away. ELIZABETH Or won the biggest prize on earth. PHILIP That’s certainly what they think. He looks at her. His face softens. PHILIP It’s what I think, too. He kisses her on the forehead. PHILIP See you tomorrow. Try to get some sleep. ELIZABETH You, too. PHILIP A naval officer’s stag night? Chance’d be a fine thing. He goes. 4

EXT. DORCHESTER HOTEL - NIGHT Cars arriving outside the central London hotel.

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INT. DORCHESTER HOTEL - NIGHT

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PHILIP’s stag party. A group of his fellow naval officers and friends. Everyone in starched white Naval evening dress. Impossibly elegant. The EARL OF MOUNTBATTEN (briefly back from India) is the senior guest along with various captains and 1st lieutenants from 27th Destroyer Flotilla. At that moment a pack of press PHOTOGRAPHERS are invited in to take photographs. MOUNTBATTEN Who let them in? A ripple of groans as the Naval officers reluctantly agree to let the photographers take some photos. MOUNTBATTEN (barks authoritatively) Sixty seconds, that’s all you’ve got. MOUNTBATTEN turns to PHILIP as they pose for the shots. MOUNTBATTEN So, what’s it to be? After the honeymoon? PHILIP I’m aiming for Malta. MOUNTBATTEN Very wise. A nice naval officer’s posting overseas. Away from court. The two of you’ll be able to totally disappear into the background, and live like normal people. (calling out) Thirty seconds! The PHOTOGRAPHERS continue to take pictures. MOUNTBATTEN stays close to PHILIP... MOUNTBATTEN Speaking of normal people, I spoke to the Lord Chancellor, who confirmed what I always suspected; that the Proclamation Act of 1917 which changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor made one significant omission. PHILIP Namely?

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MOUNTBATTEN It failed to include George V's FEMALE descendants. (barks to PHOTOGRAPHERS) That’s enough now. But the PHOTOGRAPHERS continue without heeding MOUNTBATTEN. MOUNTBATTEN It means those females, of whom the woman you’re marrying is one, are free to behave like every other NORMAL woman in the country, and take their names from... PHILIP From? MOUNTBATTEN Their husbands. Which would mean a royal house, in your name, dear boy. ‘Mountbatten’. PHILIP But it’s not my real name, Uncle. It’s my adoptive name. MOUNTBATTEN True. PHILIP A name I took to make me acceptable to the British establishment. To stop me appearing to be the rootless foreigner they all think I am. And since the name I took is YOURS, it would be a royal house not in MY name, so much as YOURS. MOUNTBATTEN shrugs, feigning innocence. MOUNTBATTEN If you insist. 6

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - ELIZABETH’S ROOM - NIGHT ELIZABETH is in her room. Reading a book. A scratch at the door, then it opens. MARGARET, her younger sister enters. MARGARET Can’t sleep. You? ELIZABETH No.

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MARGARET So much noise outside. Have you had a look? ELIZABETH I looked earlier. When I went to bed. MARGARET How many were there then? ELIZABETH Eighty? A hundred? MARGARET Have another look now. ELIZABETH gets out of bed, walks over to the window. Outside: a sea of several thousand people waiting in the MALL. MARGARET Have they nothing better to do? MARGARET looks at ELIZABETH. MARGARET Nervous? ELIZABETH A little. MARGARET Not a lot? Not absolutely terrified and falling apart inside? ELIZABETH What’d be the point of that? That’d be no use to anyone. MARGARET Typical Lilibet. Coping heroically. As always. No fuss. MARGARET yawns. MARGARET I’d better try to get some sleep, I want to look irresistible tomorrow. ELIZABETH Who for? MARGARET Someone. ELIZABETH Who?

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MARGARET Someone unsuitable. ELIZABETH How unsuitable? MARGARET VERY unsuitable. ELIZABETH Who? MARGARET smiles enigmatically, heads for the door.. ELIZABETH Margaret? You can’t just go.. But MARGARET does. ELIZABETH is left by the window. She looks out one more time...hiding from view... Then draws the curtains shut. 7

EXT. 28 HYDE PARK GATE - CHURCHILL RESIDENCE - DAY

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To establish: a private address. Number 28, Hyde Park Gate. A brick house in a cul-de-sac, off Kensington Road. In close proximity to the House of Commons. The Churchill residence. 8

INT. 28 HYDE PARK GATE - CHURCHILL RESIDENCE - DAY 73-year-old WINSTON CHURCHILL wheezes, puffs, short of breath, as he finishes getting dressed in morning coat. An almighty exertion. Clearly not a well man. A knock at the door. His wife, CLEMMIE (62), pops her head around the door... CLEMMIE C’mon. We’re late. WINSTON looks up with difficulty. WINSTON Almost there. CLEMMIE Very late. CLEMMIE goes. CHURCHILL straightens, a cunning glint in his eye. We realize his slowness is intentional. “Snap”, a moment later the door opens again...

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CLEMMIE Unbecomingly late. CLEMMIE goes. CHURCHILL slows down again. Taking his time. “Snap”, the door opens. CLEMMIE reappears, and barks. CLEMMIE Unpardonably late! 9

INT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - DAY

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Theatre of pomp and circumstance; the pre-eminent religious cathedral in the United Kingdom. Since 1066, the traditional place of coronation and burial for British monarchs. Today the Abbey is full. Two thousand five hundred guests. Entire Royal dynasties, Heads of State. The men spectacular in morning dress or uniforms and the ladies wear floor-length dresses, elbow-length white gloves, jewels and tiaras or hats, many with feathered plumes. Heads turn as the QUEEN and QUEEN MARY arrive. Both Queens sporting Garter badges and sashes. The organist plays. 10

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EXT. STREETS - DAY

The Irish State Coach (blue and black, with gilt decoration, and red-spoked wheels) carrying PRINCESS ELIZABETH and her father. They talk between waves to streets lined with people. ELIZABETH I’ve asked Mummy already, but maybe I should ask you. From a man’s perspective. KING GEORGE What? ELIZABETH What it takes? KING GEORGE What it takes to what? He looks at his daughter. KING GEORGE Oh.. (thinks) Do not look for perfection in him. Or yourself. Be patient, flexible and understanding. ELIZABETH Right.

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KING GEORGE Learn to forgive and forget. ELIZABETH I’ll try. KING GEORGE Stand together facing the world. And never forget to say “sorry” and “thank you”. Twenty times a day. ELIZABETH That often? KING GEORGE At least! And always that independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and obligation is reciprocal. The coach is stopped. Uniformed POLICEMEN confer with the driver. The KING is dressed in the uniform of the iral of the Fleet. He looks up, irritated. KING GEORGE What’s going on? The FOOTMAN steps down. Embarrassed. FOOTMAN Still waiting on one guest, Sir. KING GEORGE What?? FOOTMAN I’m told his car’s pulling in now. So we’ll be on our way shortly. The FOOTMAN goes. The KING shakes his head, tutting to himself. KING GEORGE He’s got nerve. You have to give him that. ELIZABETH You know who it is? ELIZABETH wears a pearl and crystal encrusted ivory silk dress, with a 15ft train. Tiara and necklace. KING GEORGE My dear, there’s only ONE MAN ON EARTH that’d have the temerity to keep the King of England waiting on the day of his daughter’s wedding.

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EXT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - DAY

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Car doors open, and WINSTON CHURCHILL gets out, with his wife, CLEMMIE. It’s the arrival of a movie star. 12


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CHURCHILL enters the Abbey with CLEMMIE. The last guest. It's a dramatic, theatrical entrance. As he enters, heads turn, and then something happens that will be talked about for generations to come. One by one, the assembled Crown Heads of Europe - the loftiest guest list in the world - gets to its feet. The King and Queen of Denmark, the King of Norway, Prince Regent and Prince Bernhardt of the Netherlands, King Michael and the Queen Mother of Romania, Queen Frederika of Greece, the Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden, the King of Iraq, the Prince Regent of Belgium, the Prince and Princess of Luxembourg, the Count of Barcelona and his mother Queen Ena of Spain... All rise out of respect. Also in the congregation, the dashing ANTHONY EDEN looks at his friends, and gets, reluctantly, to his feet. EDEN Oh for God’s sake. SALISBURY The man really has no shame. A gang of Conservative plotters watch hatefully as CHURCHILL milks the moment - ‘BOBBETY’ SALISBURY, along with HARRY CROOKSHANK, JAMES STUART, ANTHONY EDEN, and OTHERS. SALISBURY You realise this is for our benefit. EDEN Oh, I know. And also a little bit for our Prime Minister. CLEMENT ATTLEE, the Prime Minister, rolls his eyes and deliberately - pointedly - remains seated. He is dressed in a simple lounge suit, surrounded by several ancient, wheezing, socialists; battle-weary, dilapidated of the Labour Cabinet, also in lounge suits, (STAFFORD CRIPPS, ERNEST BEVIN). A striking contrast to the majority of morningsuited/uniformed men in the congregation.

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CHURCHILL finally reaches his seat. A fanfare of trumpets. The 21-year-old Elizabeth enters, accompanied by the King. The procession walks down the aisle led by choir boys of the Chapel Royal, followed by the various deans, bishops and archbishops. 13

INT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - LATER

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ELIZABETH and PHILIP kneel before the altar on boxes draped in rose-coloured silk. The ARCHBISHOP turns to ELIZABETH. ARCHBISHOP Elizabeth, wilt thou have this Man to be thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live? ELIZABETH I will. 14

INT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - SAME TIME

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CHURCHILL scowls disapprovingly from his place in the congregation, then whispers loudly to CLEMMIE. WINSTON It’s a mistake I tell you. CLEMMIE Sssshh!! WINSTON Who is this immigrant foundling we’re ushering into our palaces? Heads turn in the row in front of him. WINSTON Just three weeks ago he renounced his religion. Greek Orthodox! His sisters have not been invited. Why? Because each is married to Nazis. (indicates) Just look at his relatives! CHURCHILL nods in the direction of a group of European royal guests seated on the other side.

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WINSTON A motley collection of fugitive royal beggars who’ve crawled out of their hiding places and garrets. Our princess was born in a palace, into the most evolved monarchy in Western Europe. He was born on a kitchen table in Corfu. CHURCHILL indicates the tall, imposing figure of MOUNTBATTEN, done out in top naval rig, with his wife LADY MOUNTBATTEN, sporting two enormous, too flamboyant feathered plumes on her head... WINSTON This whole thing is Mountbatten’s triumph. He engineered it all. (with evident disdain) The man who gave India away. 15

INT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - LATER

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Meanwhile, back at the altar.. ELIZABETH I Elizabeth Alexandra Mary take thee Philip, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth. PHILIP puts the ring on ELIZABETH’s finger. PHILIP With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The ARCHBISHOP extends his hands.. ARCHBISHOP Let us pray. O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace... 16

INT. ST. EDWARD’S CHAPEL - DAY

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The bride and groom sign the in a small chapel off the main Abbey.

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As do the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Dean of Westminster, the KING and QUEEN, Philip's MOTHER and the ancient QUEEN MARY. As they sign we hear... ARCHBISHOP (V.O.) ...the Author of everlasting life; Send thy bleson these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that they may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (a beat) Those whom God hath ed together let no man put asunder. 17


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Mendelsohn's “Wedding March” plays as everyone exits the Abbey through the West Door. KING GEORGE finds himself next to CHURCHILL. A warm greeting between the two men. KING GEORGE Would it be very unconstitutional of me to say how much I miss our weekly chats? KING GEORGE indicates the Labour Prime Minister, CLEMENT ATTLEE, a few steps behind them. KING GEORGE You successor is.. (tails off) Well, it would be indiscrete of me to say. WINSTON Then allow me to say it for you. “Last week an empty taxi pulled up outside the House of Commons, and Mr. Attlee got out.” KING GEORGE laughs. The two evidently firm friends. KING GEORGE I shall never understand how he and his party won the election, after you’d won us the war. WINSTON Nor I, Sir. And now look at the mess they’ve got us in.

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They walk past the same group of senior Conservative plotters, led by the dashing EDEN - fed up with CHURCHILL still being leader of their Party. EDEN scowls as he sees CHURCHILL. EDEN If it weren’t hurting the party so much, you’d have to ire his tenacity. SALISBURY He should have stepped down as Leader when he lost us the election last time. Even his wife pleaded with him not to carry on, thought his loss a blessing in disguise. The old fool should step down now. EDEN Can you see him doing it? SALISBURY No. He’ll cling on forever. Unless of course... EDEN Of course..? SALISBURY He’s pushed. (a meaningful look) By the person the party and the country wants to see replace him. EDEN’s face: knowing what SALISBURY says is true. 18

INT. ST JAMES’ PALACE - DAY ELIZABETH and PHILIP are shown into a large baroque room. ELIZABETH Goodness. PHILIP (under his breath) Christ. REVERSE ANGLE: now we see what they are staring at. A room literally packed to the ceiling with gifts. KING GEORGE Did we count them yet?

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LASCELLES Two thousand five hundred gifts, Sir. And ten thousand telegrams of congratulation. KING GEORGE And I thought we’d done well. QUEEN MOTHER Nothing close to this. MARGARET is excitedly taking photos. PHILIP Don’t let anyone see those pictures. Two million people out of work out there. Still starving on rations. MARGARET Oh, don’t be such a stick in the mud. If people are gloomy out there, we can always open this place up, put the presents on show, it’d cheer everyone up. QUEEN MOTHER And we can charge them a schilling to come and look at them. PHILIP If they had any sense they’d storm the palaces. Have our heads on spikes. KING GEORGE How do you want to do this? We can have people help you open them, make a list. Then we’ll get the secretaries to start drafting letters of thanks. ELIZABETH No. We’ll do it all ourselves, won’t we? PHILIP Will we? ELIZABETH Of course. PHILIP nervously feels his neck. 19

INT. BEDROOM - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - NIGHT ELIZABETH walks into their bedroom. ELIZABETH Did you have a favourite?

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PHILIP I’d have to say the tray cloth spun by Gandhi at his own wheel. ELIZABETH Oh, I thought that VERY indelicate. Mummy said it looked like a loincloth. We had the motif translated. You know what it said? “Jai Hind” PHILIP What’s that? ELIZABETH “Victory for India.” PHILIP laughs. PHILIP How about you? ELIZABETH Margaret gave me a picnic basket, which I thought VERY practical. But best of all was this. ELIZABETH holds open a box. Inside a Super 8 camera. PHILIP Who’s that from? ELIZABETH Papa. PHILIP You’re not going to use it now, are you? ELIZABETH Is that a dare? The two fall into one another’s arms. The camera lies on the bed. FADE TO BLACK: 20

FLICKERING SUPER 8 FOOTAGE

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A newborn infant cries into the lens of the Super-8 camera. ELIZABETH and PHILIP play with their new baby, CHARLES in the garden at Sandringham. GEORGE struggles to unhook Charles’ cardigan - which has become caught on Elizabeth’s brooch...

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PHILIP is in white naval uniform. He and ELIZABETH kiss their baby son goodbye... 22


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Malta. PHILIP is on a naval frigate, the Magpie. Inspecting his subordinate officers and sailors - who line up and salute him in respect. He wears sunglasses - dapper and confident. 23


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A ball is taking place in the grand ballroom at the Hotel Phoenicia, in Valletta, Malta. All the men in naval uniforms. Everyone is dancing. PHILIP and ELIZABETH among the dancers. 24


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ELIZABETH is six months pregnant. 25


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PHILIP is playing with their two children, CHARLES and baby ANNE at Sandringham. 26


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Back in Malta. PHILIP driving, fast, in an open-top MG sportscar; ELIZABETH filming, sun-drenched countryside in the background. 27


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ELIZABETH is on the telephone, listening intently. Her expression changes. Suddenly serious. She gestures to PHILIP to stop filming. 28

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

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KING GEORGE VI is undergoing an operation at the Palace. A large team of doctors (nine), surgeons, nurses. 29


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ELIZABETH, PHILIP, QUEEN MARY, QUEEN ELIZABETH, MARGARET and several senior courtiers are sitting in a room.

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No one speaks. Profound concern on everyone’s faces. Eventually the lead SURGEON enters the room. He manages a reassuring smile. The operation has gone satisfactorily. Relief breaks out in the room. OVER THIS: the sound of a radio. RADIO ...in the weeks leading up to the election the Tories had a comfortable lead in the polls, but it now looks like - come election day - that margin has become increasingly narrow, and the outcome is now too close to call... 30

INT. YELLOW DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT

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The still-recuperating KING and QUEEN are sitting in a room listening to the wireless. But we notice that this is a diminished KING - frail, vulnerable, older-looking - a man who has undergone numerous operations - most recently one to remove his left lung. The FOOTMEN enter bringing food. QUEEN ELIZABETH Did you send for food? KING GEORGE (hoarsely) I did. Looks like it’s going to be a long night. (to FOOTMAN) The fire, please? (rubbing hands) A nail-biter. QUEEN ELIZABETH smiles - glad that the KING is taking interest in things again. The FOOTMAN goes to put some more logs on the fire. QUEEN ELIZABETH Mulligatawny? The QUEEN smells the soup and groans. KING GEORGE Yummy. QUEEN ELIZABETH Marmalade sandwiches?

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KING GEORGE Heaven. The QUEEN’s face falls. Puts the lid back on the soup. QUEEN ELIZABETH Would you mind if I left you to bite your nails on your own? KING GEORGE Not at all. (putting on napkin) All the more for me. The QUEEN reaches the door. Manages a concerned smile. The KING erupts into a fit of COUGHING. 31

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - NIGHT

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QUEEN ELIZABETH is in her bedroom, speaking on the telephone to her eldest daughter. QUEEN MOTHER I’m so happy he’s eating again. Even if what he’s eating is inedible, and I’m glad he’s taking an interest in the election. (a beat) Will you be able to follow it? Where are you? Vancouver? 32

INT. BRITISH EMBASSY - WASHINGTON, DC - DAY

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PRINCESS ELIZABETH, now 25, and the mother of two young children, is in an Embassy reception room, on the telephone to her mother. (We intercut between the two locations as necessary). ELIZABETH Washington. We’ve come to America for a few days. Philip’s downstairs. Listening on the wireless. QUEEN MOTHER Who will he be cheering for? The other side? ELIZABETH You’d have to ask him. QUEEN MOTHER I don’t need to. It’s obvious. He’s a leftist, just like his Uncle. He can’t actually BELIEVE what they stand for. I expect he does it just to annoy us.

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ELIZABETH You might give him a bit more credit than that. QUEEN MOTHER How is he? You said he was unsettled last week. ELIZABETH Still a bit unsettled. But looking forward to coming home tomorrow. Try to look at it from his point of view. He was happy in Malta. Very happy. And then we were asked to return... QUEEN MOTHER When your father became ill. ELIZABETH But if you want to know why he gnashes sometimes...that’s the explanation. QUEEN MOTHER He’d sooner be in billeted accommodation in Malta than Clarence House in London? ELIZABETH He’d sooner be in the Navy. That’s his life. And frankly the one community that’s been a real family to him. The QUEEN MOTHER looks up. QUEEN MOTHER Why? Whatever’s wrong with US? 33

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - MORNING

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Daylight fills the corridors. A mouse busying itself in a corner. It sits up, then scurries for safety as it hears... ...the sound of approaching footsteps... 34

THREE PAIRS OF POLISHED BLACK SHOES ...turn a corner, and walk purposefully. Three liveried FOOTMEN carrying newspapers, tea, etc. They head through corridors of the palace. They reach a door. Knock gently. Unsure what to do, they enter.

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INT. DRAWING-ROOM - DAY

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The same (darkened) drawing-room as the night before. The KING is fast asleep in a chair. Curtains are drawn. The FOOTMEN tiptoe to the curtains, and open them. Light floods in. The KING slowly wakes. KING GEORGE What time is it? FOOTMAN Eight thirty, Sir. KING GEORGE I must have fallen asleep. The wireless still plays in the corner of the room. KING GEORGE And? VALET And what, Sir? KING GEORGE Who won??? The FOOTMAN presents the KING with the newspapers, (WE DON”T SEE THEM). The KING looks at the papers, then his face breaks out in a smile. Visibly relieved. KING GEORGE Oh, thank goodness! On the wireless: we hear that the newly (re)elected Prime Minister is arriving at his constituency. KING GEORGE What’s wrong with you, man? Smile! The FOOTMAN stops and stares in horror. Another mouse is scurrying across the floor. It scurries right past the KING himself. 36

EXT. WOODFORD TOWN HALL - DAY

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CHURCHILL stands on the steps of the town hall, in his home constituency; CLEMMIE by his side. He is surrounded by TV and FILM cameras. A CROWD of people has turned up to hear him speak.

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WINSTON A hard task lies before us. Fifty million people are now crowded in our small island which produces food for only three-fifths of them, and has to earn the rest from over the seas by exporting manufactures for which we must also first import the raw material. No community of such a size, and standing at so high a level of civilisation, has ever been economically so precariously poised. An ever larger and more formidable world is growing up around us. The realities which confront us are numerous, adverse and stubborn. For the last two years our island has been distracted by party strife and electioneering. What the nation needs is several years of quiet, steady istration. I thank the returning office and all who have assisted, for the faithful and cheerful and efficient way in which they have discharged their duties, and I wish you all - whatever party you belong good fortune for yourselves and for our Island Home. CHURCHILL ends the speech by saying... WINSTON And now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go to Buckingham Palace to ask the King’s permission to form a government. Cheers. CHURCHILL goes through the crowd, being congratulated and clapped. He gets into his car. 37

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY A FOOTMAN is on the phone. Listens. Nods. FOOTMAN When can we expect him? (listens) Right you are. He looks up at the MASTER OF THE HOUSEHOLD... FOOTMAN On his way. Ten minutes. Another FOOTMAN nods.

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The MASTER OF THE HOUSEHOLD walks through corridors. MASTER OF HOUSEHOLD Five minutes. 39


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The MASTER OF THE HOUSEHOLD’s office. FOOTMAN He’s pulling in now. The MASTER of THE HOUSEHOLD hangs up the phone, gets to his feet. Shoots his cuffs. This is important. MASTER OF HOUSEHOLD Right. 40

EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

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A black car sweeps through the North-centre gate, through the North side arch and into the inner quadrangle. The car comes to a standstill. The door opens. A pair of black boots get out and walk to the rear of the car. The trunk opens and a large black bag is pulled out. The MASTER of the HOUSEHOLD and two liveried FOOTMEN appear in a doorway. MASTER OF HOUSEHOLD Are we happy to see YOU, Sir! VERMIN CATCHER People generally are. Until they get the bill. MASTER OF HOUSEHOLD This way. Something of an infestation. The MAN is led into the palace. We PULL BACK to reveal his car on which is written...VERMIN SOLUTIONS. As they disappear inside, another CAR sweeps into the quadrangle. It reaches another door, where the King’s EQUERRY, a handsome RAF officer aged 37, (Group Capt PETER TOWNSEND), in military uniform is waiting. Car doors open, and CLEMENT ATTLEE gets out.

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TOWNSEND Mr. Attlee. ATTLEE (correcting) Prime Minister, to you, Captain Townsend. My resignation has not yet been accepted. ATTLEE brushes past TOWNSEND. TOWNSEND Forgive me, Sir. (corrects himself) Prime Minister. TOWNSEND closes his eyes, “Damn”, then follows. 41

EXT. 28 HYDE PARK GATE - CHURCHILL RESIDENCE - DAY

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CHURCHILL returns to Hyde Park Square. 42

INT. 28 HYDE PARK GATE - CHURCHILL RESIDENCE - DAY

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CHURCHILL walks into his house to be told by a servant. SERVANT Mr. Eden is here for you? WINSTON What? Now? SERVANT He said it was important. WINSTON I have to get changed. Put my morning coat out, will you? 43

INT. 28 HYDE PARK GATE - CHURCHILL RESIDENCE

- DAY

EDEN skulks dangerously in the library. His face cast on shadows. CHURCHILL enters. WINSTON Anthony, it’s not a good time... EDEN What will you give me? WINSTON What?

43

25.

EDEN If I’m to be denied the leadership I deserve, that people want, I want to know what compensation I will receive. WINSTON I am not yet P.M. EDEN I demand to know. WINSTON Foreign Office. EDEN It’s not enough. WINSTON It’s the jewel in the Crown. EDEN No, Winston. (pointed) You have that. WINSTON Then what? I can’t give you the Exchequer, too. EDEN Deputy PM. WINSTON Why? EDEN It’s the only office that sends out a clear enough signal... WINSTON The King won’t accept it. It’s unconstitutional. EDEN ...that I will be your successor... WINSTON I have not yet got my feet under the desk. I have not yet been asked by our King to form a government. And you are already talking about succeeding me? EDEN I would remind you this a conversation which should not be happening. You should not be there at all.

26.

WINSTON I just won us an election. EDEN Labour just LOST us an election. It should have been a landslide in our favour. Thanks to you, it was close. CHURCHILL stares at EDEN. WINSTON I’ve never seen you like this before. I thought you above it. Had I known you’d have such pusillanimity in you, I’d never have groomed you the way I have. EDEN Groom me in order to humiliate me. Let’s be clear. The situation between us has changed. You need ME more than I need YOU now. CHURCHILL looks at him. There is open hostility in EDEN’s face. WINSTON You’re tired, Anthony. Go home, get some sleep, then, if I may be so presumptuous as to offer some advice. Take a moment to enjoy our victory. We WON. (a beat) Now, if you don’t mind, I must to go to the Palace. CHURCHILL turns, and walks out. 44


44

The VERMIN CATCHER is examining tiny marks on the floor. VERMIN CATCHER Mmm hmmm. He makes notes in a note pad. 45

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY He walks along another corridor... VERMIN CATCHER I see. He makes more notes.

45

27.

46


46

On hands and knees now, in nooks and crannies... VERMIN CATCHER Mm hmmm. He scribbles more notes. 47

INT. MASTER OF THE HOUSEHOLD’S OFFICE - DAY

47

The VERMIN CATCHER presents his findings.. VERMIN CATCHER You don’t just have mice. You have an infestation of mice. You also have cockroaches, silverfish and moths. Worse... The VERMIN CATCHER indicates they follow. The palace staff look at one another, then get to their feet. 48

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY The VERMIN CATCHER leads them down a corridor. Then stops. VERMIN CATCHER There. He gets to his knees. Indicates something in the corner. VERMIN CATCHER Droppings. Curtulous Magna. MASTER OF HOUSEHOLD What does that mean? VERMIN CATCHER Rats. The MASTER of the HOUSEHOLD’s eyes open in horror, then he leaps aside, as... Doors open and ATTLEE emerges from the Audience Room, accompanied by the King’s EQUERRY, (TOWNSEND). MASTER OF HOUSEHOLD Prime Minister. ATTLEE rolls his eyes, and walks past. ATTLEE Not any more. Mr. Attlee to you.

48

28.

49

EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

49

ATTLEE leaves the Palace, takes a last look, then gets into his car. As ATTLEE’s car sweeps out, CHURCHILL’s car sweeps into the palace, and pulls up beside the VERMIN CATCHER’S car. TOWNSEND Prime Minister. Congratulations. WINSTON Not yet, Peter. His Majesty has not asked me to form a government yet. It’s Mr. Churchill. TOWNSEND stares. Thrown. CHURCHILL walks past him, and into the palace. 50


50

TOWNSEND follows CHURCHILL inside. They face the stairs. TOWNSEND Will you be all right up the stairs, Sir? WINSTON Do I have a choice? TOWNSEND Afraid not. WINSTON Then why in God’s name ask the question? My brain is flooded now with tantalising mirages of lifts, hoists, elevators, winches, escalators.... CHURCHILL begins the arduous process of climbing the stairs. 51

INT. PRIVATE AUDIENCE ROOM - DAY

51

KING GEORGE is in the Audience Room making final checks among the drinks. He moves slowly, clearly frustrated by his increasing frailty. He breathes heavily - easily exhausted. KING GEORGE (indicating drinks cabinet) Better top up the whisky and soda. Just in case. (checking desk) Notepad and pen in the usual place?

29.

VALET Yes, Sir. Another VALET arrives with a large chair. KING GEORGE What’s that? VALET An armchair, Sir. We just thought, a man of his age, it might be more comfortable for him. KING GEORGE You’re new, aren’t you? And obviously not well briefed. This one doesn’t sit. A knock on the door. The EQUERRY enters. EQUERRY Mr. Churchill, Sir. KING GEORGE Go on, scram. And take that awful thing with you. The VALETS disappear through the other door, with the ugly armchair. KING GEORGE turns to face his EQUERRY. KING GEORGE Show him in, Peter. TOWNSEND goes, as CHURCHILL appears in the doorway. WINSTON Your Majesty. KING GEORGE Prime Minister. WINSTON Not yet, Sir. CHURCHILL lowers himself to one knee with difficulty. KING GEORGE Come, Mr. Churchill.. CHURCHILL reaches the final position of supplicancy. KING GEORGE Very well. The people have spoken, your party has won the election, and as their Sovereign I invite you to form a Government in my name.

30.

WINSTON An honour I gratefully accept. CHURCHILL takes the KING’s hand and lowers his head in a “kissing” gesture of fealty and allegiance. KING GEORGE Now please, rise. WINSTON I’ll do my best. CHURCHILL rises with difficulty. KING GEORGE A close one. WINSTON Very. KING GEORGE Did you get any sleep? WINSTON A couple of hours. KING GEORGE And? When it became clear? Be honest with me. Your reaction? WINSTON I wept, Sir. (allows himself a smile) Incontinently. KING GEORGE As, I believe, did your predecessor. WINSTON Yes. Mr. Attlee will be hurting. But feeling just a fraction of what I felt in 1945. KING GEORGE I’m sure. WINSTON And how wrong those predictions were. How false those dawns? How delinquent those promises. That Labour should be able to manage the economy. They could barely manage themselves. KING GEORGE Yes. WINSTON And they were too old. Far too old.

31.

KING GEORGE Quite. The country needs youth. WINSTON Yes. KING GEORGE Anyway, congratulations. WINSTON And you, Sir. KING GEORGE Whatever for? WINSTON Your rapid recovery, Sir. CHURCHILL smiles - putting on a brave face, but clearly concerned for his friend. KING GEORGE Oh, thank you. The KING lights a cigarette, unable to stop. KING GEORGE Everyone’s rather thrilled. I seem to have bounced back quicker than anyone thought. I wasn’t sure what I imagined breathing through one lung would feel like. (exhales smoke) Turns out there’s barely any difference. (putting on a brave face) Though probably still wise to let the Edinburghs do the Australia trip. What say you? WINSTON Yes. Will she be prepared? KING GEORGE Who? WINSTON Princess Elizabeth? KING GEORGE Oh, yes. Safe pair of hands, that one. The right girl was born first, if you know what I mean. Or maybe it’s because she was born first. KING GEORGE notices CHURCHILL flinching..

32.

KING GEORGE Are you sure you’re all right, Prime Minister? You won’t sit down? WINSTON Perfectly. KING GEORGE So tell me. What might I look forward to in the King’s speech? And who will feature in your Cabinet? WINSTON Jock Colville will be coming back as Private Secretary. KING GEORGE Oh, good. WINSTON I’ll bring Lord Alexander back from Ottawa to be Minister of Defence, Pug Ismay, and Eden, of course. He’ll be Foreign Secretary. Lots of familiar faces. In essence it’s the old team from the war days. KING GEORGE But we’re not AT war, Prime Minister. WINSTON Oh, I beg to differ. The threats facing this country have never been greater. Everything we fought for is in danger of being for nothing. If peace among the Germans and French is not consolidated. If economies fail. If the Russians are not contained. A flicker behind the KING’s eyes. He is concerned. KING GEORGE You’ve been a great hero this country. We all owe much. But time stops for must all know when it is the next generation take

to me. To you so very no man. We time to let over.

WINSTON I am fine, your Majesty. The country has elected me to do a job. I intend to do it. KING GEORGE (unconvinced) Very well.

33.

WINSTON Your Majesty. KING GEORGE Prime Minister. CHURCHILL bows deeply, and goes. 52

EXT. DOWNING STREET - DAY

52

CHURCHILL arrives at Downing Street with CLEMMIE. They pose for photographs. Then turn, and enter the building. 53

INT. DOWNING STREET - DAY

53

CHURCHILL enters to be greeted by the entire Downing Street staff. Lined up to greet him. SECRETARIES, CIVIL SERVANTS, TELEPHONE OPERATORS, MAIDS, etc. They applaud. CHURCHILL shakes hands, greeting familiar faces. CHURCHILL Thank you, thank you! How are you! And how’s the little one? Not so little I expect! A bearded giant by now! CHURCHILL spots something in a corridor, and stops... WINSTON Oh, dear. Chair in the corner? No, no, back by the window, please. He es a ticker-tape machine, which rattles away outside the Private Secretary’s office, keeping everyone in touch with the outside world, hammering out the latest news. WINSTON And let’s have this upstairs again. PRIVATE SECRETARY Everything as it was before? WINSTON Yes. Exactly as it was before. CHURCHILL reaches the end of the corridor, and enters..

34.

54

54

INT. CABINET ROOM - DAY

Unchanged since 1796, three brass chandeliers, two Corinthian columns, the single portrait of Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister.. CHURCHILL stands in the doorway, surveys the eerily silent, empty room. A vast table, 20 Adam style chairs. FLASHCUT TO: 55

55

CHURCHILL’S IMAGINATION

As Cabinet ministers from the previous istration push past and jostle him into the room, taking their seats, middiscussion. CRIPPS, BEVAN, ATTLEE, MORRISON, BEVIN, HALL, GREENWOOD, SHINWELL, LAWSON, etc. Air thick with argument and smoke. CUT TO: 56

INT. CABINET ROOM - DAY

56

CHURCHILL snaps out of his reveries. Sees the empty room. His lips curl with distaste. WINSTON Drenched in socialism. He turns, and walks out. 57

INT. DOWNING STREET FLAT - SECOND FLOOR - DAY

57

The door opens, and CLEMMIE enters, being shown round by an AIDE.. CLEMMIE And I hoped I’d seen the back of this place. Do you suppose I am the only person that’s ever said that on their first day? The AIDE smiles politely. CLEMMIE I will take the Drawing Room downstairs as my private study, and the room next to it, overlooking St. James’s Park, as my bedroom. I think this time my husband should stay up here on the second floor. AIDE By the lift?

35.

CLEMMIE Yes. The AIDE and CLEMMIE exchange a look, then go. 58

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY

58

ELIZABETH walks along a corridor. She comes to a door, and stops. She knocks. KING GEORGE (V.O.) Come! 59

INT. KING’S BEDROOM - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

59

ELIZABETH walks into the bedroom. KING GEORGE Dear girl, there you are! Welcome back! She goes over to her father, kisses him. ELIZABETH notices a filled ash-tray by the bedside. KING GEORGE I’m sorry, I’d so wanted to greet you properly in the Audience Room. ELIZABETH Whatever for? KING GEORGE An audience! You returned from official business, I wanted to pay you that respect. But then my cough kept me up all night. ELIZABETH I’m sorry.. KING GEORGE How was it? It wasn’t too tiring? All those provincial Canadian mayors? And their wives? They didn’t exhaust you with their tittle tattle? ELIZABETH I think I’ve perhaps seen enough rodeos for a while. KING GEORGE And the mood? If one were to scratch the surface? All very friendly? ELIZABETH How do you mean?

36.

KING GEORGE No sign of them having had enough? Wanting to break away? ELIZABETH No - all the indications were that the ties are stronger than ever. That certainly seemed to be what the Canadian press was saying. KING GEORGE Ah, that’s the effect you have on them! ELIZABETH I doubt that. Now how are you? KING GEORGE I’m fine. Bouncing back. ELIZABETH notices the filled ash-trays by the bedside. KING GEORGE But I’ve not bounced back quite enough to travel again. Not yet, anyway. Which brings me to my next point.. 60

INT. CLARENCE HOUSE - NIGHT

60

ELIZABETH and PHILIP are in their bedroom, getting undressed and ready for bed.. PHILIP Ceylon? ELIZABETH Then onto Australia. PHILIP Oh, God. ELIZABETH And New Zealand. PHILIP We’ll be gone months. ELIZABETH They think about three. PHILIP On the Royal Yacht? It’ll never be done in three. ELIZABETH All right, four.

37.

PHILIP It’s five, at least. ELIZABETH (she can’t lie to him) Probably. Yes. PHILIP And what for? ELIZABETH “To bind the Commonwealth and let people connect with their royal family.” PHILIP The Commonwealth. ELIZABETH Yes. The Commonwealth. PHILIP shoots a frustrated look. PHILIP And what am I supposed to do all that time? ELIZABETH You won’t be bored. Don’t worry we’ll put you to work. PHILIP My work is as a naval officer. Not grinning like an idiot while you cut ribbons. (a silence) What about the children? ELIZABETH They’ll be fine here. PHILIP For five MONTHS? ELIZABETH We can’t take them. A beat. ELIZABETH Don’t make this harder for me. You knew this would happen. PHILIP Eventually, yes. One day. PHILIP looks troubled.

38.

PHILIP Not so soon. 61


61

A working day at Downing Street. 62

INT. SECRETARY’S OFFICE - DAY

62

A busy secretarial pool. Half a dozen female secretaries typing away. Churchill’s private secretary (COLVILLE) arrives, and addresses the ladies.. COLVILLE He’s awake now. Wants to see someone. Several SECRETARIES show willing.. COLVILLE He’s in the bath. The older (higher ranking) SECRETARIES sit down again. All heads turn to face a young SECRETARY. Clearly the junior. The JUNIOR SECRETARY gulps. 63

INT. DOWNING STREET - BATHROOM - DAY

63

The sound of splashing from behind a door. The SECRETARY nervously takes her seat outside the bathroom. SECRETARY I’m here, Sir. WINSTON And your name? SECRETARY Venetia, Sir. 64

INT. DOWNING STREET - BATHROOM - SAME TIME

64

CHURCHILL sits in the bath. Reading tray. Newspapers. Whisky. Cigar. Paraphernalia. WINSTON How old are you Venetia? SECRETARY Twenty-two, Sir.

39.

WINSTON Many things can be said about me, but even my worst detractors would say I’m as good as my word, and I give you my word Venetia, I shall not emerge in a state of nature without fair warning. VENETIA’s face: imagining. The sound of splashing continues from behind the door. WINSTON Have they told you terrible things about me? SECRETARY Sir? WINSTON Your colleagues that have worked for me before. SECRETARY It is said...you can be difficult. WINSTON Difficult? SECRETARY And demanding. And that your moods can be hard to predict. WINSTON I can be a monster. Did they say that? SECRETARY Yes, Sir. WINSTON It’s true. But you need to be a monster to defeat Hitler. Did Colville give you my box? SECRETARY He did, Sir. WINSTON What’s in it? The SECRETARY looks down at the locked red box. SECRETARY You’d like me to open it? WINSTON Unless you have x-ray vision, you will need to open it so that you might tell me what’s in it.

40.

The SECRETARY opens it with trembling hands. Inside are all the PM’s papers. SECRETARY Some papers about rationing. WINSTON What else? SECRETARY Some papers from the Exchequer. WINSTON Anything from the Foreign Office? About America and Russia? SECRETARY No, Sir. WINSTON Very well. Then start with the Exchequor. Read it aloud. Don’t be alarmed if you hear no response. I will be making mental notes. The SECRETARY clears her throat, and starts reading. SECRETARY “The economic situation we have inherited is worse than 1949, and in many ways worse than even 1947. Confidence in sterling is impaired. In the present half-year, we are running into an external deficit at the rate of £700 million a year compared with an annual rate of surplus of about £350 million in the same period a year ago...” In the bathroom, CHURCHILL nods off. 65

INT. CABINET ROOM - DAY The Cabinet is assembled. The CHANCELLOR (RAB BUTLER, who speaks with a pronounced impediment) is bwiefing everyone. CHANCELLOR ...that means a detewiowation of more than £1,000 million a year. (MORE)

65

41. CHANCELLOR (cont'd) Latest estimates show that in 1952, on pwesent trends and policies and without making any allowance for further speculative losses, the United Kingdom would have a deficit on its genewal balance of overseas payments of between £500 million and £600 million, and the loss to the centwal gold and dollar weserves in the twansactions of the sterling aweas as a whole with the west of the world might be appweciably more. Given these circumstances, I’d be intewested to hear the PM’s view wegarding the pwospects for wecovewy...

Cabinet heads turn. All eyes on CHURCHILL, who stares. Suddenly looking old and frail and lost. CHURCHILL In the war I knew what to do. Since coming into power, I’ve been confronted with a range of issues, particularly economic, that are infinitely complicated, and quite beyond me. I don't know, I can't see my way into these things at the moment...I expect I shall find it but at this moment, this morning, I really don’t have an answer for you. We’ll think about all this next time we meet... CHURCHILL gets up, with difficulty and walks out. Everyone gets to their feet out of respect.. But after CHURCHILL has gone, the room is filled with anything BUT respect. SALISBURY’s eyes meet EDEN’s. And MACMILLAN’s. 66

INT. HOUSE OF COMMONS - DAY

66

EDEN walks through the corridors of House of Commons. He reaches an office, looks right and left, then knocks... 67

INT. SALISBURY’S OFFICE - HOUSE OF COMMONS - DAY

67

Inside: LORD SALISBURY, MACMILLAN, HALIFAX, and three or four other plotters. SALISBURY Either we get rid of him now - or we lose the next election and quite possibly lose power for a generation. (MORE)

42. SALISBURY (cont'd) This is your time, Anthony. The party is for you. The country needs you.

EDEN What should I do? He’s party leader. I can’t push him out. SALISBURY You must go and see the one person who can. EDEN’s face. SALISBURY Albert Windsor. EDEN You mean the King? SALISBURY No, I mean Albert Windsor. The King of England would never dream of telling his Prime Minister to stand down. It would violate every part of the constitution. But... EDEN But...? SALISBURY Albert Windsor might advise a friend to stand down. EDEN I see. 68


68

The King’s EQUERRY - Peter TOWNSEND walks along a corridor. He turns a corner, then reaches a door. He knocks. TOWNSEND You asked to see me? 69

INT. PRIVATE SECRETARY’S OFFICE - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY 69 The King’s Private secretary, (TOMMMY LASCELLES) is inside, GCB, GCVO, CMG, MC. Military. Aristocratic. A formidable figure. Intimidating. Conservative PRIVATE SECRETARY Ah, Peter. Thanks for coming. The Foreign Secretary has requested an audience with the King this afternoon. (MORE)

43. PRIVATE SECRETARY (cont'd) Something about a diplomatic reception for the Head of the NATO Committee, although I fail to see what’s quite so urgent about that. Anyhow, I thought we could squeeze it in at three.

TOWNSEND That’s generally when His Majesty takes his walk. PRIVATE SECRETARY I realise that, but hoped we might combine the two. Think you could make that work? TOWNSEND Yes, Sir. I’m sure. 70


70

TOWNSEND walks through a corridor, on his way to see the King, and es a drawing room, where the door is open, and a dog comes out. TOWNSEND tuts, and ushers the dog back inside, is about to close the door, when he straightens... TOWNSEND I’m so sorry. 71

INT. DRAWING-ROOM - DAY PRINCESS MARGARET with her mother, the QUEEN, and with ELIZABETH. QUEEN MOTHER Not at all. Come in, Peter. We were just discussing where to have Xmas. Tell me, do you think the King would be well enough to go to Sandringham? TOWNSEND I do. As a matter of fact, I think it would do him the world of good. QUEEN MOTHER I do, too. So it’s decided. Will you us? MARGARET looks up. TOWNSEND Me?

71

44.

QUEEN MOTHER Of course not. You will be spending it with your family. TOWNSEND That was the plan. But what would his Majesty’s preference be, do you imagine? QUEEN MOTHER The King? Given the choice he’d never let you out of his sight, you know that. He’s quite devoted to you. TOWNSEND Then he can count on me at Christmas, too. QUEEN MOTHER But what about your wife? TOWNSEND Oh, she’ll understand. TOWNSEND’s eyes meet MARGARET’s for a moment. A moment longer than is necessary, then goes. This is spotted by ELIZABETH. 72

EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY A car pulls up. EDEN gets out. He is greeted by the King’s Equerry, TOWNSEND.. TOWNSEND Afternoon, Sir. EDEN Peter. TOWNSEND In order to squeeze this meeting in, his Majesty wondered if you’d mind accompanying him on his afternoon walk. EDEN Not at all. TOWNSEND That’s very kind, Sir. Still a little wet underfoot, I’m afraid, after the rain this morning. EDEN Don’t worry about that.

72

45.

TOWNSEND We can provide some Galoshes. EDEN Really no need... TOWNSEND What size are you? EDEN Nine and a half. Though my riding boots are a ten. And my Trench boots were an 11. Make of that what you will. EDEN and TOWNSEND continue talking, and disappear into the Palace. 73

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY ELIZABETH s MARGARET in Margaret’s apartments on the second floor of the palace. ELIZABETH I saw it. MARGARET What? ELIZABETH The look between the two of you. (a beat) It’s Peter. Silence. MARGARET Nothing’s happened. ELIZABETH On the contrary. I’d say a great deal has happened. You’ve fallen for him. MARGARET We’ve fallen for each other. ELIZABETH He feels the same way? MARGARET You must tell no one. The papers all think I’m for Johnny Dalkeith or Billy Wallace. ELIZABETH Mummy and Papa, too, by the way.

73

46.

MARGARET But they’re just...boys. Whereas Peter is... ELIZABETH I can quite see the attraction of Peter. He was a hero in the war. But he has a wife. MARGARET He doesn’t love her. ELIZABETH You only have his word for that. MARGARET averts her eyes. ELIZABETH He has children, too. MARGARET He could still be a good father to them. I’d never stand in his way. ELIZABETH You’ve already discussed it? MARGARET We have. ELIZABETH Oh, Margaret. MARGARET Just be happy for me? Can you? (takes ELIZABETH’s hand) I nearly squealed with happiness when he agreed to come for Christmas. ELIZABETH A squeal? That would have been most unbecoming. MARGARET Couldn’t help myself. MARGARET stops in her tracks and squeals. MARGARET Eeeeeeeekkkkk!!! ELIZABETH Yes, all right. No need to prove a point. MARGARET Eeeeeeeekkkkkk!!!

47.

MARGARET points. ELIZABETH stops and stares. There, lying in the corner of the room, is a dead RAT. 74

EXT. GARDENS - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

74

Two pairs of galoshes squelch through the damp grass of Buckingham Palace gardens.. EDEN Most of this is just a function of age. And none of us can be blamed for growing old. But it means he struggles with his memory, and learning the names of new faces, new ideas, new concepts. He has little or no interest in Home Affairs, focusing almost entirely on issues relating to America and Russia, where quite frankly we are no longer players. He refuses to acknowledge that. And so important domestic matters like reducing rationing, tackling the economy, etcetera, are falling behind. KING GEORGE (hoarsely again) What do you suggest I do? The King stops - COUGHS loudly. The cough is back again. A harbinger of yet another inevitable operation on the horizon. EDEN As Sovereign, of course, there is nothing you CAN do, from a Constitutional standpoint. But as friend, as Albert Windsor? You are the one person I can think of to whom he might listen. KING GEORGE But that is where we run into difficulties. You make the assumption that for me to alternate between the two is a simple matter, like flicking a switch. I no longer AM Albert Windsor. That person, of whom I had grown rather fond in the forty-one years I knew him, was murdered on the 11th December 1936 by his elder brother. You’re right, Albert Windsor would dearly have liked to say something to his friend, Winston Churchill and tell him to take a step back. Put his feet up. Let a younger generation take over and run the country. But he is no longer with us. (MORE)

48. KING GEORGE (cont'd) That void has been filled by George VI, who turns out to be an officious individual - and a stickler for the rules, and who would no more allow the Sovereign to advise the Prime Minister than stand for office himself.

EDEN Even when it’s in the national interest? KING GEORGE The national interest? Or Anthony Eden’s interest? EDEN Sir? KING GEORGE I am aware you harassed Mr. Churchill for the office of Deputy PM. But don’t you see in doing so you were robbing ME of my privilege of consent? The rules state quite clearly that in the event of a resignation of a Conservative Party Leader it is the Sovereign that chooses his successor. When my Private Secretary told me you wanted to see me today, the reason I agreed to the audience was to not to hear your grievances about Mr. Churchill, rather to communicate mine about YOU. EDEN Sir. KING GEORGE The P.M will step down in time. And until then, if I may offer some advice. EDEN Please. KING GEORGE It’s better to be patient and get what you desire in the right time, than have high office thrust upon you when you least expect or want it. GEORGE VI’s haunted eyes. His frail health. Ravaged by the responsibilities of an unwanted Crown. KING GEORGE (extends hand) Foreign Secretary.

49.

EDEN Your Majesty. The two MEN shake hands, then head in different directions. Galoshes squelching in the mud. 75

EXT/INT. DOWNING STREET - NIGHT CHURCHILL and CLEMMIE sit alone over dinner. CLEMMIE I know one should never believe what one hears, particularly in this place. WINSTON But? CLEMMIE I heard a rumour Anthony went to see the King yesterday. To express his concern. About your age. Your leadership. Your incapacity. (a beat) And to ask him to bid you stand down. WINSTON Utter nonsense. Who told you that? CLEMMIE I can tell you who told me. Jock Colville’s wife. WINSTON Mary? CLEMMIE Margaret. But not who told her. Or who told them. Or who told the people that told THEM. WINSTON The King would never engage in that kind of treachery. He’s a stickler for process and procedure. CLEMMIE Fine. Ignore me. WINSTON If you don’t mind I will. CLEMMIE The meeting probably never took place. You have nothing to worry about. Don’t start to brood, will you?

75

50.

WINSTON Brood? About what? Certainly not. 76

INT. DOWNING STREET - STUDY - DAY

76

CHURCHILL is in his study. Brooding. A knock at the door. The door opens and the SECRETARY pops her head round.. SECRETARY Half hour warning, Sir. WINSTON For what? SECRETARY Your weekly audience with the King. WINSTON Really? I thought he’d had another bronchoscopy. SECRETARY He did. WINSTON And? He was frail before, must be even frailer now. He’s not convalescing? SECRETARY No, Sir. He resumed his constitutional duties on the 10th. WINSTON (disappointed/brooding) I see. VENETIA turns, is about to go, when... WINSTON Tell me, Venetia. You have good connections at the palace? With your opposite number? SECRETARY Yes, Sir. WINSTON Can you establish, without drawing attention to the reason for the question, whether His Majesty has had an audience with the Foreign secretary recently. SECRETARY I can try.

51.

WINSTON Quick as you can? 77


77

The SECRETARY moves urgently up the grand staircase, and knocks on the door again. 78

INT. DOWNING STREET - STUDY - DAY

78

The SECRETARY enters. SECRETARY The answer’s yes. The King met with Mr. Eden eight days ago. WINSTON Really? SECRETARY They went for a walk together in the palace grounds. WINSTON I see. CHURCHILL’s face: WINSTON I find I’m no longer feeling my best this afternoon, Venetia. Will you make my excuses, beg the King’s forgiveness? SECRETARY Sir? WINSTON I shan’t be attending the Audience. 79


79

A week later. CHURCHILL is in the bath. The SECRETARY speaks through the door... SECRETARY The car is waiting, Sir. WINSTON What for? SECRETARY The weekly audience. We missed it last week, if you ?

52.

WINSTON Yes. But by a stroke of misfortune, I find I have an intolerable migraine. SECRETARY Oh. The SECRETARY looks thrown. SECRETARY Might I say something else? WINSTON Why? SECRETARY I said migraine last week. WINSTON Fine. Pick any affliction you like. It will certainly be applicable. There isn’t an organ left in this body that is functioning as it should. OVER THIS: the sound of the KING’s voice.. KING GEORGE (ON RADIO) As I speak to you today, I wish you, wherever you may be, a happy Christmas. 80

INT. CHEQUERS - DAY

80

CHURCHILL and CLEMMIE (and of their extended family) are listening to the King’s speech on the wireless. KING GEORGE (ON RADIO) Though we live in hard and difficult times, Christmas is, and always will be, a time when we can count our blessings. Christmas decorations everywhere. A tree in the corner. CLEMMIE His voice sounds better. Stronger. And his health must have improved, if they allowed him to go to Sandringham. (a beat) When was the last time you saw him? WINSTON Weeks ago. It’s been a masterpiece of survival, dodging the bullet. (MORE)

53. WINSTON (cont'd) Six weeks on the trot I’ve found a different ailment that’s kept me from attending the private audience with the King. And next week I sail to America, so that’s another three weeks there..

KING GEORGE (ON RADIO) I myself have every cause for deep thankfulness. For not only, by the Grace of God, and through faithful skill of my doctors, surgeons and nurses have I come through my illness. And I have learned once again that it is in bad times that we value most highly the and sympathy of our friends. WINSTON (chuckles to himself) It must be torture for Anthony. 81

81

NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF CHURCHILL IN AMERICA ANTHONY EDEN is watching on television, scowling, as newly elected CHURCHILL visits TRUMAN, and makes history by addressing Congress for the third time. Basking in the limelight. FADE TO BLACK:

82


82

CHURCHILL is back in England, and getting dressed in his morning coat. Slowly. Resignedly. He finishes dressing and takes a look at himself in the mirror. 83

INT. DOWNING STREET - DAY Elevator doors open and CHURCHILL emerges to see his surprised-looking SECRETARY. He raises his hands.. WINSTON I know. I’m late. SECRETARY Sir?

83

54.

WINSTON But I will go willingly. “When these graven lines you see, Traveller, do not pity me; Though I be among the dead, Let no mournful word be said.” Is the car outside? SECRETARY What for? WINSTON The private Audience with the King. (shrugs) Even I accept I can’t put it off any longer. SECRETARY There is no Audience today. WINSTON What? (looks confused) It’s not Tuesday? SECRETARY It is, Sir. But the Palace let us know some time ago the King was going to be there in person to see off Princess Elizabeth. WINSTON Of course. The Edinburghs are leaving today. WINSTON So no Audience? SECRETARY No, Sir. A smile spreads across CHURCHILL’s face. WINSTON “Praise the high gods, for in giving This for man, and this alone, They have made his chance for living Shine the equal of their own.” 84

EXT. LONDON AIRPORT - DAY

84

A specially converted, four-propeller BOAC Argonaut G-ALHK Atlanta, stands on the runway. Several black cars with the Royal Standard fluttering on the bonnet. A vast collection of bags and suitcases are being loaded into the hull.

55.

Accompanied by his wife and younger daughter, the KING climbs up steps and enters the plane.. 85

85

INT. PLANE - DAY

Inside, the plane has been modified, seats removed for a table to be installed. ELIZABETH and PHILIP, along with the rest of the party, (MIKE PARKER, Philip’s old ship-mate and aide-de-camp, MARTIN CHARTERIS, Elizabeth’s Private Secretary, several assistants and ladies in waiting). All stand to say farewell to the KING and QUEEN and MARGARET. KING GEORGE Thank you for stepping into my shoes. ELIZABETH Thank you for trusting me. KING GEORGE I’d be lying if I didn’t it to a little jealousy. Where are you starting? Kenya? ELIZABETH Yes. A few days holiday before the hard work begins. QUEEN MOTHER How lovely. It’s still like the good old days there. KING GEORGE Got everything you need? Gallons of quinine? PHILIP Yes, Sir. Thank you. KING GEORGE And a good rifle? PHILIP All packed. QUEEN MOTHER Did we buy you some safari clothes? PHILIP Ma’am? QUEEN MOTHER I heard the last time you wore hand-medowns from your Uncle. Voices fall silent. The atmosphere changes. PHILIP stares. Unflinching.

56.

PHILIP I managed to get to the tailor this time. KING GEORGE Good for you. QUEEN MOTHER If not, you could always go native. the Mau Mau. PHILIP (correcting) Kikuya. QUEEN MOTHER What? PHILIP That’s the indigenous name of the tribe. Mau Mau is an Anglicisation. QUEEN MOTHER Quite. A moment’s awkwardness. Little love lost between these two. KING GEORGE Well, goodbye my dear. The KING and QUEEN and MARGARET kiss ELIZABETH farewell, making a fuss of her. KING GEORGE I’d say look after her, but this one’s quite capable of looking after herself. And the rest of us, too. He heads to the door.. KING GEORGE If you need me...I’m on the end of a phone. Or just hit the jungle drums. He looks at ELIZABETH. As if he knows he’s looking at her for the last time. KING GEORGE You’ll enjoy Kandy. And the Hill Stations. Always rather reminded me of Surrey. See what you think. And with that, the Royal party is gone. FADE TO BLACK:

57.

86

FLICKERING SUPER 8 FILM FOOTAGE

86

ELIZABETH and PHILIP are greeted off the plane by Kenyan OFFICIALS and crowds of BYSTANDERS and JOURNALISTS.. 87


87

As the Royal party is driven in an open-topped car through the villages of rural KENYA.. Wind blowing in ELIZBETH’s hair. 88

EXT. SANDRINGHAM HOUSE - DAY

88

A vast 19th century red brick house in an estate of 20,000 acres. 89

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY

89

A uniformed PAGE walks along a corridor. He reaches a door, knocks gently, then enters without waiting for an answer. 90


90

As ELIZABETH and PHILIP are in their Sagana Lodge bedroom, trying to work out what to wear that night. A playful, almost unimaginable informality. A side to them both we have never seen. Laughter. Freedom. Innocence. 91

INT. KING’S BEDROOM - MORNING

91

A darkened room. The PAGE walks into the bedroom, and draws the curtains. He then goes into a bathroom, and begins to run a bath. Presently, the PAGE emerges from the bathroom... PAGE Morning, Sir. No answer. The PAGE moves closer. PAGE Seven-thirty, Sir. Still no answer. The PAGE moves closer. His expression changes, becoming concerned. PAGE Sir?

58.

92


92

Of ELIZABETH and PHILIP...walking in the bush in single file with porters carrying bags and hunters carrying rifles... 93


93

‘Treetops’ Hotel, a remote lodge perched in the branches of a 300-year-old fig tree. ELIZABETH is alone in their room. Looking out into beautiful countryside. 94

INT. SANDRINGHAM - CORRIDOR - DAY

94

The QUEEN MOTHER hurries from her own bedroom, still wearing her nightdress, having been summoned by the PAGE and her MAIDS. She disappears into the KING’s bedroom. Presently, from inside the sound of an anguished cry. 95


95

ELIZABETH and PHILIP encounter wild elephants, at a distance. Their armed GUIDES protecting them and their party. 96

INT. SANDRINGHAM HOUSE - DAY

96

The Royal PHYSICIAN, called out as an emergency, rushes down the corridor, escorted by the VALET, and the King’s equerry, PETER TOWNSEND... 97


97

Of ELIZABETH, PHILIP, MIKE PARKER, the LADIES-IN-WAITING and the rest of the royal party in dinner-jackets and long dresses, drinking cocktails... An impossibly elegant barbecue in the African countryside. 98

INT. SANDRINGHAM HOUSE - DAY

98

PRINCESS MARGARET, who has also been alerted, and visibly distressed, rushes down the corridor to her father’s bedroom. Behind her... The MASTER OF THE HOUSEHOLD, the King’s PRIVATE SECRETARY (LASCELLES), and several others, walk urgently, breaking into a run.

59.

99

99


Handheld by ELIZABETH. Daylight breaks. PHILIP is fast asleep in the bed. The camera pans 360 degrees, taking in the Treetops hotel room, the view, the wildlife, the African horizon, then coming back and finding a mirror.. And the reflection in the mirror; of a 26-year-old PRINCESS, filming with a Super-8 camera. ELIZABETH lowers the camera. Stares at herself for a brief moment, in the reflection. The camera continues to whir... It’s as if ELIZABETH senses something. A significance to the moment. She takes her finger off the button. And stares at her own reflection. 100


100

The young SECRETARY accompanied by the KING’s PRIVATE SECRETARY (LASCELLES) rapidly ascend the main staircase. 101

INT. DOWNING STREET - CHURCHILL’S BEDROOM - DAY

101

A knock on the door. CHURCHILL is in bed, working, surrounded by paperwork and a candle for his cigar. SECRETARY The King’s Private Secretary. The forbidding figure of LASCELLES appears in the doorway. PRIVATE SECRETARY Prime Minister. CHURCHILL looks up. WINSTON Oh dear. This is bad news. PRIVATE SECRETARY I’m afraid so. WINSTON How bad? PRIVATE SECRETARY “Hyde Park Corner.” CHURCHILL’s face: devastated.

60.

WINSTON (quiet) No. The worst. When? PRIVATE SECRETARY In the course of the night. Quite peacefully, we believe. CHURCHILL looks at his SECRETARY. WINSTON Call the Foreign Secretary. SECRETARY What shall I say? WINSTON Tell him “Hyde Park Corner”. He’ll understand. The SECRETARY goes. CHURCHILL looks up at the King’s PRIVATE SECRETARY. WINSTON Has the Princess been notified? PRIVATE SECRETARY We’re still trying to get hold of her before the story breaks on the wires. 102

EXT. AFRICAN ROADS - DAY

102

A convoy of four Jeeps kicking up plumes of dust as the royal Party returns from Treetops to Sagana Lodge... OVER THIS: RADIO (O.S.) This is London. It is with the greatest sorrow that we make the following announcement. 103

INT. JEEP - DAY ELIZABETH’s face: totally unaware of what has happened in London, stares out of the window of her jeep... RADIO (O.S.) It was announced from Sandringham at 1045 today, February 6th 1952, that the King, who retired to rest last night in his usual health, ed peacefully away in his sleep earlier this morning.

103

61.

Villages . ELIZABETH’s face, all smiles, all happiness, all freedom and innocence, as she waves to villagers... RADIO (O.S.) The BBC offers profound sympathy to her majesty the Queen and the Royal family. The BBC is now closing down for the rest of the day, except for the d news bulletins and summaries, the shipping forecasts and gale warnings. Further announcements will be made at 1145, 12 O'Clock and 1215. 104

EXT. SAGANA LODGE - KENYA - DAY

104

The Jeeps pull up at Sagana Lodge. 105

INT. JEEP - SAGANA LODGE - DAY

105

PHILIP looks out of the jeep to see two dozen people waiting to greet the party. The manager of the Lodge. The Queen’s private secretary. Police. Serious faces. Long faces. PHILIP What’s all this? ELIZABETH looks out. Sees the look on her Private Secretary’s face. Her expression changes. Understanding instinctively. 106

EXT. SAGANA LODGE - KENYA - DAY

106

The jeeps come to a standstill. Doors are opened. ELIZABETH gets out. The rest happens as if in slow-motion. Suddenly soldiers snap to attention. People remove hats. ELIZABETH notices one or two are in tears (or stifling tears). Her Private Secretary (MARTIN CHARTERIS) steps forward. Removing his hat. Looking her in the eye, knowing full well the impact the next two words will have on her. PRIVATE SECRETARY Your Majesty. The words. The implications. Going through her like a knife.

62.

107

INT. SAGANA LODGE - KENYA - DAY

107

Outside in the garden, PHILIP is walking with ELIZABETH. They are talking intently. PHILIP comforting her. The Queen’s Private Secretary (MARTIN CHARTERIS) stands by a window, looking out into a garden. MIKE PARKER comes up to him. PARKER How soon will we have to go back? CHARTERIS Straight away, I’m afraid. In the garden outside, ELIZABETH and PHILIP continue to walk. Alone 108

INT. SAGANA LODGE - KENYA - AFTERNOON

108

ELIZABETH’s bags are packed. Lined up and ready to go. She returns from walking in the garden to see more serious faces. BOBO MACDONALD, her dresser, steps forward.. BOBO I’m so sorry, Ma’am. ELIZABETH What’s the matter? CHARTERIS It seems Ms. Macdonald neglected to pack a black dress. ELIZABETH Can’t we improvise? CHARTERIS We’ve managed to locate a black overcoat. On the royal yacht. That’s being sent ahead to the airport. ELIZABETH Right. CHARTERIS We’ve also called ahead to London. A hat will be brought onto the plane before you disembark. ELIZABETH Thank you. ELIZABETH looks at the packed bags, then at the journalists and photographers waiting outside.

63.

ELIZABETH Ready when you are. CHARTERIS A word of warning, Ma’am. A good many journalists outside. ELIZABETH That was quick. Where have they all crawled out from? CHARTERIS Royal correspondents mostly. They’ve been arriving the last few days. Assigned to cover the Tour. ELIZABETH’s face: chastened. ELIZABETH Of course. 109

109

EXT. SAGANA LODGE - KENYA - AFTERNOON

ELIZABETH emerges from the Lodge, and walks towards the car. She stops, and looks over to the assembled reporters and... ELIZABETH I am so sorry we’ve got to go back. I’m afraid I’ve ruined everybody’s trip. She turns, then gets into the car. The car doors close. As the car moves off, one photographer, deeply moved, puts his camera down in a gesture of respect. One by one, his colleagues follow suit. Their cameras are put down, like guns. In a respectful ceasefire. ELIZABETH’s car drives off. We track along the JOURNALISTS’ faces as she goes. MATCH CUT TO: 110

INT. DOWNING STREET - CABINET ROOM - DAY

110

More MEN’s faces. In a row. The Cabinet in 10 Downing St. Twenty-four POLITICIANS sitting in eerie, atypical, wordless silence. Observing a minute’s silence.

64.

Some eyes closed. Some open. Some emotional. Some not. Some religious. Some not. WINSTON Thank you. People relax. Eyes open. Throats cleared. WINSTON Messages of condolence to the Queen and the two Princesses will be sent from the Cabinet. At two-thirty today I shall make a statement in the House of Commons. No prayers. From there I will go to St. James’s Palace where an Accession Council meeting will be held, to agree on the wording of the proclamation, and to read a draft proclamation of our new sovereign in absentia. Princess Elizabeth is, I am told, determined to fly home, and may already... (he checks his watch on a chain) ...be en route. I think all of us would be concerned by the prospect of air travel - but a sea voyage could take upwards of 14-days, and delaying the funeral that long would be unacceptable. We will simply have to hope and pray for safe air age. 111

111

INT. PLANE - DAY

QUEEN and PHILIP are in their private cabin on the plane. The QUEEN stares out of the window.. PHILIP You all right? The QUEEN nods. A knock at the door. The Private Secretary (Martin Charteris) comes to tell the Queen.. CHARTERIS We’ll be stopping in Entebbe shortly, Ma’am. To refuel. ELIZABETH Right. The PRIVATE SECRETARY hesitates, then... CHARTERIS May I also just say how very sorry I am.

65.

ELIZABETH Thank you. It did come a little sooner than we all expected. CHARTERIS I mean that we will not be working together any more. The QUEEN looks shocked. PHILIP looks up. ELIZABETH Whyever not? CHARTERIS Because of your new rank, I will have to give way to Mr. Lascelles. He is my senior. That’s the way it’s done. ELIZABETH Oh, no. I’m so sorry. CHARTERIS bows, then goes. PHILIP What a nightmare. ELIZABETH Why? PHILIP Charteris at least had one foot in the real world. Tommy Lascelles? His outlook on our monarchy and it’s place in the world has more in common with your grandfather. There goes any hope of us modernising the institution. ELIZABETH Who said anything about modernising? PHILIP I did. The QUEEN looks at PHILIP for a moment, then turns, and looks out of the window again. 112


112

A packed House of Commons. As Parliament convenes briefly, to hear official news of the death. WINSTON Mr. Speaker, the House will have learned with deep sorrow of the death of His Majesty King George VI. (MORE)

66. WINSTON (cont'd) We cannot at this moment do more than record a spontaneous expression of our grief. The Accession Council will meet at five o'clock this evening, and I now ask you, Sir, to guide the House as to our duties.

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE I shall suspend the Sitting of the House until 7 o'clock. When the House resumes at that hour, I shall myself take and subscribe the Oath, according to law, and give an opportunity to right honourable and honourable to do the same. 113

INT. ENTEBBE - TERMINAL - DAY

113

The QUEEN and her party walk into Entebbe Airport - a series of small, two story buildings next to one another.. Outside, flashes of lightening and rumbles of thunder. CHARTERIS There are storms closing in on the airfield. They think it’ll be a couple of hours before we can take off again.. ELIZABETH Right. CHARTERIS I asked them to bring us some water... A person from the airport brings water... PHILIP I wouldn’t touch it. CHARTERIS And sandwiches. PHILIP Wouldn’t touch them, either. ELIZABETH I’ve no appetite anyway. PHILIP Stay here. I’ll see if I can find us something that’s been boiled. PHILIP goes.

67.

114

INT. ENTEBBE AIRPORT - EVENING

114

PHILIP goes to talk to some local airport workers, requesting tea, then walks back to where he’d left ELIZABETH.. ...but she’s no longer there. She’s gone. 115

INT. ENTEBBE - TERMINAL - EVENING

115

The QUEEN walks through the deserted terminal. Up ahead, she sees something. 116

INT. ENTEBBE - TERMINAL - DAY A small boy is playing on his own. With a ball. The QUEEN moves closer. ELIZABETH Hello. The BOY looks up to see her. ELIZABETH What are you doing here? BOY Waiting for my father. ELIZABETH And who is your father? BOY He is the air traffic controller. He had to come because a plane is landing. Because the King died somewhere. ELIZABETH Do you often come with him? BOY When he lets me. When I don’t have school. ELIZABETH And you like going with him? Like spending time with him? Alone? BOY Yes. Very much. ELIZABETH Why? BOY He teaches me things.

116

68.

ELIZABETH Such as? BOY How to drive a car. He lets me sit on his lap. ELIZABETH Yes, I did that. Oh, that’s very exciting. BOY How to kill a fish after you catch it. ELIZABETH How? BOY Like this... The BOY mimes a flapping fish being struck on the head. ELIZABETH What else? BOY How to be wise. ELIZABETH Oh? (raised eyebrow) I should like to know that. How is one wise? BOY Be quiet. Say nothing at all. ELIZABETH Yes, that’s very wise. You’re very lucky to have a father who gives you advice like that. Will you please thank him for coming in to do his job on a night like this. The BOY looks up to see a panicked PHILIP, the PRIVATE SECRETARY (MARTIN CHARTERIS) a dozen uniformed SOLDIERS, walking slowly towards them... Relieved to have found their Queen safe and sound. ELIZABETH Don’t worry about them. They’re harmless. (a beat) Most of them. ELIZABETH gets to her feet, and goes.

69.

117


117

In the house of Commons, CHURCHILL swears allegiance to the new Queen, and signs the scroll.. WINSTON I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God. 118

INT. HOUSE OF LORDS - DAY

118

In the house of Lords, the Lords are in a line waiting, one by one, to sign the oath of allegiance... 119

INT. SANDRINGHAM - DAY

119

TOWNSEND walks along a corridor. He knocks on the door. VOICE Come in. TOWNSEND enters to see the forbidding figure of LASCELLES. In his office. Sitting in shadows. TOWNSEND You asked to see me, Sir? LASCELLES Yes, come in. 120

INT. PRIVATE SECRETARY’S OFFICE - SANDRINGHAM - DAY TOWNSEND closes the door. Apprehensive. LASCELLES Under normal circumstances following the death of a member of the royal family the equerry attending to the deceased member returns to the division of the armed forces from which they were seconded and resumes their career. (indicates chair) Do sit down. TOWNSEND Thank you, Sir. TOWNSEND sits.

120

70.

LASCELLES In your case I had assumed that following the death of His late Majesty, you would, at the earliest appropriate moment, be resuming your duties with the Royal Air Force. TOWNSEND Yes, Sir. LASCELLES I mentioned this to the Queen this morning, who seemed very disappointed, and she asked me, quite unusually, to ask you whether you might like to reconsider such a departure. TOWNSEND Sir? LASCELLES She felt that you had enjoyed an uncommonly close understanding with her late husband, and had earned not just his trust, but the trust and affection of the whole family. TOWNSEND Thank you, Sir. LASCELLES In the light of this, she wondered, and I should make clear that I strongly discouraged this in the room, whether you might consider staying on in a new role. As Comptroller of the Queen’s Household. TOWNSEND I see. LASCELLES A kind, and generous offer, as befits the widow of a kind and generous man. But while I’m sure you’re greatly flattered, I don’t expect you to accept the post. Hence my discouragement of the offer. I didn’t want the Queen to suffer the embarrassment of refusal. TOWNSEND Why would I not accept it? LASCELLES You’re asking the wrong question. Why would you?

71.

TOWNSEND looks up. LASCELLES You’re a decorated war hero, still in your prime. Comptroller of the Queen’s Household has no military associations. Doesn’t play to your strengths. It would keep you away from your wife, and family. Now’s the natural time for a break. After all, the person with whom you enjoyed the “uncommonly close understanding” is deceased. TOWNSEND I...er... LASCELLES Unless I am missing something. Unless there is someone ELSE with whom you enjoy an “uncommonly close understanding” which would make accepting the post more attractive. TOWNSEND I don’t know what you are referring to. LASCELLES Don’t you, Group Captain Townsend? Husband and father? TOWNSEND No, Sir. LASCELLES You are probably telling yourself that because nothing has happened so far that no one can know. Allow me to disavow you of this delusion. Within the close community of those serving the family I regret to tell you, the talk -- ugly talk, unbecoming talk, tittle tattle -- is of little else. LASCELLES looks at TOWNSEND. LASCELLES I’m aware of the toll that round-theclock service has on the private lives of those that serve. I am also aware of the feelings generated by continued close proximity to the people you are working for but I would hate you to mistake those feelings for anything else.

72.

TOWNSEND Please my gratitude to the Queen for the offer. I should very much like to consider the matter for forty-eight hours. If I may. LASCELLES Take longer. Seventy-two hours. A week. Discuss it with your wife. Closely. Make the right decision. TOWNSEND Sir. The two MEN look at one another. No love lost. LASCELLES That’ll be all. TOWNSEND turns, and walks out. 121

INT. CORRIDOR - SANDRINGHAM - DAY

121

TOWNSEND emerges from the room. Shaken by the conversation. A PAGE is waiting for him. PAGE For you, Sir. TOWNSEND Thank you. TOWNSEND opens the envelope, and pulls out the note inside.. He looks at the writing, then covers it, and looks left and right in case anyone has noticed... He looks at the writing again. This time we see it.. “I MUST SEE YOU” 122

EXT. SANDRINGHAM HOUSE - DAY

122

TOWNSEND goes out to a yard with Jeeps. He gets into one of the jeeps, and drives out. 123

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY TOWNSEND drives out into the estate. Up ahead, he sees a horse tethered... TOWNSEND pulls up in his jeep.

123

73.

124

EXT. MEETING PLACE - DAY

124

There TOWNSEND meets MARGARET. She is inconsolable. MARGARET Hold me. TOWNSEND My poor, darling. MARGARET allows him to envelop her in his arms. He holds her tight. It’s almost paternal. MARGARET I need you so badly. TOWNSEND I’m here for you. MARGARET No, you’re not. How can you be? They will post you somewhere else. They will put you back to the Air Force, and send you somewhere. I told my mother she had to keep you, that she had to insist on your staying. She said she would do everything to try. MARGARET looks up. MARGARET If they asked you, would you? TOWNSEND You’re asking the wrong question. Why would I not? They fall into one another’s arms. 125

INT. CABINET MEETING - DAY

125

The Cabinet is assembled. EDEN walks in, and takes his seat in his regular chair. EDEN The PM won’t be ing us this morning being very much tired with all the emotion of yesterday. SALISBURY So where is he? EDEN (pointed) He’s still asleep. The cabinet ministers look at one another.

74.

EDEN So in his absence, I will preside. A round of clearing throats. EDEN The Queen’s flight is now over Italy, having left El Adem airfield... SALISBURY Wait a minute, Foreign Secretary. EDEN What? SALISBURY If you are presiding over the meeting on the PM’s behalf, shouldn’t you be sitting in the appropriate chair. SALISBURY indicates the empty PM’s chair; the only chair with arms. EDEN looks at the chair... EDEN I really don’t think... EDEN stops himself. He looks back at his colleagues. EDEN Very well. EDEN gets to his feet and walks over to the PM’s chair. The significance of the moment is not lost on anyone. EDEN pulls back the chair, looks at his fellow cabinet colleagues, and sits in the chair. The chair he craves with every fibre in his body. EDEN The Queen’s flight is now over Italy, having left El Adem airfield in Libya at 5 o’clock this morning. She is expected to touch down in approximately three hours. At the Accession Council meeting yesterday it was agreed that a cross-party delegation would meet her, along with Privy Councillors, etc... SALISBURY looks round the room at the other ministers. 126

INT. DOWNING STREET - DAY Afterwards: the plotters gather round EDEN.

126

75.

SALISBURY You must have felt it. The respect in the room. Their desire to be led. By you. EDEN What else do you want me to do? Short of pushing Winston under a bus, I cannot force him out. I went to see the King who was never able to have that conversation with the PM. Events now need to take their natural course. He needs to stumble and he needs to fall. Don’t forget, at present it’s just a few of us that know just how bad the situation is. It needs a public humiliation to bring his incapacity into the open. SALISBURY The eulogy. EDEN What? SALISBURY He’s going to have to address the nation. Connect with the mood of the country and lead from the front. You think he’s in a fit state to do that? EDEN God, no. He’s in no state to do anything. He will mix-up his words or forget his lines. One way or another it’ll be a disaster. SALISBURY Right. EDEN But shouldn’t we prevent that? Not for his sake, but for all our sakes. It might diminish the occasion. SALISBURY You know sometimes, Anthony, I think you really only have yourself to blame for your years in Winston’s shadow. If you want the top job, you have to be ruthless. It’s what people want from their leaders. The killer instinct. The absence of doubt. You yourself said it needs a public humiliation. I’m not suggesting you thrust a knife in his heart.

76.

EDEN Just to stand back and let him thrust one into his own. 127

INT. DOWNING STREET - CHURCHILL’S BEDROOM - DAY

127

In his bedroom, CHURCHILL continues to snore, fast asleep. Lost to the world. In the realm of his dreams. The only remaining place where there are no plots against him. 128

128

INT. PLANE - DAY

QUEEN and PHILIP are in the separate cabin reserved for them at the back of the plane. PHILIP looks out of a window. PHILIP Where will we live? As a family? ELIZABETH There will be pressure on us to move to Buckingham Palace. PHILIP I would prefer not to do that. Silence. PHILIP (CONT’D) I don’t want the children to grow up in that mausoleum. ELIZABETH Just saying there will be pressure. PHILIP By all means use the place as an office, but our home, our FAMILY home, should remain at Clarence House. ELIZABETH That will be difficult. PHILIP Why? You always said you were never happy in the palace yourself. ELIZABETH I wasn’t. PHILIP Then why repeat mistakes? Generation after generation? (MORE)

77. PHILIP (cont'd) In the interest of ‘tradition’? You’re the person who can change it now.

ELIZABETH All right. Well, let’s not rattle the cage now. PHILIP I’m not rattling the cage. ELIZABETH You’re rattling the cage. PHILIP I am having a conversation. ELIZABETH In the wrong place at the wrong time. PHILIP You started it, dear. ELIZABETH There’ll be the right moment to discuss turning everything on it’s head... PHILIP (hands raised innocently) I’m turning nothing on it’s head. ELIZABETH You’re turning ME on MY head. PHILIP I’m just saying there’s a brief moment now where we should strike, and catch them all by surprise. ELIZABETH Who? PHILIP The old guard. The firm. Who’ll want to keep everything exactly as it was. And who’ll want to keep me out of the picture. ELIZABETH You know your problem? You see conspiracy where there is none. PHILIP I see it where it’s obvious. Your head is buried in the sand, like all the other ostriches in your family. She rolls her eyes.

78.

ELIZABETH This isn’t a moment to ‘strike’, and ‘catch them by surprise’. This isn’t a military operation. PHILIP More’s the pity. ELIZABETH My father has died. I have no thoughts beyond that. Now if you’d me that coat... PHILIP es ELIZABETH the black coat. ELIZABETH I’d like to get ready. PHILIP nods, and leaves her alone in the cabin. 129


129

ATTLEE, CLEMENT DAVIES, LORD WOOLTON, HARRY CROOKSHANK, SALISBURY, LORD CHAMBERLAIN, LORD CHANCELLOR, and the DUKE OF GLOUCESTER stand by the airport. All in sombre, respectful mourning wear they stand awkwardly awaiting the arrival of the plane, saying little to one another. A car arrives and a frail-looking CHURCHILL gets out. He walks over and takes his position standing next to EDEN. EDEN (pointed) Good morning. WINSTON Anthony. EDEN I trust you slept well. CHURCHILL turns; looks at EDEN. WINSTON I did. A pause. WINSTON Though I was briefly troubled by a bad dream. EDEN Oh.

79.

WINSTON Would you like to hear it? EDEN Not particularly. WINSTON Go on. You may be able to shed light on it. In my dream a close friend, a family friend, and lifelong political ally went to see the late King behind my back and plotted against me. EDEN looks at WINSTON.. WINSTON What do you make of that? EDEN I’m afraid I don’t share the modish fixation with the analysis of dreams. WINSTON But hearing it, what advice would you give me? EDEN My advice would be simple. I recommend that you spend more time awake. A ripple among the politicians. The flight has arrived. 130

130

EXT. RUNWAY - DAY The plane carrying the QUEEN taxis to a halt. Steps are pushed to the door. The first person to climb the steps is LASCELLES.

131

131

INT. PLANE - DAY The QUEEN finishes buttoning the long black coat over her beige dress. The door opens. LASCELLES walks in. Bows from the neck. LASCELLES Your Majesty. LASCELLES hands over a black, (feathered), hat. LASCELLES I’ve been asked to give you this. ELIZABETH Thank you.

80.

LASCELLES (to CHARTERIS) It’s all right, Charteris. I’ll take over from here. CHARTERIS Yes, Sir. Your Majesty. ELIZABETH Thank you, Martin. For everything. ELIZABETH shakes his hand, he goes. The OLD GUARD now closing protectively in around the Crown. LASCELLES Ready, Ma’am? PHILIP moves to escort her. PHILIP It’s all right. I’ll escort her down. LASCELLES No, Sir. If you don’t mind. (a beat) The Crown has precedence. LASCELLES blocks PHILIP’s path. PHILIP is stung, “What?”, then looks at ELIZABETH, who shoots him a look... Then averts her eyes. And heads out of the door. 132


132

The QUEEN emerges from the plane. And walks slowly down the steps. Waiting for her: a sea of old, conservative, white-haired MEN. ELIZABETH so young, so feminine, so innocent by comparison. She reaches the bottom of the steps, and is greeted by CHURCHILL. WINSTON Your Majesty. Followed by EDEN, SALISBURY, ATTLEE, MOUNTBATTEN, etc. 133

INT. BOAC PLANE - SAME TIME

133

PHILIP, a forgotten figure, watches the scene unfold from the top of the steps. He is ed by MIKE PARKER.

81.

MIKE Give it a few days. It’ll all settle down. PHILIP No, it won’t. And you know it. 134

EXT. LONDON AIRPORT - AFTERNOON

134

The QUEEN gets into one of the big black royal cars (known as ‘hearses’), ed by PHILIP. The royal car, bearing the sovereign’s coat of arms on its roof, drives away, royal standard fluttering. 135

INT. DOWNING STREET - NIGHT

135

A microphone is being prepared by technicians. Like executioners preparing the gallows and the guillotine. CHURCHILL walks into the room. Stares at the microphone. He walks over to his seat. He pulls out a handwritten speech. The producer nods solemnly. CHURCHILL composes himself for a moment, then... WINSTON When the death of the King was announced to us yesterday morning there struck a deep and solemn note in our lives which, as it resounded far and wide, stilled the clatter and traffic of twentieth-century life, and made countless millions of human beings around the world pause and look around them. 136

EXT. SANDRINGHAM HOUSE - NIGHT

136

The Royal car carrying the QUEEN arrives outside Sandringham House. Staff are lined up outside to greet their new Sovereign. WINSTON (V.O.) The King was greatly loved by all his peoples. He was respected as a man and as a prince. The simple dignity of his life, his manly virtues, his sense of duty - when he assumed the heavy burden of the Crown and succeeded his brother - his example as a husband and a father in his own family circle, his courage in peace or war - all this we have seen and we have greatly ired.

82.

The staff bow and curtsey in respect and deference. 137

INT. SANDRINGHAM - NIGHT

137

ELIZABETH walks into Sandringham House where she is greeted by the QUEEN MOTHER and Princess MARGARET. WINSTON (V.O.) The greatest shocks ever felt by this island fell upon us in his reign. Never in our long history were we exposed to greater perils of invasion and destruction. The late King lived through every minute of this struggle with a heart that never quavered and a spirit undaunted. A moment that is fraught with meaning and emotion. First a tear-stained MARGARET greets her, with a curtsey, indicating precedence. WINSTON (V.O.) Though deeply smitten by physical afflictions he felt and shared the sufferings of his peoples as if they were his own. During these last months the King walked with death as if death were a companion, an acquaintance whom he recognized and did not fear. Then the QUEEN MOTHER. Curtseying, deeply, deferentially. And kissing her daughter’s hand. 138


138

CHURCHILL continues with his broadcast, reading his speech... WINSTON In the end death came as a friend, and after a happy day of sunshine and sport, and after "good night" to those who loved him best, he fell asleep as every man or woman who strives to fear God and nothing else in the world may hope to do. 139

139 EXT. CHURCH OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE - SANDRINGHAM - SAME TIME To establish. A 16th-Century, carrstone building on the grounds of Sandringham. Used for private worship and memorials by the royals for centuries.

83.

140

140 INT. CHURCH OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE - SANDRINGHAM - SAME TIME ELIZABETH enters the Parish Church at Sandringham where an open coffin lies, draped in the royal standard. Above her, a chancel with carved angels frames the silver altar. WINSTON (V.O.) Now I must leave the treasures of the past and turn to the future. Famous have been the reigns of our queens. Some of the greatest periods in our history have unfolded under their sceptres. ELIZABETH approaches the coffin, and looks at her father, etiolated, alabastered, blue-lipped. WINSTON (V.O.) Queen Elizabeth II, like her namesake, Queen Elizabeth I, did not her childhood in any certain expectation of the Crown. She is also heir to all our united strength and loyalty. ELIZABETH bends down, and places a kiss on her father’s brow. WINSTON (V.O.) She comes to the throne at a time when a mankind stands uncertainly poised on the edge of catastrophe. Then she turns, and walks out, holding in the tears. Not wanting the ESTATE WORKERS to see her emotion. WINSTON (V.O.) Let us hope and pray that her accession to our ancient Throne may be the signal for a brightening salvation of the human scene. Tomorrow the proclamation of her sovereignty will command the loyalty of her native land and of all other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire.

141


141

CHURCHILL, visibly tired, voice beginning to fade, wraps up the broadcast.. WINSTON I, whose youth was ed in the august, unchallenged and tranquil glories of the Victorian era, may well feel a thrill in invoking once more the prayer and the anthem, "God save the Queen!"

84.

CHURCHILL finishes. He looks up. The room - full of producers and technicians and civil servants - is deathly quiet. CHURCHILL Was that all right? No one able to speak. All blown away. FADE TO BLACK: 142

INT. CORRIDOR - SANDRINGHAM - THE FOLLOWING MORNING

142

A uniformed PAGE walks through a corridor, carrying newspapers. He hands the newspapers to a MAID. The MAID knocks on the door. MAID Newspapers, Ma’am. 143

INT. SALISBURY’S HOUSE - DAY

143

SALISBURY sits in his bed reading the newspapers. 144

INT. EDEN’S HOUSE - DAY

144

EDEN sits in his bed reading the newspapers. 145

INT. ATTLEE’S HOUSE - DAY

145

ATTLEE sits in his bed reading the newspapers. 146


146

CHURCHILL sits in his bed, reading the newspapers. Rave reviews in newspapers from all over the world. 147


147

CHURCHILL is getting ready. CLEMMIE pops her head round the corner.. CLEMMIE You’re late. WINSTON looks up with difficulty. WINSTON Almost there. CLEMMIE Unbecomingly late.

85.

CLEMMIE goes. CHURCHILL straightens, a cunning glint in his eye. We realize his slowness is intentional. “Snap”, a moment later the door opens again... CLEMMIE Un-pardon-ably late! 148

INT. ST. JAMES’S PALACE - DAY

148

CHURCHILL arrives outside St. JAMES’s. He enters the building via the Ambassador’s Court Entrance. He walks slowly up stairs, towards the large upstairs room. He reaches a door, through which we hear the voice of the new QUEEN... She reads her Accession statement. CHURCHILL listens... ELIZABETH (O/S) ...at this time of deep sorrow, my heart is too full for me to say more to you to-day than that I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to up-hold constitutional government and to advance the happiness and prosperity of my Peoples, spread as they are all the world over. “CLICK”, CHURCHILL enters the room. 149

INT. ST. JAMES’S PALACE - DAY

149

The room is packed with British establishment. The Court at St. James’s. Lords, Ladies, Bishops, Government Ministers, Privy Councilors, Mayor, Aldermen of the City of London... Most wear grand, full ceremonial dress. Some wear morning coats. All heads turn as CHURCHILL enters. Making an entrance. As ever. The QUEEN finishes... ELIZABETH I pray that God will help me to discharge worthily the duties and responsibilities of Sovereignty, this heavy task that has been laid upon me so early in my life. CHURCHILL makes his way through the crowds. Reaches EDEN. EDEN You know, someone should buy you a new watch.

86.

Both bow from the neck as the QUEEN es them, leaving.. EDEN You are incorrigible. WINSTON That may be, Anthony. But I am also still leader. CHURCHILL stands by as one after another of the white-haired of the establishment line up to congratulate him on his speech. EDEN walks away. Frustrated. 150

INT. CLARENCE HOUSE - DAY

150

ELIZABETH and PHILIP arrive back at CLARENCE HOUSE to be greeted by their staff. A nanny steps forward. NANNY Welcome back, Ma’am. ELIZABETH Thank you. NANNY Will you come and see the children? ELIZABETH In a moment. She walks down a corridor, and disappears into a room alone. Her two children, CHARLES and ANNE are neglected. One of the children is crying. PHILIP goes to tend to them. 151

INT. ROOM - CLARENCE HOUSE - DAY

151

ELIZABETH goes into a room, and locks the door behind her. She sits in a room alone as... 152

EXT. LONDON STREETS - DAY

152

State trumpeters sound their trumpets. The Procession of Officer and Arms carrying maces, moves through streets, reaching Charing Cross... 153

EXT. CHARING CROSS - DAY The HERALDS announce to the world...

153

87.

HERALD Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lord King George the Sixth, the Crown is solely and rightfully come to Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, who is now become Queen Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of this Realm and of all Her other Realms and Territories Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom Her lieges do acknowledge all Faith and constant Obedience, and with hearty and humble Affection beseech God, by whom Kings and Queens do reign, to bless Elizabeth the Second with long and happy Years to reign over us. 154

154

INT. ROOM - CLARENCE HOUSE - DAY

ELIZABETH suddenly, quite distressingly, bursts into tears. Her shoulders shake and convulse with pent-up emotion. Tears stream down her face. Slowly, her emotions subside. The ripples fade away, leaving calm, unbroken glass. She wipes the tears from her face. She composes herself. Concentrates. Presently it’s as if there has been no emotion whatsoever. The pain, fear, loneliness and mourning locked away deep within her. And the key thrown away. It is the last time we will ever see her weep. Or express emotion so freely. ELIZABETH WINDSOR stares into the camera. Aged 26, but already subjugated. Erased. A prisoner within the gilded carapace that is... ...ELIZABETH REGINA. BLACKOUT

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