- 2 weeks ago
- #belle
- #janeeyre
- #carrington
#belle #janeeyre #carrington
First episode covers Victoria's growth from bullied princess to reigning queen and includes her romance and marriage with Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Starring: Victoria Hamilton, Jonathan Firth, Peter Ustinov, Jonathan Pryce, Diana Rigg.
First episode covers Victoria's growth from bullied princess to reigning queen and includes her romance and marriage with Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Starring: Victoria Hamilton, Jonathan Firth, Peter Ustinov, Jonathan Pryce, Diana Rigg.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00I don't know.
00:01:00The Queen!
00:01:10She's coming!
00:01:11The Queen!
00:01:12What?
00:01:13Quick as you're right!
00:01:13Quick!
00:01:30You're new here.
00:01:46Prince Albert's rooms are to be kept exactly as they were when he was taken from us.
00:01:51Yes, Your Majesty.
00:01:56I am a little ahead of my usual time today.
00:02:00Yes, Your Majesty.
00:02:00Nevertheless, it's always better to complete a task well ahead of time.
00:02:06That was always His Royal Highness Prince Albert's maxim.
00:02:08Yes, Your Majesty.
00:02:09Yes, Your Majesty.
00:02:39How clearly, and with what astonishment do I remember how thoroughly I disliked you.
00:02:46Shall I tell you something shocking about your brother?
00:02:49Shocking?
00:02:50About Albert?
00:02:51Yes, very shocking indeed.
00:02:53But my dear Victoria, your cousin Albert is known to be a paragon of all the virtues.
00:02:59Will you be the judge, Ernest?
00:03:00Oh, nice shot.
00:03:04At the ball at Windsor.
00:03:07He was seen to yawn, not once, but repeatedly throughout the evening.
00:03:13I have no great taste for late hours.
00:03:15I have never made any secret of it.
00:03:17And he danced only three dances out of the twelve.
00:03:21Well, that is so shocking.
00:03:24It's a crime.
00:03:26A hanging offence, I should think.
00:03:27There's more.
00:03:28The visit has been a success, I think.
00:03:30Victoria seems to have made a choice.
00:03:32I fail to see any choice in the matter for her, Baron Starkmar.
00:03:36In your mind, it was always to be Albert.
00:03:38Well, as the younger son, he is to be preferred, certainly, since Ernest will succeed his father as the Duke of Coburn.
00:03:45If her inclination was towards Ernest, then...
00:03:47One or the other.
00:03:49A vast choice indeed.
00:03:50Well, surely you must be aware, Baroness, that within the family, such an arrangement has been considered suitable and desirable for many years.
00:03:59The princess's happiness being of minor importance, of course.
00:04:03No.
00:04:04From what I've seen of her, and from what I know of him, I think their prospects of happiness together are excellent.
00:04:12At the poetry recital the other week, I actually saw him fall asleep.
00:04:17Albert's!
00:04:18During an extract from Byron, too.
00:04:21And what have you to say to these further grave charges?
00:04:24I have always thought Byron a very indifferent poet.
00:04:28Oh, now you're teasing.
00:04:30No, I have never admired him.
00:04:32Indeed, I find it amazing that respectable people can bring themselves to eat him at all, considering the utter immorality of his private life.
00:04:40But, my dear Albert, if books were to be admitted or rejected according to the moral character of their authors, the library shelves would be empty.
00:04:50On with the dance, let joy be unconfined, no sleep till morn, when youth and pleasure meet, to chase the glowing hours with flying feet.
00:05:02Do you call that indifferent poetry?
00:05:06It has a certain ring, I grant you, but it's hardly serious.
00:05:10I think it's simply wonderful.
00:05:15It's time to give Dash his bath.
00:05:20I think I may claim to know the princess a little better than Hugh, Byron.
00:05:25Over the years, I've become more than her governess.
00:05:27I've become her friend.
00:05:28Certainly.
00:05:29Sometimes I think I'm the only friend she has.
00:05:32No, I trust not.
00:05:34You know nothing of her life here.
00:05:36She has no freedom, no amusements.
00:05:39She is a prisoner.
00:05:40If, on top of this, she's forced to marry against her will, I tell you frankly, I will do everything in my power to prevent it.
00:05:46Well, as confidential advisor to the Coburg family, I was instrumental in approving your appointment, Baroness.
00:05:53I should be very sorry indeed to have to return to the family, confess that I was mistaken in your character, and recommend your removal.
00:06:04You may make what threats you will.
00:06:06I care for nothing.
00:06:08Nothing but victorious happiness.
00:06:11I make no threats, Baroness.
00:06:15I merely state the position.
00:06:23Well, sister, I must thank you again for a most agreeable visit.
00:06:37Albert, in particular, has very much enjoyed himself, is that not so, Albert?
00:06:41Yes, father.
00:06:42Especially at the ball at Windsor.
00:06:45All is ready, your highness.
00:06:47If thanks are due, we mustn't leave out Sir John Conroy.
00:06:50It was he who made all the arrangements.
00:06:52Of course.
00:06:53Sir John, your highness.
00:06:55Such a deal of work.
00:06:57But Sir John is tireless.
00:06:59We'd all be lost without him.
00:07:02Wouldn't we, Victoria?
00:07:04Oh, very true, ma'am.
00:07:13Such dear boys, both of them.
00:07:16But I'm not afraid to confess that Albert is my favourite.
00:07:19Always so attentive.
00:07:20Always so thoughtful and kind.
00:07:23Walk on.
00:07:24Walk.
00:07:25Walk.
00:07:25Walk.
00:07:25You're invited to take tea with Sir John and Lady Conroy.
00:07:39You're invited to take tea with Sir John and Lady Conroy.
00:07:53Such giddy dissipations.
00:07:54At least when my cousins were here, there were balls and opera and theatre and Lamar was a little less cross and querulous.
00:08:03Now it's back to tea with Sir John.
00:08:09When your mother's good mood lasts, you should talk to her about what we discussed.
00:08:14She'll only make a scene.
00:08:17Remember?
00:08:18Remember who you are.
00:08:19Oh, dear, it's Leeson.
00:08:22You always say that.
00:08:24Well, now, what did you make of Prince Albert?
00:08:27I liked him well enough.
00:08:29At first.
00:08:31But, he's so stuffy.
00:08:33He's so solemn and serious.
00:08:38He lectures one.
00:08:40Towards the end, I quite took against him.
00:08:42Have you written up your journal?
00:08:57Yes, Mama.
00:08:58Mama.
00:09:07Mama, very soon I'm to be of age.
00:09:10Might I not have my own bedroom?
00:09:12I suppose Leeson has put you up to this.
00:09:24No, Mama.
00:09:24Oh, yes, she has.
00:09:25You never listen to me, but you listen to her.
00:09:27That's not true.
00:09:28You care more for her than your own mother.
00:09:30Of course I do.
00:09:31You do.
00:09:32From the day you were born, I've sacrificed everything to protect you.
00:09:37Everything.
00:09:38Do you think it's been easy?
00:09:40Do you?
00:09:40No.
00:09:40No.
00:09:41With your father dying.
00:09:44With no money, only debts.
00:09:45With no friends, only enemies and schemers.
00:09:49There have been times when I've known despair, yet somehow I've kept on for your sake.
00:09:54Have I ever heard one word of gratitude?
00:09:58Never.
00:10:00No.
00:10:00You treat me as a stranger.
00:10:02This is your doing.
00:10:20You've poisoned her mind against me.
00:10:22No, ma'am.
00:10:23You've set daughter against mother.
00:10:26With respect, ma'am.
00:10:28Victoria is a girl who knows her own mind.
00:10:30You forget your station.
00:10:32You forget you're little more than a servant in this house.
00:10:34I can dismiss you at any moment.
00:10:36I'm well aware of that, your royal highness.
00:10:38But you must remember, in a few weeks' time, Victoria comes of age.
00:10:42And she will be mistress in this house.
00:10:45Ha!
00:10:46We'll see about that.
00:10:47If you would consider more carefully just how the Duchess would be likely to take such
00:10:55a request, you'd perhaps have held back and spared her much pain.
00:11:00I did consider, Sir John.
00:11:03I thought, since I shall be of age so soon, that it was a reasonable request.
00:11:08Well, just because a young lady comes of age now doesn't mean that she's all of a sudden
00:11:12entitled to have her own way and everything.
00:11:15I hope I have no such idea.
00:11:17What it ought to mean is that she's attained a sufficient maturity to understand the great
00:11:22burdens that have been borne by those charged with her upbringing.
00:11:25I do understand.
00:11:26I wonder.
00:11:29Do you realize how often your mother has been at her wit's end just to pay the tradesman's
00:11:34bills?
00:11:35I know that memoir has had difficulties.
00:11:38I know that the allowance provided by Uncle Leopold is more...
00:11:41Oh, a paltry few thousand a year.
00:11:43The king, of course, will give her nothing.
00:11:44I have been forced to sell my own estate in Ireland, just to keep her from ruin and public
00:11:52disgrace.
00:11:53I didn't know that, Sir John.
00:11:55Nobody told me anything about it.
00:11:57It wasn't your business to know.
00:11:58I mention it now, only to show you just how great have been the sacrifices made on your
00:12:09behalf.
00:12:09I'm very much aware of them.
00:12:11You must not listen to false friends or follow their advice.
00:12:16You must remember that your mother is your best friend and your wisest counsellor.
00:12:22It's a handsome set.
00:12:36I don't think I've been extravagant.
00:12:40Well, a little perhaps.
00:12:42The prices in London are so much more reasonable than in Germany.
00:12:44I hope you've found other attractions in London.
00:12:48I doubt she'd have me.
00:12:52In any case, Stocky, I'm not up to it.
00:12:54I've ever had for books and music and the countryside, but her fares all stayed.
00:13:01I remember when your Uncle Leopold first took me to England.
00:13:05A simple country doctor venturing timidly forth into the great world.
00:13:09Timidly?
00:13:10Yes, and with good reason.
00:13:12I found myself among famous men, royalty, politicians.
00:13:16They made me feel as though I was nothing.
00:13:18A funny little medical man from a funny little German duchy you can hardly find on a map.
00:13:23How wrong they were.
00:13:25Well, it was not so much that they underestimated me as that they over-estimated themselves.
00:13:31You know, in any generation, you might find two or three men who have true greatness,
00:13:36but for the rest, they're called great, think themselves great.
00:13:39But really, they're very ordinary indeed.
00:13:43And what makes you think that I'm any different?
00:13:46Well, sir, I've been confidential advisor to your family for 20 years.
00:13:51I think I can claim some small degree of success.
00:13:55With Uncle Leopold on the throne and Victoria about to be,
00:13:59one is reluctantly forced to admit that you haven't done so badly for us.
00:14:03Then you would allow me a certain judgment.
00:14:08You're about to outwit me, aren't you?
00:14:10Well, sir.
00:14:13Do you think I would have prepared you for the role that I hope you'll play
00:14:16if I did not think you were capable?
00:14:19Remember, he's my deadly enemy.
00:14:37How he's aged.
00:14:42I hardly recognized him.
00:14:48Duchess.
00:14:50Your Majesty.
00:14:52I'm glad you could be prevailed upon to attend.
00:14:55On such an occasion, sir, one naturally feels a duty.
00:15:04My dear Victoria.
00:15:07Your Majesty.
00:15:08To receive you here is not only a pleasure, it's a delight.
00:15:14May I wish your Majesty a very happy birthday?
00:15:18I hope you received my little gift.
00:15:21Oh, oh, the sketch.
00:15:25Oh, yes, it was a delight.
00:15:29Charming.
00:15:30And most accomplished.
00:15:32Oh, I fear it's very poor, Uncle.
00:15:35Oh, nonsense.
00:15:37Nonsense.
00:15:39Why, how you are blossoming.
00:15:42Quite the young lady of fashion.
00:15:46But why don't we see you here more often?
00:15:49You should come here far more often.
00:15:53We can't have you cooped up in that damned, drafty old place.
00:15:58It's bad for a girl.
00:16:00Do you hear me?
00:16:03Madam.
00:16:07Your Majesty must surely allow that the best judge of what is good for a young girl
00:16:11is her mother.
00:16:13We'll see about that, Madam.
00:16:30Sufferable, William.
00:16:31Not William.
00:16:32How dare you wake up to him like that?
00:16:34No.
00:16:34No.
00:16:34No.
00:16:34No.
00:16:34No.
00:16:34No.
00:16:35No.
00:16:35No.
00:16:35No.
00:16:35No.
00:16:36No.
00:16:36No.
00:16:37No.
00:16:38No.
00:16:39No.
00:16:40No.
00:16:41No.
00:16:42No.
00:16:43No.
00:16:53Your Royal Highnesses, my lords, ladies and gentlemen, His Grace, the Duke of Wellington.
00:17:02The toast is to the health and long life of His Majesty.
00:17:07I am.
00:17:08The king.
00:17:09The king.
00:17:11The king.
00:17:12The king.
00:17:13The king.
00:17:14The king may be.
00:17:25I thank you.
00:17:28Health and long life, you said.
00:17:32Well, I'm 71 years of age.
00:17:36I doubt whether I shall ever see 72.
00:17:41No great matter in that.
00:17:44I've had a fair wind, and I've taken many fine prizes.
00:17:51But I have only one wish of divine providence,
00:17:55and that is to be given time to see this young lady come of age.
00:18:02Yes, that would give me the satisfaction of leaving the royal authority
00:18:08to the personal exercise of the heiress presumptive to the crown.
00:18:17And not leaving it to another person who is close to me now.
00:18:26And who is surrounded by evil advisors, and who would prove to be utterly incompetent to act in such a station.
00:18:38I do not hesitate to say that I have been insulted.
00:18:45I've been grossly and consistently insulted by this person,
00:18:50most especially in the manner in which he prevented this young lady from attending my court.
00:18:58Now, I would remind this person that I am king,
00:19:07and that I insist and command this young lady to attend regularly my court.
00:19:16My court.
00:19:19Which it is indeed her duty!
00:19:25To do.
00:19:26I've ordered my carriage.
00:19:37I won't stay one moment more under his roof.
00:19:41Very well, ma'am.
00:19:42And if you leave now, it will be the talk of the clubs by morning,
00:19:44and in every damn scandal she might make...
00:19:46I don't care! This is not my doing!
00:19:47It's the king's doing!
00:19:48He must suffer the consequences!
00:19:50It will do as much damage to you as to him, ma'am.
00:19:53And I should think you'd be sorry to see your daughter's name bandied about in the gutter press.
00:19:59Surely it ought to be kept private, if possible, ma'am.
00:20:02Nothing can be gained by exposing such a matter in public.
00:20:05That's sound advice, ma'am.
00:20:07And I strongly urge you to heed it.
00:20:11You don't care that I've been humiliated in front of the whole court!
00:20:14You take the king's side, I suppose!
00:20:16You think I should sit down under his insults?
00:20:19Your carriage is ready, Your Royal Highness.
00:20:23I changed my mind!
00:20:25We'll go tomorrow.
00:20:27As arranged.
00:20:28Yes, Your Royal Highness.
00:20:35Ah, ah, ah...
00:20:36Halford.
00:20:38I'll let the old bitch go and hang the scandal.
00:20:42William, I implore you to listen to the Duke.
00:20:45No.
00:20:46No, no, no, no, no.
00:20:47No. I will bring that woman to heel.
00:20:51That was your majesty's intention. You've gone the wrong way about it.
00:20:54Yeah. What?
00:20:56After this affair, she'll lock the princess up tight to the ladder.
00:20:59Will she, by God?
00:21:00What will your majesty do? Send troops to fetch the princess when you want her?
00:21:05Who asked you to interfere?
00:21:08Well, sir, I fought a European war to preserve the crown of England
00:21:11and spent a deal of my time as prime minister defending its dignity,
00:21:15and I'm damned if the latter wasn't often harder than the former.
00:21:18What? When the royal family starts brawling in public,
00:21:20it's an invitation to every scallywag of a radical to demand reform.
00:21:24What's worse, your ordinary loyal Englishman says to himself,
00:21:27if they can't behave, we'd be better off without her.
00:21:30That's all I have to say.
00:21:32With the majesty's permission, I'll go to my bed.
00:21:36How dare he talk to the king like that?
00:21:39How dare he?
00:21:40My dear, if he wasn't afraid of Napoleon,
00:21:43we can hardly expect him to be afraid of you.
00:21:46Wellington or no Wellington,
00:21:48I still have a shot left in my locker.
00:21:50Go, go!
00:22:20Come!
00:22:24Well, what is it?
00:22:26The Lord Chamberlain is here, Sir John.
00:22:28He has a letter for the princess.
00:22:30It's from the king.
00:22:32The Lord Chamberlain is here, Sir John.
00:22:50Sir John, good day to you.
00:22:53I understand you have a letter for the princess.
00:22:56Yes.
00:22:58I see she has it.
00:23:00My instructions are to hand it to a person.
00:23:02I'll save her the trouble.
00:23:04His Majesty was most insistent on the point.
00:23:14I hoped I'd made the position clear to Sir John, Ma.
00:23:18I'm commanded to place the letter personally in the hands of the princess.
00:23:24I think I might be trusted to take it to my own daughter.
00:23:30To avoid any possible doubt in the matter,
00:23:32His Majesty has put it in writing, ma'am.
00:23:36I'd rather have to work with him.
00:23:38No, no, no, no.
00:23:40Victoria, what on earth are you doing?
00:23:56It's Thursday, Mama.
00:23:59What?
00:24:01I always give Dash his bath on a Thursday.
00:24:06You're wanted in the drawing room?
00:24:08Yes, Mama.
00:24:10Tidy yourself up and come down immediately.
00:24:13Yes, Mama.
00:24:30Remember who you are.
00:24:31I hope you're satisfied now, Lord Cunningham.
00:24:49Oh.
00:24:49You won't wish to be detained any longer.
00:24:51You must have many important matters to attend to.
00:24:53Yes, Mama.
00:24:59Your Royal Highness.
00:25:02Sir John.
00:25:11I'll deal with that.
00:25:12I think my uncle means it to be read by me alone.
00:25:15Don't talk nonsense.
00:25:16Give it to me.
00:25:17Mama.
00:25:17You can read it later.
00:25:18Sir John and I must look at it first.
00:25:19No, Mama.
00:25:26Are you going to sit there and allow Sir John to insult me in this fashion?
00:25:31Will you say nothing?
00:25:32It's a king officer of 10,000 a year.
00:25:35We're on separate establishment on a coming of age.
00:25:39I have been grossly assaulted.
00:25:43Mama.
00:25:43Victoria.
00:25:51Victoria.
00:25:51Victoria.
00:25:51There you go.
00:25:53We must draft a reply immediately.
00:25:55Her youth and an experience make it impossible for her to accept His Majesty's offer.
00:26:00She wishes to stay with her mother, etc., etc.
00:26:02I'll give it the right form of word.
00:26:04Now, it must be copied out in her own hand.
00:26:07It must be dispatched immediately.
00:26:08No, no, no.
00:26:08You go too fast for me.
00:26:10She comes of age in a few days.
00:26:12The king must see that we're wise to him.
00:26:15Do you not see his game?
00:26:16He wants to detach her from you so that he can poison her mind against you.
00:26:22You will stop it now.
00:26:23Will you throw away 80 years of a mother's patient love and tender care?
00:26:28And to copy this, word for word?
00:26:41At once?
00:26:44I cannot, Mama.
00:26:47I see.
00:26:48It's a matter that affects me very closely.
00:26:51I understand.
00:26:53You want your own income.
00:26:55You want your own establishment.
00:26:56In other words, you want to rid yourself of a great burden.
00:27:00Your mother.
00:27:02No, Mama.
00:27:04Then write it.
00:27:11You've seen how the king hates me.
00:27:13You know how he's insulted me.
00:27:15You can be loyal to him, or you can be loyal to me.
00:27:17I don't think it's a question of loyalty.
00:27:19Very well.
00:27:20But make no mistake.
00:27:24By this act, you cut yourself off from me forever.
00:27:29She's done it.
00:27:38Word for word.
00:27:39In her own hand.
00:27:40Memorandum dated May 20th, 1837.
00:27:47The letter sent to the king today was written by me under duress.
00:27:51The hand is mine, but the words are those of my mother,
00:27:55and were supplied to her by the comptroller of her household,
00:28:00Sir John Conroy.
00:28:05The letter sent to the king today.
00:28:35King William is dying.
00:28:47I leave for London tonight.
00:28:49In my experience, a succession to a throne invariably throws up some unforeseen difficulty.
00:28:55The question of Victoria's marriage may possibly arise.
00:28:58I can't do it, Stocky.
00:29:01I can't give up this for Buckingham Palace and Winter Castle.
00:29:03The very thought of it appalls me.
00:29:06I loathe all that pompous court routine.
00:29:09The English aristocracy have no conversation beyond the weather.
00:29:13Drinking, hunting, and women.
00:29:16What would I be, Stocky?
00:29:18Nothing.
00:29:18A cipher.
00:29:19Trotting two steps behind the Queen of England like a pet dog.
00:29:22And that's to Victoria herself.
00:29:24You do not like her.
00:29:25I do not know her.
00:29:28Well, of course you could stay here with your books and your music.
00:29:31What would you be then?
00:29:33Happy.
00:29:34Would you?
00:29:36Knowing that all the hopes your abilities have raised among your friends and family had gone to waste.
00:29:39What use would those abilities be in England?
00:29:41What power would I have?
00:29:42What influence?
00:29:43As much or as little as you made for yourself.
00:29:47Look, you have intelligence, application, strong principles, high ideals.
00:29:50But where would these talents be exercised for the best?
00:29:54In a backwater?
00:29:56In a forgotten corner of Germany?
00:29:59Or at the centre of the most powerful nation on earth?
00:30:03I never was able to win an argument with you.
00:30:06It is an immense opportunity, sir.
00:30:09Yes.
00:30:10And you are quite right, of course.
00:30:11I could never be entirely happy knowing that I had thrown it away.
00:30:17I understand.
00:30:19Sir, believe me, I understand.
00:30:21I hardly ever see my wife.
00:30:23I barely know my children.
00:30:26And very often, when I'm on the road, in between this or that capital city,
00:30:29with my bones being shaken half out of my body,
00:30:31my brains battered by some intractable problem of politics,
00:30:36and my heart longing for the quiet comfort of home,
00:30:39oh, I ask myself, why the devil I do it?
00:30:42Why the devil do you?
00:30:45Because...
00:30:46In my discreet way, I am a force.
00:30:51And I believe I'm a force for good.
00:30:53Yes, but it costs you a great deal.
00:30:55Yes, it does.
00:30:57Is the price worth paying?
00:30:59Oh, yes.
00:31:02Believe nothing else but believe this.
00:31:05It is worth paying.
00:31:06Okay.
00:31:07Sure, sorry.
00:31:07Okay.
00:31:08BIRDS CHIRP
00:31:38BIRDS CHIRP
00:32:08BIRDS CHIRP
00:32:10BIRDS CHIRP
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00:33:32Oh, my God.
00:34:02His Majesty the King is dead.
00:34:32His Majesty the King is dead.
00:34:34He's dead.
00:34:35He's dead.
00:34:36He's dead.
00:34:37He's dead.
00:34:38He's dead.
00:34:39He's dead.
00:34:40He's dead.
00:34:41He's dead.
00:34:42He's dead.
00:34:43All over.
00:34:44He's dead.
00:34:45He's dead.
00:34:46He's dead.
00:34:47He's dead.
00:34:48He is dead.
00:34:59He's dead.
00:35:01Amen.
00:35:05Who's there?
00:35:11Let us in at once, man.
00:35:12It's six o'clock in the morning, you fool.
00:35:17This is his grave, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
00:35:19Urgent business with the princess.
00:35:26Wake up, you fool.
00:35:27The king is dead.
00:35:28Keep on your toes.
00:35:32I can't wake my daughter at this hour.
00:35:35Your royal highness, we have most urgent business with her.
00:35:40It's out of the question.
00:35:42Urgent state business with the queen, ma'am.
00:35:57Goodbye.
00:35:57Grace, Lord Cunningham.
00:36:12We come from Windsor with a duty to inform you that your uncle, the king, departed this
00:36:21life at twelve minutes past two this morning.
00:36:23And that, consequently, you are queen.
00:36:35I shall do my utmost to fulfill my duty to my country.
00:36:40I am very young.
00:36:41I know, but I have a true desire to do what is fit and right.
00:36:45Your majesty.
00:37:08Oh, Blitzen.
00:37:15How strange it sounds.
00:37:17Your Majesty.
00:37:20You're the first person to call me that.
00:37:24You will stay with me, won't you?
00:37:28You will always stay with me.
00:37:30Always.
00:37:31Forever.
00:37:32Biscount Melbourne presents his humble duty to Your Majesty
00:37:40and will do himself the honour of waiting upon Your Majesty
00:37:44a little before nine this morning.
00:37:48I know almost nothing about him,
00:37:51except that he's the Prime Minister.
00:37:53You're Prime Minister, ma'am.
00:37:56Yes, I suppose he is.
00:37:58Mine.
00:37:59Mine.
00:37:59What sort of man is he?
00:38:07He is that rarity of the English ruling class.
00:38:12Highly intelligent man, almost a scholar, one might say.
00:38:17There are those who say that the tragedies of his personal life
00:38:20have made him cynical, but I've never thought so.
00:38:24What tragedies?
00:38:25What?
00:38:25Oh, please, tell me.
00:38:35His wife, Lady Caroline Lamb,
00:38:39conceived a passion for the poet Byron.
00:38:44Byron?
00:38:46What happens, Doccy?
00:38:47You know, there was a public scandal he was forced to separate from her.
00:38:51But when she was dying,
00:38:54he went to her
00:38:54and stayed with her until the end.
00:38:59I begin to like Lord Melbourne very much.
00:39:03There was a son with him.
00:39:07Lord Melbourne will be here shortly.
00:39:09I think it would be best if we received him in the state drawing room.
00:39:19I will receive him alone, ma'am.
00:39:24What?
00:39:28Stocky?
00:39:29It is customary for the Queen to receive her Prime Minister alone.
00:39:34Oh, what nonsense.
00:39:35She can't possibly receive him alone.
00:39:37For any other course would be highly improper, in fact.
00:39:41It is out of the question.
00:39:43What would I do without you, Stocky?
00:40:07You were telling me about Lord Melbourne's son.
00:40:09Yes, well, he died quite recently
00:40:12and his death was a great grief to Lord Melbourne.
00:40:18I see.
00:40:39Her Majesty will receive you now, my Lord Lincoln.
00:40:50Well, Anson.
00:40:54Wish me luck.
00:41:01Come.
00:41:04Lord Melbourne, ma'am.
00:41:09Lord Melbourne?
00:41:13Majesty.
00:41:27May I first say...
00:41:29May I first say that I intend to retain you
00:41:36and the present ministry at the head of affairs.
00:41:38I believe the country could not be in better hands.
00:41:43Thank you, ma'am.
00:41:45Subject to your Majesty's approval,
00:41:47I have called a meeting of the Privy Council
00:41:48for the swearing-in at eleven o'clock.
00:41:52I have taken the liberty of preparing
00:41:54a brief statement for your Majesty to read.
00:42:08I think it's very fine.
00:42:22Thank you, ma'am.
00:42:24It's beautiful.
00:42:24Oh, I shall make some awful mistake.
00:42:37I know I shall.
00:42:38Just remember who you are.
00:42:41Remember who you are.
00:42:42The trouble is, I can't really believe
00:42:46I am who I am.
00:42:49It all seems like a dream.
00:42:51That's too soon.
00:42:58Up to you.
00:42:58To me you.
00:42:59This is the...
00:44:05The loss to the nation of my late uncle, the king, is grievous.
00:44:23I am only too deeply aware of the awful responsibility placed upon me so suddenly and at such an early period in my life.
00:44:36I place my firm reliance upon the wisdom of Parliament and upon the loyalty and affection of my people.
00:44:47God save the Queen.
00:44:57God save the Queen!
00:45:00God save the Queen!
00:45:17Well, she's got something I've never seen in the royal family before.
00:45:27What's that?
00:45:29Dignity.
00:45:31God, that's where it came from.
00:45:33I think she'll do, Bob.
00:45:35I think she'll do.
00:45:36Nothing's been made ready.
00:45:58Hmm?
00:45:58It's Thursday.
00:46:03Dash's bath.
00:46:04Oh!
00:46:04Now carry it properly and carry it carefully and don't scratch that paint.
00:46:15Now come on, you maids.
00:46:16Hurry on now.
00:46:17Hurry on.
00:46:18What is the meaning of this?
00:46:19What is the meaning of this?
00:46:20What are you doing?
00:46:21Her Majesty's orders.
00:46:23Your royal highness.
00:46:26They're moving my bed.
00:46:29They say they've been told to take it to the north wing.
00:46:32That's quite right, Mama.
00:46:33You will be sleeping in the north wing from now on.
00:46:36Well done.
00:46:46What do you expect me to do?
00:46:49I'm finished here.
00:46:50What do you mean?
00:46:51I'm a soldier.
00:46:52I know when a battle's lost.
00:46:53My resignation.
00:46:54My terms.
00:46:55You can't desert me now.
00:46:56It's not a question of desertion.
00:46:57It is honorable surrender.
00:46:58I can't do anything from now on.
00:46:59I can't do anything from now on.
00:47:01Well done.
00:47:02What do you expect me to do?
00:47:03I'm finished here.
00:47:04It is honorable surrender.
00:47:06My dear friend.
00:47:07You're too hasty.
00:47:08You cannot resign.
00:47:09I forbid it.
00:47:10You would not deny that I have served you well and faithfully.
00:47:13Almost served.
00:47:14Well then allow me the dignity of resigning a service of my own free will
00:47:17and spare me this humiliation of being forced out.
00:47:19What will I do without you?
00:47:24May I offer your royal highness one last word of advice?
00:47:28Yes.
00:47:29Stand up to her.
00:47:30She's the queen.
00:47:31You're the mother of the queen.
00:47:32Yes.
00:47:33I do not want your rights.
00:47:34Demand to be shown the consideration due to your position.
00:47:37Act now and with firmness in my resolution.
00:47:40Otherwise I fear that we are lost.
00:47:44This memorandum from Sir John Conroy.
00:48:01He asks for a peerage and three thousand a year from the privy purse as the price for
00:48:09his resignation.
00:48:10Outrageous.
00:48:11Oh.
00:48:12Forgive me ma'am.
00:48:13I have acquired the habit of frankness.
00:48:16A bad habit in politics.
00:48:19Usually fatal in fact.
00:48:22I like frankness.
00:48:24I've not been much used to it.
00:48:27Well I know that your majesty's mother has placed great confidence in Sir John but I'm
00:48:32afraid that I regard him as an unprincipled adventurer.
00:48:39What am I to do?
00:48:40Nothing ma'am.
00:48:41Leave the matter entirely with me.
00:48:44I will deal with Sir John.
00:48:45I will deal with Sir John.
00:48:51That is an immense relief.
00:48:55Dismiss him from your mind gun.
00:48:57Oh.
00:48:58Oh.
00:48:59Baron Stockmar has been a great support and help to me.
00:49:08I should like to appoint him my private secretary.
00:49:13May I risk a further frankness ma'am?
00:49:15Certainly.
00:49:17I couldn't advise it.
00:49:19Oh the Baron is one of the cleverest fellows I ever met but he's not from these shores
00:49:26and it wouldn't be popular in the country.
00:49:29It's just that in my family we are so used to turning to him for advice.
00:49:34Yes.
00:49:35Quite so ma'am but with respect that's what I'm here for.
00:49:45We'll say no more about it then.
00:49:50I fear he'll be most dreadfully disappointed.
00:49:53Oh I think he'll take it in his stride ma'am.
00:49:59Well ma'am.
00:50:00Would you like some tea?
00:50:02Thank you very much.
00:50:04Please.
00:50:16I...
00:50:18I learned of the recent death of your son.
00:50:25I was so very sorry to hear of it.
00:50:28Thank you ma'am.
00:50:30I...
00:50:32I...
00:50:34Yes he was never very well.
00:50:36Actually he was a...
00:50:40He was a dear boy.
00:50:42I shall miss him very much.
00:50:44You must be lonely without him.
00:50:49One can be surrounded by people and yet be lonely.
00:50:55Oh.
00:50:59Forgive me ma'am I was always prone to tears.
00:51:01Another fatal flaw in a politician.
00:51:06Oh dear I'm afraid this has been a bad beginning.
00:51:10I think it's been a very good one.
00:51:13A very good one.
00:51:23There is still time to reconsider.
00:51:26Before any appointments are officially announced.
00:51:27Think you can twist her arm eh?
00:51:30Well no doubt you could.
00:51:31But I'm damned if I get to let you twist mine.
00:51:34I press the point only because I think she has a real need for someone she knows and trusts to help her.
00:51:40At least in the early months of her reign.
00:51:42I entirely agree.
00:51:43And you must allow that I have the necessary knowledge and experience.
00:51:46Oh dear Baron you have more of both than the entire court and parliament put together.
00:51:51I'd have you in my cabinet tomorrow if I thought I could get away with it.
00:51:55But you know perfectly well that I could.
00:51:57I'm not asking for a cabinet position.
00:51:59In political terms you're asking for the equivalent.
00:52:01Hardly.
00:52:02The power behind the throne eh Baron.
00:52:04Imagine what the opposition would make of that.
00:52:06It's a damn thankless exhausting business being prime minister.
00:52:14But I'm not ready to be hounded out of office amid a patriotic uproar.
00:52:21Bad for the digestion.
00:52:23You're going to have to let her go Baron.
00:52:26And leave her to me.
00:52:30Agreed?
00:52:34Yes.
00:52:37Look after her.
00:52:41I will.
00:52:47Well I do feel that the matter of your majesty's personal household should be settled with as little delay as possible.
00:52:53You'll be amazed ma'am at how quickly the press of business will be upon you.
00:52:56I'm sure I shall be overwhelmed.
00:52:58I particularly recommend the second name on the list lady Henrietta Standish.
00:53:03She's been lady-in-waiting to Queen Adelaide and has great experience.
00:53:07Well that seems an excellent recommendation.
00:53:09Thank you ma'am.
00:53:11Perhaps we might meet her together.
00:53:12Early next week.
00:53:13Well as matter of fact ma'am I've taken the liberty of inviting her here this morning.
00:53:21She's here?
00:53:23Yes, if your majesty would graciously consent to receive her.
00:53:33You always seem to be one step ahead of me, Lord Melbourne.
00:53:37Thank you ma'am.
00:53:38Lady Henrietta is married to a colleague of mine, Mr Frederick Standish.
00:53:44He's a member of parliament and quite a rising man.
00:53:49Lady Henrietta Standish ma'am.
00:53:51I do apologise lady Henrietta.
00:53:52Please don't your majesty.
00:53:54For some reason dogs always take to me.
00:53:57And I'm sure I shall take to you as well.
00:54:00Down! Down!
00:54:02I do apologise, Lady Henrietta.
00:54:05Please don't, Your Majesty.
00:54:07For some reason, dogs always take to me.
00:54:11And I'm sure I shall take to you as well.
00:54:30Has Your Majesty had the opportunity to consider the memorandum I have submitted?
00:54:41I've... I've passed it to Lord Melbourne.
00:54:47With respect, ma'am, that's not good enough.
00:54:52I require an answer from you. You owe me the...
00:54:56The Queen owes you nothing!
00:55:00The Queen desires to be alone. With her mother.
00:55:18The Queen will not tolerate your presence in this room one moment longer.
00:55:30The Queen...
00:55:36Now...
00:55:38The Ma...
00:55:40What was it you wanted?
00:55:43Will?
00:55:44Well...
00:55:45Nothing.
00:55:46The Queen...
00:55:47The Queen...
00:55:48The Queen...
00:55:49The Queen...
00:55:50The Queen...
00:55:51The Queen...
00:55:52The Queen...
00:55:56The Queen...
00:55:57The Queen...
00:55:58The Queen...
00:55:59The Queen...
00:56:00The Queen...
00:56:01The Queen...
00:56:02The Queen...
00:56:03The Queen...
00:56:04The Queen...
00:56:05The Queen...
00:56:06The Queen...
00:56:07The Queen...
00:56:12The Queen...
00:56:13The baron stopped my Your Majesty.
00:56:16Stokey! Ah, good to see you. So very good, thank you.
00:56:20Your Majesty.
00:56:21Look at my chest. Like a pawnbroker's window.
00:56:25I got some damn parade this afternoon, so...
00:56:28What is it this time? Something urgent, I suppose?
00:56:31No, I would not describe it as urgent, sir, but it is important.
00:56:34It's the matter of Albert and Victoria.
00:56:37The marriage? Dead duck.
00:56:40She won't, and he isn't exactly pressing his suit.
00:56:46What do you think, another one?
00:56:48Yes.
00:56:49Where?
00:56:50There.
00:56:51Here, here, you.
00:56:53No, it's a hopeless business.
00:56:55No, the situation certainly presents some problems, sir,
00:56:58but I think they could be surmounted.
00:57:01Always the master of the understatement.
00:57:06Never give up, do you, Stokey?
00:57:09Come. You can watch from the window.
00:57:13I still regard the marriage as in every way desirable,
00:57:18and I firmly believe that if Victoria were to see the Prince again,
00:57:21the warm feelings she formerly had for him would revive.
00:57:24And he's turned into a handsome young devil, no doubt about that.
00:57:28And as you know, sir, every time I propose a second visit she has prevaricated.
00:57:32Now she refuses even to discuss it.
00:57:34Time for big bad Uncle Leopold to step in, you think?
00:57:39She can hardly refuse to receive you.
00:57:41I don't know about that.
00:57:43She is a willful creature when she has a mind to be.
00:57:47And besides, she has that rascally old Melbourne whispering in her ear.
00:57:52Well, the matter could be put on an official basis.
00:57:54A state visit by the King of the Belgians to the English court.
00:57:56State visit?
00:57:58You must want this marriage very badly.
00:58:01I believe it to be essential to the future happiness of both Victoria and Albert, sir.
00:58:06And you hate to be beaten, don't you?
00:58:24His Majesty, the King of the Belgians and the Baron Stottmar.
00:58:36Your Majesty.
00:58:37Your Majesty.
00:58:38Dearest Victoria.
00:58:39Dear Uncle.
00:58:40Victoria.
00:58:41Leopold, how well you're looking.
00:58:42And you.
00:58:43And you.
00:58:44And you.
00:58:45Both of you.
00:58:46Naturally.
00:58:47I would be delighted to receive Albert and Ernst at some point in the future, Uncle, but the press of business is such as to make it quite impossible for the moment.
00:59:00I see.
00:59:01Besides which, my ministers are decidedly against it.
00:59:17Your main Lord Melbourne is against it.
00:59:21I cannot ignore the advice of my ministers, Uncle.
00:59:24No.
00:59:25But in a matter of such close, personal nor dÃŧÅÃŧnctica, I cannot ignore the advice of my ministers, Uncle.
00:59:29But in a matter of such close personal concern,
00:59:31you're entitled to weigh that advice very carefully.
00:59:35Yes, I think I have.
00:59:37I'm sure you have.
00:59:39But what surprises and somewhat saddens me
00:59:43is that you're apparently deaf to those like Baron Stockmar,
00:59:47and indeed myself,
00:59:49whose advice has served you so well in the past.
00:59:51I'm the Queen now, Uncle.
00:59:55My ministers must take precedence over my family.
00:59:59When your father died, your mother faced ruin.
01:00:06Your father's family refused to do anything for her.
01:00:09She turned to me, to her own family.
01:00:13I provided her with sufficient income
01:00:16to maintain her and you
01:00:18in reasonable dignity and comfort until your accession.
01:00:22I'm aware of how truly kind and generous...
01:00:24Furthermore, I did everything that lay within my power
01:00:27to protect and defend your position and your rights.
01:00:33You cannot ignore the ties of the blood to which you belong,
01:00:38or the loyalty you owe to that blood.
01:00:41You think I did wrong, Lord M?
01:00:50No, ma'am, you did right.
01:00:52Much better, much easier all round to grant the favour.
01:00:55Nothing was said about marriage.
01:00:56Now, you're a witness to that, Lord M.
01:00:57All I agreed was to receive Albert and Ernst.
01:01:01No harm done, then.
01:01:02Uncle Leopold is determined I shall marry Albert.
01:01:05Yes, but I've never been greatly in favour of the idea.
01:01:08One always feels a little uneasy about first cousins marrying.
01:01:11That's no impediment.
01:01:14It's an established custom.
01:01:17It's usable among royal families.
01:01:19Quite so, ma'am, quite so.
01:01:20I had in mind other considerations.
01:01:24Perhaps Your Majesty is unaware of how unpopular the Coburgs are in Europe.
01:01:28The Russians, for instance, hate them.
01:01:30And foreigners have never been very popular in England.
01:01:33Personally, I find most Germans...
01:01:36have appalling table manners.
01:01:42Lord M, you shouldn't say such things.
01:01:44Forgive me, ma'am.
01:01:46But I should be sorry indeed to see Your Majesty agree to an arranged marriage.
01:01:49No, no, no, no.
01:01:52I truly have a horror of the idea.
01:01:56Please, please.
01:01:57I am devoted to my country.
01:02:00I'm always prepared to work for its good.
01:02:01But when it comes to marrying,
01:02:03my own liking must be the principal thing.
01:02:06That is my belief, ma'am.
01:02:08Yes.
01:02:08Well, I'll be very firm, then.
01:02:10In fact, I'm resolved never to marry at all.
01:02:19Thank you, ma'am.
01:02:40Ma'am.
01:02:42Albert?
01:02:44Ma'am.
01:02:54Stocking.
01:02:56Ma'am.
01:03:04You are welcome.
01:03:10Albert.
01:03:15You've changed, so...
01:03:21It has been three years, Your Majesty.
01:03:24Is it?
01:03:33For me?
01:03:34Yes, ma'am.
01:03:36Byron.
01:03:40I have come round to Your Majesty's opinion of him. I think him very fine.
01:03:49You're teasing.
01:03:51No, I still have a very poor talent for teasing.
01:03:55She walks in beauty like the night of cloudless climbs and starry skies.
01:04:02Very fine.
01:04:04No.
01:04:08Now, I want to hear all the news from Rosma.
01:04:12Has your father done anything about that abominable smoking cherry in the morning?
01:04:16Nothing at all.
01:04:18Typical?
01:04:19Well, he says it only smokes when the wind is in the east, which is true.
01:04:22But it seems that whenever one sits in that particular room, the wind immediately switches to that quarter.
01:04:29Always. How well I remember.
01:04:32Your mother seems to be enjoying herself.
01:04:35But then, Albert was always her favourite.
01:04:38I suppose he's riding, please.
01:04:39I think so, yes.
01:04:40Are you going to take him away from you, Lamar?
01:04:41I do.
01:04:42You promised we should play a duet, Albert.
01:04:43And I hold you to it.
01:04:45The visit seems to be turning into a success.
01:04:46Depending on one's point of view.
01:04:47Absolutely.
01:04:48Have you heard my brother play, Prime Minister?
01:04:49No, I have yet to have the pleasure, Hermes.
01:04:50Then you're in for a rarest prize.
01:04:51Well, surprises, as I'm sure Mr. Anson will agree, are something we politicians rather dread.
01:04:52So.
01:05:09Well, surprises, as I'm sure Mr. Anson will agree, are something we politicians rather dread.
01:05:18So.
01:05:22and three and four and
01:05:52the
01:05:59the
01:06:01the
01:06:04the
01:06:07the
01:06:12the
01:06:15the
01:08:05I think you must be aware of what I wish to say.
01:08:06It would make me happier than I can express if you would consent to marry me.
01:08:34I can think of no greater honor.
01:09:08Oh, Albert.
01:09:09Dearest Albert.
01:09:10I'm not worthy of you.
01:09:17I'm not.
01:09:18I'm not.
01:09:19I didn't even want you here.
01:09:20I only invited you because Uncle Epoch insisted on it.
01:09:25It's true.
01:09:26Lady Hedy, I need to ask your advice.
01:09:41It's a difficult and...
01:09:44somewhat delicate matter.
01:09:48Yes, ma'am.
01:09:49Now I'm to be married to the prince,
01:09:52I realise that I'm...
01:09:55almost completely ignorant of...
01:10:00the relations between husband and wife.
01:10:08Surely the Baroness Leighton would be the proper person to advise your magistrate.
01:10:13I've asked her.
01:10:15She said,
01:10:17my love for the prince would guide me in everything.
01:10:20That was all she said?
01:10:28I can't pretend I found it very helpful.
01:10:33But then, of course,
01:10:34dearest Leighton has never been married,
01:10:36and...
01:10:38What were you, on the other hand, of?
01:10:40Did your mother give you no advice before your wedding night?
01:10:45Oh, yes, ma'am.
01:10:46She did.
01:10:50Yes, well, yes.
01:10:53She said...
01:10:54I should let the man...
01:10:57That is my husband.
01:10:59Yes.
01:11:03Take...
01:11:04Well, take charge.
01:11:10I see.
01:11:12And was it...
01:11:16...satisfactory?
01:11:17Yes, ma'am.
01:11:24She was sweetness itself, Stocky.
01:11:28I think she does truly love me.
01:11:30Oh, there could be no doubt about it.
01:11:32None at all.
01:11:33I don't love her.
01:11:36I don't love her.
01:11:39I feel great affection, great warmth for her, but...
01:11:44I don't love her.
01:11:48That frightens me.
01:11:50You have made a good beginning.
01:11:52In time.
01:11:54I knew you'd say that.
01:11:56There's not much else to be said, is there?
01:11:59I was reading Byron this morning.
01:12:02Oh?
01:12:03It's perfectly true, you know.
01:12:04I have come to admire him.
01:12:06Two lines, in particular, struck me.
01:12:09All tragedies are finished by a death.
01:12:13All comedies are ended by a marriage.
01:12:15LAUGHTER
01:12:19DREAMING
01:12:33CHOIR SINGS
01:13:03Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God
01:13:24and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.
01:13:33I require and charge you both as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgment
01:13:38when the secrets of all heart shall be disclosed
01:13:42that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony,
01:13:49ye do now confess it.
01:13:51For be ye well assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's word doth allow
01:13:58are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.
01:14:04France, Auguste, Carl, Albert, Emmanuel, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife?
01:14:17Wilt thou love her and comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health,
01:14:23and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?
01:14:31I will.
01:14:34Alexandrina, Victoria, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband?
01:14:40Will thou obey him, serve him, love, honour and keep him in sickness and in health
01:14:48so long as ye both shall live?
01:14:56I will.
01:14:57Those whom God have joined together, let no man put asunder.
01:15:27My head's splitting.
01:15:57Oh, that's heavenly.
01:16:27Oh, that's heavenly.
01:16:57ORGAN PLAYS
01:17:27IS IT REALLY SO FASCINATING?
01:17:33YES
01:17:33TO ONE WHO'S NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING IN HER LIFE BEFORE
01:17:37OH, LET ME
01:17:40ARE YOU HAPPY?
01:17:52VERY, VERY HAPPY
01:17:54WHAT SHOULD WE DO TODAY?
01:17:58I MUST WORK
01:18:00IT IS OUR HONEYMOOD
01:18:02I'M MOST DREADFULLY BEHIND
01:18:04BUT AFTER LUNCH
01:18:07I PROMISE, NO MORE PAPERS, NO MORE HORRID BOXES
01:18:11WELL, WHAT AM I TO DO THIS MEANT?
01:18:12ANYTHING YOU LIKE, DEAREST
01:18:14YES!
01:18:28I don't know.
01:18:58Perhaps it's Thomas Stevenson.
01:19:02Oh, yes.
01:19:04Albert, dearest.
01:19:07Lord Melbourne and I have been discussing what appointments are to be made to your personal household.
01:19:12Mr Anson is to be your private secretary.
01:19:20I was under the impression that Mr Anson was Lord Melbourne's.
01:19:22Of course.
01:19:24But Lord M is prepared to relinquish him for your sake.
01:19:28Which I think is very kind of him.
01:19:30Glad to see the back of me, I should think, Anson.
01:19:33That's settled then.
01:19:34I'd be glad of a word in private.
01:19:37Private?
01:19:38Now, if you please.
01:19:41Very well, dear.
01:19:45One moment, gentlemen.
01:19:55Yes, I always thought he'd be a damn nuisance.
01:19:58Don't worry.
01:20:00She'll set him to rights.
01:20:06They're not cross, Albert.
01:20:08I think I might have been consulted about an appointment to my own household.
01:20:13Dearest, it's a matter for the Queen and the Prime Minister.
01:20:16If I had been consulted, I would have given it as my opinion that Anson is entirely unsuitable.
01:20:22Unsuitable?
01:20:23Yes.
01:20:24He served Lord M well and faithfully for many years.
01:20:29Lord M has complete confidence in him.
01:20:31Exactly.
01:20:32He's Lord Melbourne's man.
01:20:33He supports the party of government.
01:20:38The Queen must at all times be above politics.
01:20:42She must never be seen to favor one party against another.
01:20:45I hardly think...
01:20:45The same applies to the Queen's husband.
01:20:49I don't think she grasped a word of what I was saying.
01:20:52She doesn't seem to understand the first thing about the British Constitution.
01:20:59And the outcome?
01:20:59No, Anson's to be appointed.
01:21:01Of course, my opinion counts for nothing.
01:21:05It's exactly as I predicted.
01:21:07Two steps behind.
01:21:08Yes, dearest.
01:21:09No, dearest.
01:21:09And, of course, Lord M knows best.
01:21:11Dearest.
01:21:13It's never going to change.
01:21:15Of course, it will change.
01:21:16How?
01:21:17Tell me.
01:21:17How?
01:21:18When I first came to the English court with your uncle, I too was overawed.
01:21:23You?
01:21:24Yes.
01:21:26But then I discovered a remarkable truth.
01:21:31There is only one ability a man needs to make himself a master.
01:21:36Oh, well, go on.
01:21:37What is this mysterious ability?
01:21:43To wait.
01:21:46Patience.
01:21:46Is that all?
01:21:49Yes, that's all.
01:21:52But it is the hardest thing in the world for a man to achieve.
01:21:56Because it is the one thing that is most against his nature.
01:22:17I know.
01:22:18Can I help you?
01:22:21Yes.
01:22:22I have all these to sign.
01:22:29It would save me time if you blotted them for me.
01:22:35I meant can I help you with your work?
01:22:38Can we discuss it together?
01:22:39Oh, no.
01:22:40No, that wouldn't do at all, dearest.
01:22:41What I mean is that the English are very jealous about any foreigner interfering with the government of the country.
01:22:52I see.
01:22:53But...
01:22:54I'll pick.
01:22:58I'll pick.
01:22:59I'll pick.
01:23:22Ah, James, there you are.
01:23:47It's freezing cold in here, will you?
01:23:50Fetch some fuel for the fire.
01:23:52I beg your pardon, Your Royal Highness, but I'm on the Lord Chamberlain's staff.
01:23:58Well?
01:23:59I can light the fire, sir, but I am not permitted to fetch the fuel for it.
01:24:05What?
01:24:07It's not my duty, sir.
01:24:12That's correct, sir. The Lord Stewart's staff are responsible for the provision of fuel,
01:24:16whereas the Lord Chamberlain's staff have responsibility for actually lighting the fires.
01:24:21But this is absurd, Mr. Anson.
01:24:23I entirely agree, sir, but it's the system here.
01:24:26And then the system must be changed.
01:24:28Who is in charge?
01:24:30Well, the Baroness Lateson is in overall charge of the household.
01:24:33I'll see her straight away.
01:24:34Forgive me, sir, but I'd advise against such a course.
01:24:51It is the way things are done.
01:24:53The way things have always been done here.
01:24:55But apart from anything else, it's so appallingly wasteful.
01:24:59Surely you can see that, Baroness.
01:25:02Nobody's ever complained before.
01:25:05It's not just the absurd arrangements.
01:25:06Even when the fires are lit, half of them smoke so one can barely breathe.
01:25:09Oh, when were the chimneys last cleaned?
01:25:14Your Royal Highness will forgive me if I say that none of this is your affair.
01:25:22When I see the Queen's money being needlessly squandered, I think that is very much my affair.
01:25:26No, sir.
01:25:28It is the Queen's, and only the Queen's affair.
01:25:31Thank you, Mr. Anson.
01:25:45I know you objected very strongly to my appointment, sir.
01:25:48It wasn't a personal objection, Mr. Anson.
01:25:51I understand that, sir.
01:25:54I'd like to assure, Your Royal Highness, that I mean to serve you loyally and faithfully and to the very best of my ability.
01:26:01Thank you, Mr. Anson.
01:26:09God, this place!
01:26:10Yes, but I heard you don't know the part of it, sir.
01:26:31I am very much upset, Albert.
01:26:34Baroness Leighton tells me you've been trying to meddle in matters which are none of your affair, and that you were abominably rude to her.
01:26:39I was rude to her.
01:26:40I have placed her in charge of all household arrangements. I have total confidence in her.
01:26:44Do you?
01:26:44Well, then perhaps you would like to ask her how the windows are cleaned.
01:26:48What?
01:26:50What the earth are you talking about?
01:26:51The windows, how are they cleaned?
01:26:53I'll tell you.
01:26:54The interior glass is the responsibility of the Lord Chamberlain, or the Lord Steward, whereas the exterior is that of the Office of Woods and Forests.
01:27:04It's utter madness.
01:27:05It's none of your business.
01:27:06What is my business?
01:27:07What?
01:27:08To say nothing?
01:27:10To do nothing?
01:27:12To be nothing?
01:27:13You must not interfere in matters which are rightfully the prerogative of the Queen.
01:27:16Do you expect me to endure such a lie?
01:27:18Do you expect the Queen to endure a husband that shouts at her and makes her miserable, and doesn't know his place?
01:27:21Doesn't...
01:27:22Doesn't know his place?
01:27:28Albert.
01:27:36Albert.
01:27:39Albert.
01:27:40Albert.
01:28:08Albert.
01:28:08Albert.
01:28:08Albert.
01:28:09Albert.
01:28:10Albert.
01:28:11How could I have been so blind?
01:28:15What pain?
01:28:17What misery was to flow from that unthinking pride of mine?
01:28:21PIANO PLAYS
01:28:51PIANO PLAYS
01:29:21PIANO CONTINUES
01:29:37PIANO CONTINUES
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