1 00:00:10,800 --> 00:00:12,800 [doors creak open] 2 00:00:27,680 --> 00:00:29,800 -Fuel on. -[Philip] Fuel on. 3 00:00:29,880 --> 00:00:32,159 Chocks are in position. Switches are off. 4 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:34,080 You sure about this, sir? 5 00:00:35,320 --> 00:00:38,040 When I got married, my in-laws made me marshal of the Royal Air Force, 6 00:00:38,120 --> 00:00:43,720 as a result, I'm the most senior airman in the country and I can't bloody well fly. 7 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:45,680 -Yes, I'm sure. -Right-o, sir. 8 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:16,560 -[Townsend] Ready, sir? -Ready! 9 00:01:16,640 --> 00:01:19,200 [Townsend] Here we go. Whoa! 10 00:01:29,720 --> 00:01:32,160 [Philip] Okay. 11 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:34,480 [Philip whoops] 12 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:41,160 [Philip] Blimey! 13 00:01:50,320 --> 00:01:51,400 [Philip] Christ! 14 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:54,960 -[Townsend] All right there, sir? -[Philip] Yes, yes, fine. 15 00:01:55,040 --> 00:01:58,120 -Now it's your turn. You have control. -[Philip] I have control. 16 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:01,080 [Townsend] Now remember what I told you, keep your eye on the altimeter 17 00:02:01,160 --> 00:02:03,920 and the compass heading and keep the stick level. 18 00:02:05,760 --> 00:02:08,080 [Townsend] That's very good. That's balanced. 19 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:14,240 [Townsend] Stick to the left, then to the right. 20 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:23,760 -[Townsend] And level. Good. -Noisy, isn't it? 21 00:02:26,040 --> 00:02:27,400 [engine stops] 22 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,200 [Townsend] How's this, sir? 23 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:39,680 [Philip] My God. 24 00:02:44,600 --> 00:02:47,120 -[Townsend] Isn't it wonderful? -Heaven. 25 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:55,080 [Philip] You fought in the Battle of Britain, didn't you? 26 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:57,160 [Townsend] I did, sir. Two-five-seven squadron. 27 00:02:57,240 --> 00:03:00,320 -[Philip] Flying what? Spitfires? -Hurricanes, mostly, sir. 28 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:04,080 -Any kills? -One or two. 29 00:03:04,160 --> 00:03:07,840 [Philip] Shouldn't we get her started now? The ground seems terribly close. 30 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:12,120 [Townsend] No, it's too low to restart, sir. We'll do a dead-stick landing. 31 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:14,360 -I have control. -[Philip] You have control. 32 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:34,440 That was wonderful. 33 00:03:34,520 --> 00:03:37,440 -Same time next week, sir? -How about tomorrow? 34 00:04:55,800 --> 00:04:57,800 [distant traffic noises] 35 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:25,240 [quiet chatter] 36 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:29,720 -Latest charts. -Thank you. 37 00:05:29,800 --> 00:05:30,800 [man] Thank you, sir. 38 00:05:37,120 --> 00:05:38,960 Johnson, what do you think of this? 39 00:05:44,800 --> 00:05:46,640 Interesting. 40 00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:47,920 Sir? 41 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:52,600 [Johnson] I think you should see these. 42 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:56,280 I see. 43 00:05:57,800 --> 00:05:58,840 Sir. 44 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:02,280 Goodness me. 45 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:09,400 [woman] Excuse me, you can't go in there. Excuse me, sir. 46 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:13,640 Sorry, sir. Thought you should see these. 47 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:19,040 Good God. 48 00:06:21,280 --> 00:06:22,600 We must send a warning. 49 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:25,120 To cover our backs. 50 00:06:27,720 --> 00:06:31,600 Kenneth, it should probably come from you, as chief scientist. 51 00:06:31,680 --> 00:06:35,520 Address it to the PM. He'll never read it, of course. 52 00:06:35,600 --> 00:06:37,600 But the important thing is we sent it. 53 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:41,400 I'll get it to Downing Street right away. 54 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:00,760 [policeman] Wait there, please. 55 00:07:09,760 --> 00:07:12,160 If Her Majesty could lean forward. 56 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:17,120 And deep breath in... 57 00:07:17,200 --> 00:07:19,600 [wheezing] 58 00:07:20,480 --> 00:07:21,840 ...and out. 59 00:07:23,840 --> 00:07:27,360 The air's a little stuffy, ma'am. It might help to open the window a crack? 60 00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:29,560 Not while they're rehearsing. 61 00:07:30,520 --> 00:07:32,080 What are they rehearsing? 62 00:07:36,160 --> 00:07:37,560 My funeral. 63 00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:55,800 [typewriters clack] 64 00:08:18,800 --> 00:08:20,800 [indistinct conversations] 65 00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:27,160 Oh, there you are. Miss Scott. 66 00:08:29,000 --> 00:08:31,000 [noisy conversation] 67 00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:44,440 -Mr. Thurman. -Mr. Collins. 68 00:08:46,640 --> 00:08:48,280 -This is for you. -Thank you. 69 00:08:57,400 --> 00:09:01,160 I'm not a scientist. I can't say I understand it. 70 00:09:01,240 --> 00:09:06,400 But, what I can tell you is we don't get a weather warning like this every day. 71 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:08,600 We don't get one every month, either. 72 00:09:08,680 --> 00:09:12,400 In fact, I've never heard of us getting one at all. 73 00:09:13,480 --> 00:09:18,120 Does the name Donora mean anything to you? 74 00:09:19,680 --> 00:09:20,880 Donora? 75 00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:27,080 Oh, of course I remember Donora. It was a scandal. 76 00:09:27,760 --> 00:09:30,880 A small mill town in America, outside Philadelphia? 77 00:09:30,960 --> 00:09:32,280 Pittsburgh. 78 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:36,280 They had a smog brought on by a freak anti-cyclone 79 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:39,600 which trapped the emissions from the local copper work... 80 00:09:39,680 --> 00:09:41,880 -Zinc. -...in the fog. 81 00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:45,600 -In a few days a number of people died. -Twenty. 82 00:09:45,680 --> 00:09:51,320 And several thousand became seriously ill from the poisonous fog. 83 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:55,160 After the incident a cross-party delegation was sent to Donora 84 00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:57,080 on an urgent fact-finding mission. 85 00:09:57,160 --> 00:10:00,200 They recommended that clean air zones be set up all round London, 86 00:10:00,280 --> 00:10:02,080 as a precautionary measure. 87 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:07,520 -I never saw the report. -With good reason. 88 00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:11,320 Our Prime Minister threw it away, claiming it wasn't a priority. 89 00:10:12,800 --> 00:10:15,560 -Can you prove that? -I can, Mr. Atlee. 90 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:26,320 The Cabinet minutes where it was discussed. 91 00:10:32,360 --> 00:10:37,120 He's insisted the country keep burning coal irresponsibly this winter, 92 00:10:37,200 --> 00:10:40,440 to give the illusion of a solid economy. 93 00:10:42,040 --> 00:10:46,600 -This is great, Clem. -It's interesting, for sure. 94 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:52,520 What I don't understand is this. 95 00:10:52,600 --> 00:10:57,080 Why a Downing Street employee, working for the government, 96 00:10:57,160 --> 00:10:59,760 should come to me with this information? 97 00:11:00,520 --> 00:11:03,440 I've read the Aeneid, Mr. Thurman. 98 00:11:03,520 --> 00:11:06,120 "Do not trust the horse, Trojans. 99 00:11:06,200 --> 00:11:09,640 I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts." 100 00:11:10,760 --> 00:11:14,480 Mr. Atlee, I entered the civil service to serve the public 101 00:11:14,560 --> 00:11:18,480 and to serve government, any government. 102 00:11:18,560 --> 00:11:21,120 But I am also a responsible citizen 103 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:24,600 and I cannot stand by while chaos reigns around me. 104 00:11:26,040 --> 00:11:28,240 This is not a government. 105 00:11:28,320 --> 00:11:33,720 Mr. Attlee, this is a collection of hesitant, frightened, old men 106 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:39,320 unable to unseat a tyrannical, delusional even older one. 107 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:42,920 Yours was the most radical, 108 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:47,200 forward-thinking government this country has ever seen. 109 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:52,280 How you lost the election escapes me. 110 00:11:54,440 --> 00:11:56,840 Escapes us all. 111 00:11:57,960 --> 00:12:02,000 I believe I would be doing the British public and this country a service 112 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:07,320 if I helped to usher him out of the door, and you back in. 113 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:12,560 And to that end you come to me with a "master plan" 114 00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:17,720 that involves me crucifying the Tories for their failure to deal with a fog 115 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:20,080 which as yet shows no sign of appearing. 116 00:12:22,640 --> 00:12:25,800 At present I can see stars. 117 00:12:36,400 --> 00:12:38,400 [choral music] 118 00:13:24,600 --> 00:13:26,600 -[man] Good night. -[Venetia] Good night. 119 00:13:37,600 --> 00:13:39,200 [Churchill] Miss Scott. 120 00:13:39,280 --> 00:13:41,880 Thank you for your conscientiousness, but it's late. 121 00:13:41,960 --> 00:13:43,240 -Go home. -I am, sir. 122 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:45,920 You're no good to me tired. Good evening to you. 123 00:13:48,320 --> 00:13:51,200 -Scott, still here? -Good night, sir. 124 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:56,200 [Venetia] Good night. 125 00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:04,560 -[Venetia] Evening, Pat. -[chuckles] 126 00:14:25,280 --> 00:14:27,360 [Mary] You haven't moved. 127 00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:30,960 I suppose it's still a "no"? 128 00:14:31,560 --> 00:14:34,120 -To what? -Coming out. 129 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:37,640 Oh, you mean going to the Lamb and Flag with you, sitting at the bar, 130 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:41,680 twinkling our ankles at every unremarkable young man in the room. 131 00:14:41,760 --> 00:14:45,080 Then letting those men buy us drinks for us to bring them home, 132 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:49,240 only to have their unremarkability confirmed to us again? 133 00:14:49,960 --> 00:14:52,640 No, thanks. 134 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:56,280 Goodness. And what will you be doing in the meantime? 135 00:14:56,760 --> 00:15:00,040 Spend time in the company of someone remarkable. 136 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:02,320 Ta-ra. 137 00:15:08,720 --> 00:15:14,240 [Venetia] "Hear this, young men and women everywhere, and proclaim it far and wide. 138 00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:17,960 The earth is yours and the fullness thereof." 139 00:15:18,800 --> 00:15:21,320 [Venetia andamp; Churchill] "Be kind but be fierce. 140 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:24,360 You're needed now more than ever before. 141 00:15:24,440 --> 00:15:26,520 Take up the mantle of change..." 142 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:28,680 [Churchill] "...for this is your time." 143 00:15:59,240 --> 00:16:00,360 [reporter] Good morning. 144 00:16:00,440 --> 00:16:03,160 The time is eight o'clock on the 6th of December and here is the news. 145 00:16:04,080 --> 00:16:06,400 London has been brought to a halt by dense fog, 146 00:16:06,480 --> 00:16:08,480 which has descended overnight. 147 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:13,360 Long queues have formed on main roads. There are reports of motorists 148 00:16:13,440 --> 00:16:16,080 abandoning their vehicles and continuing on foot. 149 00:16:16,160 --> 00:16:18,800 London Airport is expected to be closed. 150 00:16:20,960 --> 00:16:22,240 Good God. 151 00:16:22,320 --> 00:16:24,400 The meteorological office has issued a statement 152 00:16:24,480 --> 00:16:28,120 saying that a persistent anti-cyclone over London is to blame. 153 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:31,200 Smoke from the capital's chimneys is being trapped at street level 154 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:32,760 which is aggravating the fog. 155 00:16:36,920 --> 00:16:40,480 The windless conditions mean it is expected to last for some time. 156 00:16:40,560 --> 00:16:43,720 Be careful out there, it's a real pea souper. 157 00:16:52,800 --> 00:16:54,640 Ah. Is the car ready? 158 00:16:54,720 --> 00:16:57,480 I'm afraid the visibility is too poor to drive, ma'am. 159 00:16:58,800 --> 00:17:00,240 It's what, 200 yards? 160 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:04,000 It's been judged too hazardous, ma'am. 161 00:17:07,720 --> 00:17:10,760 I have an appointment to see my grandmother. 162 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:13,680 I intend to keep that appointment. 163 00:17:14,480 --> 00:17:19,720 If it's too hazardous to drive... then there's only one thing to be done. 164 00:17:22,560 --> 00:17:25,000 [footsteps] 165 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:53,200 [knocking on door] 166 00:17:57,120 --> 00:17:58,360 I saw that. 167 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:02,320 Might it be possible for you to pretend that you haven't? 168 00:18:03,800 --> 00:18:06,120 And the Queen is here, Your Majesty. 169 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:08,680 -Could you be more specific? -Ma'am? 170 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:12,720 -Which queen? -Queen Elizabeth, ma'am. 171 00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:16,120 -Which one? There are two. -The young one. 172 00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:18,400 Oh, the Queen. 173 00:18:18,480 --> 00:18:21,360 I thought you was all queens. They gave me a sheet. 174 00:18:21,440 --> 00:18:22,960 We are. 175 00:18:23,040 --> 00:18:26,880 I was the queen so long as my husband the king was alive, but since he died, 176 00:18:26,960 --> 00:18:30,560 I am no longer the queen, I am simply Queen Mary. 177 00:18:30,640 --> 00:18:35,600 My late son's widow was also the queen, but upon the death of her husband, 178 00:18:35,680 --> 00:18:38,480 she became Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. 179 00:18:38,560 --> 00:18:42,720 Her daughter, Queen Elizabeth, is now queen, so she is... 180 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:46,240 -The Queen. -Bravo. 181 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:50,120 Nurses and nuns have the same problem. 182 00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:53,680 -We're all called Sister. -So you are. 183 00:18:54,560 --> 00:18:57,760 Well, she's outside. The Queen. 184 00:18:58,400 --> 00:19:01,520 Then let her in. Sister. 185 00:19:12,720 --> 00:19:14,960 -Bad time? -Not at all. 186 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:20,880 -How are you? -I'm always happy to see you, 187 00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:24,080 and my mood will improve yet further if you promise me one thing. 188 00:19:24,160 --> 00:19:26,680 -Name it. -Not to ask me how I am. 189 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:28,400 It's all anyone ever does. 190 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:33,200 Forget death by lung disease, it's death by bad conversation. 191 00:19:33,280 --> 00:19:35,080 All right. I promise. 192 00:19:35,160 --> 00:19:36,840 But if you are feeling up to it, 193 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:39,640 there was something I wanted to talk to you about. 194 00:19:39,720 --> 00:19:40,840 Fire away. 195 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:54,240 I was listening to the wireless this morning, 196 00:19:54,320 --> 00:19:57,480 where they described this fog as an act of God. 197 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:01,920 Now, in your letter that you sent me, 198 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:04,840 you said... 199 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:13,840 "Loyalty to the ideal you have inherited is your duty above everything else, 200 00:20:13,920 --> 00:20:17,640 because the calling comes from the highest source. 201 00:20:17,720 --> 00:20:19,240 From God himself." 202 00:20:19,320 --> 00:20:20,640 Yes. 203 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:24,080 Do you really believe that? 204 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:31,280 Monarchy is God's sacred mission to grace and dignify the earth. 205 00:20:31,360 --> 00:20:34,480 To give ordinary people an ideal to strive towards, 206 00:20:34,560 --> 00:20:39,480 an example of nobility and duty to raise them in their wretched lives. 207 00:20:39,560 --> 00:20:44,080 Monarchy is a calling from God. 208 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:47,160 That is why you are crowned in an abbey, not a government building. 209 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:49,240 Why you are anointed, not appointed. 210 00:20:49,320 --> 00:20:52,040 It's an archbishop that puts the crown on your head, 211 00:20:52,120 --> 00:20:54,560 not a minister or public servant. 212 00:20:54,640 --> 00:21:00,800 Which means that you are answerable to God in your duty, not the public. 213 00:21:02,360 --> 00:21:05,040 I'm not sure that my husband would agree with that. 214 00:21:05,120 --> 00:21:09,280 He would argue that in any equitable modern society, 215 00:21:09,360 --> 00:21:12,920 that church and state should be separated. 216 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:16,440 That if God has servants they're priests not kings. 217 00:21:17,720 --> 00:21:20,720 He would also say that he watched his own family destroyed, 218 00:21:20,800 --> 00:21:23,480 because they were seen by the people to embody indefensible 219 00:21:23,560 --> 00:21:25,440 and unreasonable ideas. 220 00:21:25,520 --> 00:21:29,600 Yes, but he represents a royal family of carpetbaggers and parvenus, 221 00:21:29,680 --> 00:21:33,040 that goes back what? Ninety years? 222 00:21:33,120 --> 00:21:37,280 What would he know of Alfred the Great, the Rod of Equity and Mercy, 223 00:21:37,360 --> 00:21:39,040 Edward the Confessor, 224 00:21:39,120 --> 00:21:41,480 William the Conqueror or Henry the Eighth? 225 00:21:41,560 --> 00:21:46,600 It's the Church of England, dear, not the Church of Denmark or Greece. 226 00:21:49,440 --> 00:21:50,880 Next question. 227 00:21:52,840 --> 00:21:58,280 [Collins] It's chaos out there. Trains disrupted, air services cancelled. 228 00:21:58,360 --> 00:21:59,960 At Richmond Bridge this morning, 229 00:22:00,040 --> 00:22:03,120 visibility was officially measured at one yard. 230 00:22:03,200 --> 00:22:05,360 That's a record low, incidentally. 231 00:22:06,360 --> 00:22:08,920 Our Trojan friend in Downing Street has been speaking 232 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,160 to his friends at the Met office. 233 00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:15,560 They say this is just the beginning. They expect it to get worse. 234 00:22:15,640 --> 00:22:18,800 I know you would have me call a vote of no confidence, 235 00:22:18,880 --> 00:22:22,840 and will doubtless call me over-cautious for not doing so. 236 00:22:22,920 --> 00:22:26,440 But the Prime Minister needs to be given a chance. 237 00:22:27,760 --> 00:22:30,320 Even if it's only to hang himself. 238 00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:32,600 Let's see how the old fool responds. 239 00:22:38,360 --> 00:22:40,360 [pedestrians cough] 240 00:22:46,040 --> 00:22:48,280 -[horse whickers] -[man] There you go. There you go. 241 00:22:48,360 --> 00:22:50,400 [man 2] Hey! Get out the way! 242 00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:02,200 [chesty coughing] 243 00:23:09,560 --> 00:23:10,560 [Venetia] Morning. 244 00:23:17,200 --> 00:23:22,640 Oh. I'm glad to see someone else made it in. No one saw this coming, did they? 245 00:23:23,960 --> 00:23:25,000 No. 246 00:23:31,640 --> 00:23:34,280 Prime Minister? Sir? 247 00:23:53,680 --> 00:23:56,200 -Ah, you made it? Bravo! -Oh, I'm so sorry, sir. 248 00:23:56,280 --> 00:23:58,360 -I was just-- -No, no. You did well to get here. 249 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:01,760 I gather half the Downing Street staff didn't? 250 00:24:01,840 --> 00:24:06,120 It wasn't easy. Just crossing the road you take your life in your hands. 251 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:08,440 Well, then don't. You are too important to all of us. 252 00:24:08,520 --> 00:24:10,200 Hardly. 253 00:24:10,280 --> 00:24:13,560 All I do is bring you things to sign. Then take them away again. 254 00:24:13,640 --> 00:24:18,000 And so the wheels keep turning, and the business gets done, 255 00:24:18,080 --> 00:24:20,080 and the country is governed. 256 00:24:22,520 --> 00:24:27,080 But what's my personal contribution? 257 00:24:28,520 --> 00:24:33,480 You improve the quality of life for all that deal with you. 258 00:24:34,280 --> 00:24:37,680 An ornament. A flower. 259 00:24:39,040 --> 00:24:43,400 By comparison at my age you were a published writer, 260 00:24:43,480 --> 00:24:46,240 and a cavalry officer, posted to India, 261 00:24:46,320 --> 00:24:48,960 fighting local tribesmen on the north west frontier. 262 00:24:49,040 --> 00:24:50,160 Who told you that? 263 00:24:50,240 --> 00:24:54,560 You asked me to engage in a relationship with a young man, my own age. 264 00:24:54,640 --> 00:24:57,000 So I have been reading your autobiography. 265 00:24:57,080 --> 00:25:00,600 [chuckles] Oh, yes. That's not quite what I had in mind. 266 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:05,360 "Hear this, young men and women everywhere, and proclaim it far and wide. 267 00:25:06,120 --> 00:25:09,880 The earth is yours and the fullness thereof. 268 00:25:11,360 --> 00:25:13,800 Be kind but be fierce. 269 00:25:14,680 --> 00:25:17,760 You are needed now more than ever before. 270 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:21,400 -Take up the mantle of change... -Stop. 271 00:25:21,480 --> 00:25:23,960 ...for this is your time." 272 00:25:28,400 --> 00:25:31,160 You were 24. 273 00:25:32,800 --> 00:25:37,400 All energy and hope and passion and fire. 274 00:25:38,640 --> 00:25:40,440 It's remarkable. 275 00:25:44,320 --> 00:25:48,080 You found something you liked in that young man? 276 00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:51,160 I did. 277 00:26:01,040 --> 00:26:03,040 [alarm clock rings] 278 00:26:18,440 --> 00:26:19,880 [reporter] Good morning. 279 00:26:20,920 --> 00:26:25,360 The time is eight o'clock on the 7th of December, and here is the news. 280 00:26:25,440 --> 00:26:29,360 The serious fog that brought much of the capital to a standstill yesterday 281 00:26:29,440 --> 00:26:33,080 continues this morning, with emergency services struggling to cope 282 00:26:33,160 --> 00:26:36,320 and widespread disruption reported across the nation. 283 00:26:37,600 --> 00:26:41,200 Flares are being used to guide motorists in parts of the capital. 284 00:26:41,280 --> 00:26:43,680 Trains are stopped or running hours behind schedule 285 00:26:43,760 --> 00:26:46,120 from major London railway stations. 286 00:26:47,560 --> 00:26:50,240 -[church bell chimes] -The Prime Minister is facing criticism 287 00:26:50,320 --> 00:26:52,160 for failure to deal with the mounting crisis. 288 00:26:53,840 --> 00:26:57,600 London Airport is closed again today, with all flights grounded. 289 00:26:57,680 --> 00:26:59,080 -Piss. -The unmoving fog, 290 00:26:59,160 --> 00:27:03,360 which has spread to over 30 miles wide, is likely to cause complete darkness 291 00:27:03,440 --> 00:27:04,880 by two o'clock this afternoon. 292 00:27:12,600 --> 00:27:14,600 [coughing] 293 00:27:19,320 --> 00:27:20,560 Are you all right? 294 00:27:22,760 --> 00:27:23,920 You're not. 295 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:29,800 -Come on, let's get you up. -No, no. I'm fine. I promise. 296 00:27:32,280 --> 00:27:37,600 It's just because the window was open. Now go to work. You've got a job to do. 297 00:27:46,160 --> 00:27:49,800 Let us start with the unrest in Egypt, 298 00:27:49,880 --> 00:27:53,160 where anti-colonial passions continue to run high, 299 00:27:53,240 --> 00:27:58,120 and where our soldiers continue to come under fire from nationalist insurgents. 300 00:27:58,200 --> 00:28:04,280 It is vital that we remain and successfully defend the Suez Canal, 301 00:28:04,360 --> 00:28:08,440 a point that I will be making in person to the Commonwealth Heads, 302 00:28:08,520 --> 00:28:12,560 when I host them for the weekend at Chequers. 303 00:28:12,640 --> 00:28:14,880 [Elizabeth] Weather permitting. 304 00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:16,000 Indeed. 305 00:28:16,080 --> 00:28:18,480 What is the latest information that you have? 306 00:28:19,240 --> 00:28:25,040 About the weather? It's fog, ma'am. It will lift eventually. 307 00:28:25,120 --> 00:28:27,440 I was hoping for something more scientific. 308 00:28:28,920 --> 00:28:31,680 Then I will ensure that a barometric report 309 00:28:31,760 --> 00:28:33,960 is included in your box tomorrow, 310 00:28:34,040 --> 00:28:39,400 complete with isobars and isohumes. 311 00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:42,400 It has been an unusually cold winter, 312 00:28:42,480 --> 00:28:46,120 and there are only so many things that I, as Prime Minister, 313 00:28:46,200 --> 00:28:50,320 am prepared to inflict on your subjects as a reward for winning a World War 314 00:28:50,400 --> 00:28:54,800 and prevailing over fascism, evil and tyranny. 315 00:28:54,880 --> 00:28:57,720 Letting them freeze is not one of them. 316 00:28:58,280 --> 00:29:01,200 -You do not seem unduly concerned. -I'm not. 317 00:29:01,280 --> 00:29:07,160 You do know that my late father wrote, many years ago, to your predecessors, 318 00:29:07,240 --> 00:29:10,080 to express his deep concern about the inner city power stations 319 00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:11,640 that your party was building. 320 00:29:14,920 --> 00:29:15,960 Indeed. 321 00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:22,640 And I was sympathetic with your father's concerns at the time. 322 00:29:22,720 --> 00:29:27,080 I also have sympathy with the leader articles in the newspapers today, 323 00:29:27,160 --> 00:29:28,800 baying for blood. 324 00:29:28,880 --> 00:29:34,880 Wanting my head. People have to be angry at someone. 325 00:29:34,960 --> 00:29:39,920 But as leader, one cannot simply react to everything. 326 00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:43,160 We need the power stations, we need the coal. 327 00:29:43,240 --> 00:29:46,080 The people need to burn coal to warm their homes. 328 00:29:46,160 --> 00:29:51,400 -It is weather. It will pass. -Well, I do hope so. 329 00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:54,840 Not least because my husband's mood is intolerable. 330 00:29:54,920 --> 00:29:55,920 Why? 331 00:29:56,920 --> 00:30:00,440 Well, being caged in like this. He can't fly. 332 00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:07,040 -Fly where? -Well, nowhere, he is learning to fly. 333 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:10,600 Whatever for? 334 00:30:10,680 --> 00:30:14,320 Have we not enough qualified pilots to take him where he needs to go? 335 00:30:14,400 --> 00:30:18,200 No, he wants to fly himself. It's a boyhood dream. 336 00:30:18,280 --> 00:30:21,360 -It's what he's always wanted. -Why was government not consulted? 337 00:30:21,440 --> 00:30:24,640 Because it's a private matter. And I am in favor. 338 00:30:24,720 --> 00:30:28,200 Nothing you or His Royal Highness do is a private matter. 339 00:30:28,760 --> 00:30:30,560 And the father of the future king of England 340 00:30:30,640 --> 00:30:33,480 risking his life needlessly is... 341 00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:34,600 quite unacceptable. 342 00:30:34,680 --> 00:30:39,480 Please. Do not curtail my husband's personal freedoms any further. 343 00:30:39,560 --> 00:30:42,880 You've taken away his home. You've taken away his name. 344 00:30:42,960 --> 00:30:45,800 There comes a time where one must draw a line in the sand. 345 00:30:45,880 --> 00:30:50,080 And the job of drawing that line falls to Cabinet, ma'am. Not to you. 346 00:30:50,160 --> 00:30:53,280 Something your dear late papa would certainly have taught you 347 00:30:53,360 --> 00:30:56,480 had he been granted more time to complete your education. 348 00:30:58,520 --> 00:31:00,160 And now our time is up. 349 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:05,920 Until next week. 350 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:11,760 [Churchill grumbles] 351 00:31:11,840 --> 00:31:12,840 [page] Sir. 352 00:31:17,080 --> 00:31:19,880 [Churchill] Meteorological report. 353 00:31:22,080 --> 00:31:25,160 [reporter] Good morning. The time is eight o'clock on the 8th of December 354 00:31:25,240 --> 00:31:26,520 and here is the news. 355 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:30,520 The choking, eye-watering fog which has already caused two days of chaos 356 00:31:30,600 --> 00:31:33,400 across the capital has worsened overnight. 357 00:31:33,480 --> 00:31:36,760 The great coal-burning electricity stations in Battersea and Fulham, 358 00:31:36,840 --> 00:31:38,280 have attempted to reduce emissions 359 00:31:38,360 --> 00:31:40,960 of poisonous sulphur dioxide from their chimneys. 360 00:31:41,040 --> 00:31:43,320 But we've been told that it is unlikely 361 00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:47,120 they'll be able to make any significant change to the air quality. 362 00:31:47,200 --> 00:31:50,680 The government is expected to make a statement later today. 363 00:31:50,760 --> 00:31:52,760 [coughing, sobbing] 364 00:31:59,800 --> 00:32:03,240 -Come on, let's get you to hospital. -I'm fine. 365 00:32:03,320 --> 00:32:06,400 You're not. Come on. Let's get you up. 366 00:32:07,440 --> 00:32:08,640 Shoes. 367 00:32:12,040 --> 00:32:14,040 [Mary coughs] 368 00:32:16,520 --> 00:32:21,880 Off we go. Arm in. And the other. 369 00:32:31,760 --> 00:32:34,080 [Mary coughs] 370 00:32:34,160 --> 00:32:38,080 -[Mary] I can't breathe. -Do as I say and hold onto me. 371 00:32:47,880 --> 00:32:50,840 -[Venetia] Come along. -[coughs] 372 00:32:52,280 --> 00:32:54,280 -[glass smashes] -[shouting] 373 00:32:57,800 --> 00:32:59,800 [engine purrs] 374 00:33:04,880 --> 00:33:06,560 Quick, hold my hand. 375 00:33:18,120 --> 00:33:19,120 [man] Make way! 376 00:33:20,280 --> 00:33:21,840 [man] You all right, lady? 377 00:33:29,920 --> 00:33:33,360 Control of this story is getting away from us. 378 00:33:33,440 --> 00:33:37,320 The opposition's blood is up. We have to respond. 379 00:33:37,400 --> 00:33:38,720 Respond how? 380 00:33:38,800 --> 00:33:41,000 I would suggest by commissioning a public enquiry. 381 00:33:42,480 --> 00:33:43,760 An enquiry would be expensive. 382 00:33:46,920 --> 00:33:50,880 Winston, people are angry. They see us as the culprits. 383 00:33:50,960 --> 00:33:57,160 Culpable for what? It's fog. Fog is fog. It comes and it goes away. 384 00:33:57,240 --> 00:34:01,160 Well, I'm glad that the Prime Minister finds time for levity. 385 00:34:01,800 --> 00:34:05,760 Perhaps I should remind him exactly how serious the situation has now become. 386 00:34:05,840 --> 00:34:09,840 This morning a suburban train collided with a gang of railway workmen, 387 00:34:09,920 --> 00:34:12,560 killing several and injuring a great many more. 388 00:34:13,159 --> 00:34:17,000 In parts of the capital, there is now a total breakdown of law and order. 389 00:34:17,080 --> 00:34:18,239 Hospitals are filling up, 390 00:34:18,320 --> 00:34:22,360 as our citizens are breathing in poisonous sulphur dioxide. 391 00:34:30,639 --> 00:34:34,199 Sometimes we have sunshine. 392 00:34:34,280 --> 00:34:37,120 Too much sunshine and they call it a drought. 393 00:34:37,199 --> 00:34:39,000 Then we have rain. 394 00:34:39,080 --> 00:34:43,840 Too much rain, and they call it a deluge and find a way to blame us for that too. 395 00:34:43,920 --> 00:34:46,000 It's an act of God, Bobbety. 396 00:34:46,080 --> 00:34:51,320 It's weather. And for better or for worse, we get a great deal of it on this island. 397 00:34:51,400 --> 00:34:54,600 Frankly, there are more pressing matters to deal with. 398 00:34:54,679 --> 00:34:58,280 -Like what? -The Duke of Edinburgh. 399 00:35:02,600 --> 00:35:04,600 [telephone rings] 400 00:35:11,280 --> 00:35:12,720 [jovial chatter] 401 00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:14,920 [butler] Telephone, sir. The Marquis of Salisbury. 402 00:35:15,000 --> 00:35:16,160 Oh, not now. 403 00:35:16,240 --> 00:35:20,040 He asked me to stress the importance of the matter. 404 00:35:24,240 --> 00:35:28,040 -Bobbety. -Thanks for taking my call, Dickie. 405 00:35:28,120 --> 00:35:30,360 -Are you alone? -Yes. 406 00:35:30,440 --> 00:35:33,600 Can anyone overhear what you're saying? 407 00:35:36,440 --> 00:35:39,320 -No. -Good. 408 00:35:42,080 --> 00:35:44,080 -It's chaos. -I know. 409 00:35:44,160 --> 00:35:46,280 Every ward is full. Every corridor too. 410 00:35:46,360 --> 00:35:49,880 Most of the doctors are sick now, and those that are well can't get in. 411 00:35:49,960 --> 00:35:51,640 It was better than this in the war. 412 00:35:51,720 --> 00:35:54,280 What do you need? More equipment? Or masks? 413 00:35:54,360 --> 00:35:56,320 Masks are bloody useless. They're just for show. 414 00:35:56,400 --> 00:35:58,600 To make it look like the government is doing something. 415 00:35:58,680 --> 00:36:02,200 -Then what is needed? -Money. People. Trained staff. 416 00:36:02,280 --> 00:36:04,120 Help is what is needed. Urgently. 417 00:36:05,600 --> 00:36:07,080 Let her rest for now. 418 00:36:09,280 --> 00:36:13,600 Maybe I can put a word in with the people who make a difference. 419 00:36:13,680 --> 00:36:17,320 -Such as? -The Prime Minister, for example. 420 00:36:17,400 --> 00:36:20,360 I see. You're just going to walk into Downing Street and whisper in his ear. 421 00:36:20,440 --> 00:36:22,360 Yes, something like that. 422 00:36:22,440 --> 00:36:26,200 You know, my day is bad enough without some delusional girl playing jokes. 423 00:36:26,280 --> 00:36:29,440 Now, excuse me. Nurse? Nurse. 424 00:36:30,720 --> 00:36:34,680 -[Venetia] I'll show you. -Get out of the way. 425 00:36:42,160 --> 00:36:44,280 -[man] Jim, where are you? -[man 2] Over here. 426 00:36:49,360 --> 00:36:50,840 [horn, brakes] 427 00:37:01,880 --> 00:37:03,600 [man] Someone phone for an ambulance. 428 00:37:03,680 --> 00:37:06,360 [crowd mutters] 429 00:37:07,440 --> 00:37:09,600 How much longer are you going to give the old man? 430 00:37:09,680 --> 00:37:11,120 Their majority is tiny. 431 00:37:11,200 --> 00:37:13,880 A vote of no confidence and he'll be toppled. 432 00:37:15,360 --> 00:37:16,800 You know what he calls you? 433 00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:21,080 Yes, I know. A sheep in sheep's clothing. 434 00:37:23,680 --> 00:37:26,120 Perhaps it's time to prove you're not. 435 00:37:31,840 --> 00:37:33,200 Very well. 436 00:37:33,280 --> 00:37:36,280 Let's put a motion down on paper and brief the whips. 437 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:49,280 [man] Thank you, sir. 438 00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:54,600 [Philip whistles] 439 00:38:04,040 --> 00:38:07,280 -Anything interesting? -Yes. 440 00:38:08,760 --> 00:38:11,560 -Care to share it? -No. 441 00:38:12,840 --> 00:38:16,120 I'd be happy to share glide ratios and adiabatic lapse rates with you. 442 00:38:16,200 --> 00:38:18,400 As part of a quid pro quo arrangement. 443 00:38:18,480 --> 00:38:22,200 One glide ratio in return for some cabinet minutes, for example. 444 00:38:23,840 --> 00:38:27,760 No? A dihedral angle or an absolute ceiling. 445 00:38:27,840 --> 00:38:30,520 These are very interesting concepts. You might learn something, 446 00:38:30,600 --> 00:38:33,600 in exchange for a foreign office briefing? 447 00:38:34,720 --> 00:38:37,040 Am I going to have to explain my position again? 448 00:38:37,120 --> 00:38:39,320 -No. -Good. 449 00:38:42,280 --> 00:38:43,840 "Once you have tasted flight, 450 00:38:43,920 --> 00:38:46,520 you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, 451 00:38:46,600 --> 00:38:50,640 for there you have been and there you will always long to return." 452 00:38:52,640 --> 00:38:55,120 You know what's remarkable about those words? 453 00:38:57,200 --> 00:38:58,800 -Go on. -They were written 300 years 454 00:38:58,880 --> 00:39:00,560 before man first got in a plane. 455 00:39:01,720 --> 00:39:03,160 Leonardo da Vinci. 456 00:39:05,960 --> 00:39:07,880 -Look, Philip, I know-- -[knocking on door] 457 00:39:11,160 --> 00:39:12,520 Lord Mountbatten, Your Majesty. 458 00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:15,800 -Uncle Dickie. What's he doing here? -I know as much as you do. 459 00:39:15,880 --> 00:39:17,640 [Equerry] He said it was important, ma'am. 460 00:39:17,720 --> 00:39:18,760 Thank you. 461 00:39:23,640 --> 00:39:25,080 Elizabeth. 462 00:39:28,640 --> 00:39:31,240 -Hello. -I came as soon as I could. 463 00:39:32,440 --> 00:39:33,600 So... 464 00:39:35,240 --> 00:39:40,240 Oh, is this a meeting with Elizabeth your niece, my wife? 465 00:39:40,320 --> 00:39:42,720 -Or the Queen? -The latter, I'm afraid. 466 00:39:42,800 --> 00:39:44,720 Right, then I know my place. 467 00:39:53,760 --> 00:39:56,920 -What's the matter with him? -Nothing. 468 00:39:58,480 --> 00:40:02,480 He's just feeling a little grounded. Ignore it. 469 00:40:02,560 --> 00:40:04,680 Right, all ears. 470 00:40:04,760 --> 00:40:09,960 I received a telephone call today from Bobbety Salisbury. 471 00:40:10,720 --> 00:40:13,960 It seems that even among his own people the feeling is that our Prime Minister 472 00:40:14,040 --> 00:40:17,080 is not able to deal with a national crisis. 473 00:40:18,440 --> 00:40:23,280 Indeed he could be seen to be responsible for that crisis. 474 00:40:23,360 --> 00:40:25,880 Hospitals are overflowing. People dying. 475 00:40:25,960 --> 00:40:28,880 As sovereign, you have the right to demand 476 00:40:28,960 --> 00:40:32,880 that a government in your name shows effective leadership. 477 00:40:34,040 --> 00:40:38,680 The opposition are now calling for a motion of no confidence. 478 00:40:38,760 --> 00:40:42,720 So, I would say the time has come 479 00:40:42,800 --> 00:40:47,920 for you to... summon Churchill and... 480 00:40:48,960 --> 00:40:50,040 And what? 481 00:40:52,040 --> 00:40:53,800 Insist that he go. 482 00:40:56,520 --> 00:41:00,040 -I can't do that. -You can, and should. 483 00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:04,600 But wouldn't that violate the constitution? 484 00:41:04,680 --> 00:41:06,920 As queen... 485 00:41:09,360 --> 00:41:12,520 you have the right to be consulted. 486 00:41:13,440 --> 00:41:17,760 The right to encourage. The right to warn. 487 00:41:17,840 --> 00:41:22,560 Also, to appoint a new Prime Minister in the event of incapacity 488 00:41:22,640 --> 00:41:28,800 and many would say that Churchill's behavior now constitutes incapacity. 489 00:41:28,880 --> 00:41:32,520 -Then a revolution must come from within. -They are trying. 490 00:41:32,600 --> 00:41:35,760 -Well, then, they must try harder. -They will. 491 00:41:35,840 --> 00:41:39,800 But would prefer it to be bloodless. 492 00:41:39,880 --> 00:41:43,760 So have asked for your help and influence. 493 00:41:46,280 --> 00:41:48,920 I cannot do it. I will not do it. 494 00:41:49,000 --> 00:41:53,120 Let's not forget it was Churchill who denied Philip's children 495 00:41:53,200 --> 00:41:54,920 -his own surname... -Dickie. 496 00:41:55,000 --> 00:41:57,080 ...and insisted that you live in Buckingham Palace. 497 00:41:57,160 --> 00:42:00,560 -As, alas, did everyone else. -And now with looters on the street 498 00:42:00,640 --> 00:42:02,640 and hospital corridors stacked with the dead, 499 00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:05,320 he is interested in only one thing. 500 00:42:06,680 --> 00:42:09,880 Stopping Philip flying. 501 00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:14,240 -What? -At a crisis cabinet meeting this morning 502 00:42:14,320 --> 00:42:16,560 when there should've only been one thing on the agenda, 503 00:42:16,640 --> 00:42:19,080 the unfolding national emergency... 504 00:42:20,000 --> 00:42:26,440 all our Prime Minister wanted to discuss was your husband's new hobby. 505 00:42:30,240 --> 00:42:34,120 -I'm so sorry, sir. -Who are her parents? 506 00:42:34,200 --> 00:42:36,120 Her father is a clergyman. From Suffolk. 507 00:42:36,200 --> 00:42:38,640 -They've been notified. -I want to go to the hospital. 508 00:42:38,720 --> 00:42:41,760 There is an emergency meeting at the House. A meeting you must attend. 509 00:42:41,840 --> 00:42:43,240 The House can wait. 510 00:42:50,840 --> 00:42:51,760 [knocking] 511 00:42:53,680 --> 00:42:56,240 -You wished to see me, Your Majesty? -Yes, Tommy. 512 00:42:59,480 --> 00:43:02,320 I know how much my father depended on you. 513 00:43:03,560 --> 00:43:06,560 And how closely you worked together. 514 00:43:06,640 --> 00:43:09,840 Which is why I wanted to ask your advice. Now... 515 00:43:09,920 --> 00:43:16,320 It seems our Prime Minister, a man who's led the country through many crises, 516 00:43:16,400 --> 00:43:18,640 is no longer leading us at all. 517 00:43:19,560 --> 00:43:22,800 Representations have been made to me, 518 00:43:22,880 --> 00:43:25,320 through an intermediary from the heart of the government, 519 00:43:26,680 --> 00:43:32,520 to intercede and bid him stand down. Make way for a younger man. 520 00:43:34,240 --> 00:43:36,960 Which brings me to my question. 521 00:43:39,240 --> 00:43:42,960 What are my responsibilities, as head of state? 522 00:43:45,680 --> 00:43:47,560 What should I do? 523 00:43:47,640 --> 00:43:50,840 When it's in the national interest? How far dare I go? 524 00:43:54,360 --> 00:43:57,400 I'm not sure if her Majesty is aware, 525 00:43:57,480 --> 00:44:03,080 but shortly before your father died the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Eden, came, 526 00:44:03,160 --> 00:44:05,800 begging his late Majesty to intervene, 527 00:44:05,880 --> 00:44:09,800 if not on an official level, then on a personal one. 528 00:44:09,880 --> 00:44:13,280 As a friend. To bid the Prime Minister to resign. 529 00:44:14,760 --> 00:44:17,760 -What did my father say? -Well... 530 00:44:17,840 --> 00:44:19,720 His Majesty was, like his father before him, 531 00:44:19,800 --> 00:44:22,280 a stickler for convention and tradition, 532 00:44:22,360 --> 00:44:25,720 and would never have done anything that violated the constitution, 533 00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:28,680 or overstepped the mark. 534 00:44:30,520 --> 00:44:33,000 -Then I have my answer. -But... 535 00:44:33,080 --> 00:44:35,720 that was His Majesty, not Your Majesty. 536 00:44:36,520 --> 00:44:39,880 And I do read the newspapers, and I do listen to the wireless, 537 00:44:39,960 --> 00:44:43,200 and the situation we're in today is quite different, 538 00:44:43,280 --> 00:44:46,160 than the one we were in when Mr. Eden came to see your father. 539 00:44:48,480 --> 00:44:51,840 Different situation, different sovereign. 540 00:45:03,360 --> 00:45:04,760 [Churchill] Wait for me here. 541 00:45:09,800 --> 00:45:11,800 [coughing] 542 00:45:32,000 --> 00:45:34,000 [chaotic chatter] 543 00:45:55,400 --> 00:45:57,400 [door opens] 544 00:46:02,640 --> 00:46:03,640 Sir. 545 00:46:06,400 --> 00:46:08,160 Just a child. 546 00:46:10,440 --> 00:46:12,520 A beautiful child. 547 00:46:14,280 --> 00:46:17,720 I just received word from Buckingham Palace. 548 00:46:17,800 --> 00:46:21,360 -The Queen has requested an audience. -When? 549 00:46:21,440 --> 00:46:23,440 At your earliest convenience. 550 00:46:27,520 --> 00:46:33,840 "All energy and hope and passion and fire." 551 00:46:36,680 --> 00:46:37,680 Sir? 552 00:46:39,320 --> 00:46:41,320 [curious whispering] 553 00:46:48,800 --> 00:46:51,600 -Do the newspapers know I'm here? -No. 554 00:46:54,120 --> 00:46:57,480 -But it could easily be arranged. -Then do it. 555 00:46:58,720 --> 00:47:02,160 And tell the Queen I'll be there first thing in the morning. 556 00:47:04,040 --> 00:47:05,640 After the papers. 557 00:47:23,600 --> 00:47:25,600 [chatter] 558 00:47:36,520 --> 00:47:38,560 Good God. 559 00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:43,040 Dear God. 560 00:47:54,360 --> 00:47:57,680 Just come on in, the Prime Minister will be here in a few moments. 561 00:48:06,640 --> 00:48:08,640 [muttering] 562 00:48:10,400 --> 00:48:11,400 [knocking] 563 00:48:12,600 --> 00:48:15,280 -They're ready for you, sir. -Yes, yes. One moment. 564 00:48:20,040 --> 00:48:22,040 [reporters clamor] 565 00:48:24,040 --> 00:48:25,760 [journalist] Quiet. Please. Settle down. 566 00:48:27,280 --> 00:48:32,360 -Mr. Churchill? -I have witnessed scenes here today, 567 00:48:32,440 --> 00:48:37,960 the likes of which we have not seen since the darkest days of the Blitz. 568 00:48:39,400 --> 00:48:44,320 But alongside the suffering, I have also seen heroism. 569 00:48:44,400 --> 00:48:48,640 And where there is heroism there will always be hope. 570 00:48:50,720 --> 00:48:57,640 Only God can lift the fog, but I, as Prime Minister, 571 00:48:57,720 --> 00:49:01,560 am in position to ease the suffering. 572 00:49:01,640 --> 00:49:05,840 To that end, I pledge to make available with immediate effect, 573 00:49:05,920 --> 00:49:11,240 more money for hospital staff, more money for equipment, 574 00:49:11,320 --> 00:49:17,280 and a full and independent public enquiry into the causes of air pollution... 575 00:49:18,640 --> 00:49:22,400 to ensure that such a calamity 576 00:49:22,480 --> 00:49:26,160 may never befall us again. 577 00:49:27,760 --> 00:49:29,560 Thank you all. 578 00:49:29,640 --> 00:49:31,440 [reporters shout questions] 579 00:49:34,920 --> 00:49:37,040 [Philip] "The Prime Minister was alone among senior politicians 580 00:49:37,120 --> 00:49:40,960 to visit hospitals and respond to the crisis in person. 581 00:49:41,040 --> 00:49:43,520 And was rewarded by cheers and applause, 582 00:49:43,600 --> 00:49:47,840 by those suffering through the worst smog this city has ever witnessed." 583 00:49:47,920 --> 00:49:52,320 The headline reads, "True leader in a crisis." 584 00:49:52,400 --> 00:49:54,400 [knocking on door] 585 00:49:56,760 --> 00:49:58,440 Ma'am, the Prime Minister's here. 586 00:50:00,800 --> 00:50:03,440 "The parallels between his appearance yesterday, 587 00:50:03,520 --> 00:50:05,840 and the war time years was striking. 588 00:50:05,920 --> 00:50:10,160 And his personal popularity among the people remains undimmed." 589 00:50:13,040 --> 00:50:14,120 Hello? 590 00:50:15,120 --> 00:50:19,800 Clem, are you still there? Hello? Clem? 591 00:50:21,600 --> 00:50:25,120 Clem, can you hear me? No, right... 592 00:51:18,680 --> 00:51:21,400 -[bell rings] -[door opens] 593 00:51:26,520 --> 00:51:28,320 The Prime Minister, Your Majesty. 594 00:51:36,360 --> 00:51:37,600 Your Majesty. 595 00:51:40,720 --> 00:51:44,800 -You asked to see me, ma'am? -I did. 596 00:51:54,560 --> 00:51:59,280 There is a delicate matter which I felt I needed to discuss with you. 597 00:51:59,360 --> 00:52:02,720 -In person. -Concerning what? 598 00:52:05,360 --> 00:52:07,000 Your position. 599 00:52:09,400 --> 00:52:10,680 My position? 600 00:52:11,640 --> 00:52:13,040 Yes. Your position... 601 00:52:17,280 --> 00:52:18,520 as Prime Minister. 602 00:52:23,280 --> 00:52:24,560 Go on. 603 00:52:28,240 --> 00:52:30,680 [Churchill] At that point she hesitated... 604 00:52:31,800 --> 00:52:37,600 and then she asked me to pick either Khawaja Nazimuddin of Pakistan 605 00:52:37,680 --> 00:52:39,720 or Sidney Holland of New Zealand. 606 00:52:39,800 --> 00:52:43,640 -Whatever for? -To sit next to at dinner! 607 00:52:43,720 --> 00:52:46,800 No, she summoned you for that? 608 00:52:46,880 --> 00:52:48,720 Oh, no, I think she summoned me 609 00:52:48,800 --> 00:52:51,880 to haul me over the coals for my handling of the fog, 610 00:52:51,960 --> 00:52:54,160 but then the fog lifted, 611 00:52:54,240 --> 00:52:57,440 and she had to make a decision right then and there, in the room. 612 00:52:57,520 --> 00:53:01,240 You could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. 613 00:53:01,320 --> 00:53:06,200 And then she switched her tack without so much as a flicker. Clever. 614 00:53:07,320 --> 00:53:09,640 -No, no, not clever. Ingenious. -Why? 615 00:53:09,720 --> 00:53:14,120 Because it disarmed me. And made me switch tack too. 616 00:53:14,200 --> 00:53:15,560 What about? 617 00:53:15,640 --> 00:53:19,640 About allowing Philip to learn to fly. He can now. 618 00:53:19,720 --> 00:53:20,720 Good. 619 00:53:22,440 --> 00:53:25,760 But he still has to ask Cabinet permission to do rolls and spins. 620 00:53:36,000 --> 00:53:37,960 What, dear girl? 621 00:53:40,560 --> 00:53:42,680 But what if the fog hadn't lifted? 622 00:53:44,760 --> 00:53:47,800 And the government had continued to flounder? 623 00:53:47,880 --> 00:53:50,200 And people had continued to die? 624 00:53:51,320 --> 00:53:53,360 And Churchill had continued to cling to power 625 00:53:53,440 --> 00:53:56,120 and the country had continued to suffer? 626 00:53:57,120 --> 00:54:01,760 It doesn't feel right, as Head of State, to do nothing. 627 00:54:01,840 --> 00:54:05,120 -It is exactly right. -Is it? 628 00:54:05,200 --> 00:54:08,280 But surely doing nothing is no job at all? 629 00:54:08,360 --> 00:54:11,480 To do nothing is the hardest job of all. 630 00:54:11,560 --> 00:54:14,840 And it will take every ounce of energy that you have. 631 00:54:15,560 --> 00:54:19,040 To be impartial is not natural, not human. 632 00:54:19,120 --> 00:54:22,880 People will always want you to smile or agree or frown. 633 00:54:22,960 --> 00:54:27,120 And the minute you do, you will have declared a position. A point of view. 634 00:54:27,200 --> 00:54:31,640 And that is the one thing as sovereign that you are not entitled to do. 635 00:54:33,000 --> 00:54:37,560 The less you do, the less you say or agree or smile-- 636 00:54:37,640 --> 00:54:40,880 Or think? Or feel? Or breathe? Or exist? 637 00:54:40,960 --> 00:54:42,320 The better. 638 00:54:45,800 --> 00:54:47,640 Well, that's fine for the sovereign. 639 00:54:50,000 --> 00:54:51,880 But where does that leave me? 640 00:55:05,400 --> 00:55:06,400 [Philip] So go on. 641 00:55:06,480 --> 00:55:08,600 How long would it take me to get my wings? 642 00:55:08,680 --> 00:55:11,800 Well, normally, a trainee would spend anything between 100 and 120 hours 643 00:55:11,880 --> 00:55:13,400 in one of these things. 644 00:55:13,480 --> 00:55:15,600 Do you think I could do it in three months? 645 00:55:15,680 --> 00:55:17,880 That would be unusual, sir. 646 00:55:17,960 --> 00:55:22,480 I'm a fast learner, and believe me when I say I've got nothing else to do. 647 00:55:37,440 --> 00:55:39,720 [Philip] I couldn't help notice you filled her right up. 648 00:55:39,800 --> 00:55:42,680 -Starboard and port. Eighteen gallons? -[Townsend] Yes. 649 00:55:42,760 --> 00:55:45,320 -[Philip] Fancy lunch in Edinburgh? -Edinburgh? 650 00:55:45,400 --> 00:55:48,760 [Philip] They made me Duke there, so I should probably show up from time to time. 651 00:55:48,840 --> 00:55:50,960 Unless you have more pressing engagements? 652 00:55:51,040 --> 00:55:52,040 [Townsend] No, sir. 653 00:55:52,120 --> 00:55:56,240 [Philip] All right, I'll adjust RPMs and cruising speed for range flying. 654 00:55:56,320 --> 00:55:59,320 [Townsend] We'll have to land to refuel, sir. RAF Finningley. 655 00:55:59,400 --> 00:56:02,000 -[Philip] Oh, really? Where's that? -Doncaster. 656 00:56:02,080 --> 00:56:05,120 [Philip] Doncaster? Right.