All language subtitles for Crown.For.Christmas.2015.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

You're up early.

It's the only
time I have to paint.

(CHUCKLES)

That is so good.

You always say that.

Because it is.

You have to start
showing your work again.

And you always say that.

I'm not ready.

And you always say that.

Any word on the audition?

Nothing yet. (SIGHS)

Well, it's only been one day.

Yeah.

(SCOFFS) Aaron, 45 minutes
till your econ class.

Morning, sis.
Do I smell bacon?

You need an A on that test.

And I'll get one.

All right, you smelled bacon.

Now, eat up.
We don't have a lot of time.

"Past due."

Allie, I thought we paid these.

ALLIE: We did.

We just didn't pay these.

(SIGHS)
Why didn't you tell us?

She's protecting us.

Which you don't
have to do anymore.

Look, we'll dig our way out of this.
We always do.

With my tips and
Christmas bonus.

And mine.

I'll take an extra shift.

We're the Evans, right?

We're the Evans.

Yeah,
you could still get the call.

I guess.

BOY: (LAUGHS) Got you!

You call that a throw?

Okay, take this!

Okay! Now it's on!

And this!

Good one.
Yes!

LISA: I don't know which one
of you is the bigger kid.

BOY: Got you back!

Wait, one more!

Got you last! Got you last!

(CLEARS THROAT)

ALLIE: Yes, Mrs. Hinden?

I'm moving you two
to the VIP floor.

What happened to Sara and Liz?

They no longer work here.

Need I remind you,
no eye contact

and no speaking
unless spoken to.

We'll be invisible,
Mrs. Hinden.

How long have you worked here?

Nine months.

(CHUCKLES)
Although it feels like 10.

Follow your sister's lead.
She knows how to be a maid.

I know how to be a maid.

That might be
the worst compliment ever.

(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS)

(CHUCKLES)

The VIP floor.

And we get to clean it.

All right.
We'll start at that end

and finish with
the presidential suite.

Ladies.

Sir?

Sir?

Morning, Fergus.

It would appear
that your guests
had quite a party.

Yes.
It seemed like some of them
were never gonna leave.

You know, Max, it's good to
see you cutting loose a bit.

Don't get used to it.
We're heading home.

What does my day look like?
Let me guess.

Back-to-back meetings,
greetings and eatings.

You have a breakfast
with the charity board,

a post-breakfast
with the foundation,

and then overnight to London
for the children's hospice.

Unfortunately,
with your permission,

you'll have to
spend a day without me.

What for?

Yet another governess has quit.

It's only been two days.

Long days, apparently.

(SIGHS)

And with the
Christmas gala coming up,

it looks like I'll
have to hire one here.

Good idea.

New Yorkers are
impervious to pain.

(LAUGHING)

Make sure that housekeeping
get a generous tip.

Yes, of course.

(GRUNTS)

I'm so sorry!

I didn't see you.

I've survived worse.

(STAMMERING)

Let me make it up to you.

Do you like chocolate?
These are really good.

Soap?

Not that you need it.

Thanks.

I don't suppose I could interest
you in a complimentary sewing kit?

You can never
have enough of those.

ALLIE: Yeah, if you lose a button or
if your pants split unexpectedly.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Well, apparently
you're not invisible.

He's a guest, I'm a maid.
Need I say more?

(CELL PHONE VIBRATES)

(GASP)

Yes!

I got the audition!

That's great!

No! It's in an hour.

Forget it.
It's just the chorus.

Go! I'll finish up.

I can't ask you to do that.

It's a couple more suites.
I got this.

Hmm.

Thanks, sis!

I owe you one.

I'll add it to the list.

(CHUCKLES)

Break a leg!

(SIGHS)

Housekeeping.

Seriously?

Your car's ready, sir.

I think I've left
my watch in the room.

Your father's watch?

I'll get it for you, sir.

MRS. HINDEN:
Why hasn't this been done?

I mean,
the room is still a mess.

ALLIE: I'm sorry.
I need another 15 minutes.

Twenty minutes tops.

Leslie Millicent-Caroll

has been waiting downstairs
for nearly half an hour.

Do you know who she is?

Someone with three first names?
(SIGHS)

She writes the hotel
review for The Times,

and she asked for
an early check-in.

I'm sorry.
Leave your keys.

You can pick up
your check downstairs.

You're firing me?

A week before Christmas.

No.

I'm firing you and your sister
a week before Christmas.

Here. Someone left
a watch on the dresser.

(ELEVATOR DINGS)

I just feel terrible.
This is all my fault.

We'll get something else.

During the holidays?

We'll figure it out.

Hey, sis.
This is Mr. Fergus McDuffin.

"Fergus" will suffice.

If this is about all
the overdue bills...

I beg your pardon?

He's a butler from...

Winshire.

We're a sovereign
nation near Luxembourg.

My employer is aware of your
untimely dismissal from the hotel.

In the spirit of Christmas
and for returning his watch,

he'd like to give you this.

Oh! Wow!

$5,000?

Thank you, but as much
as we could use this,

we can't accept.

Yes, we can.

It's too much.

But thank you anyway.

Well, I have to say,
I find that quite...

Ridiculous?
Admirable.

(CHUCKLES)

Forgive me for asking, but is
that mulligan stew I smell?

You know it?
FERGUS: Know it?

(CHUCKLES) Everything in
the kitchen plus peas.

Plus peas.

I haven't had it
since I was a boy.

Would you like to
join us for dinner?

Mmm.
ALLIE: So, what do you think?

Mmm. Even better than
I remembered.

Allie can make
cardboard taste good.

And we have.

Your parents raised you well.

Actually, they passed away
when we were young.

Oh, I'm sorry.
AARON: Allie raised us.

She dropped out of
art school to come home.

And I'm still raising you, even
though you're both adults.

That's very noble.

Oh, you have no idea.

These two were holy terrors.

Hey!

(CHUCKLES)

You know, I have an idea.

Perhaps you'd accept this
check as two weeks' wages

for a job in Winshire.

You want me to go to Europe
to clean someone's house?

Well,
I wouldn't call it a house,

and you wouldn't be cleaning it.

A governess unexpectedly left.

As it happens, I'm looking for
a fill-in over the holidays.

Governess?
Like Mary Poppins?

Yes, but without the umbrella
and bottomless bag.

You'd be in charge
of one little girl.

But I'm a total stranger.

Hmm, not exactly.

Thirty-one, never married,
not in a current relationship,

dwindling bank balance.

Former employment,
uh, sales clerk,

waitress, dog-walker.

You had me checked out?

I'm afraid I
wouldn't be here otherwise.

You see, the family is very
prominent and very discreet.

You'll be flown
first class, of course,

and have your own apartments
and lady's maid.

She'll take it.
Lisa!

This morning, you were a maid,
and now you'll have one.

You've been stuck here forever.

It'll be an adventure.
But it's Christmas.

We'll do Christmas in January.

(STAMMERING)
Well... I...

We could use the money.

Can I just have
the night to think about it?

Of course.

And if your answer is yes,

I'll send a car for
you in the morning.

Thank you.

Well, thank you
again for a delicious

and most unexpected dinner.

Good night.
Good night.

Good night.

So?

(SIGHS)

ALLIE: Bye.

You too.
We'll miss you.

Merry Christmas.

Bye, sis.
See ya.

Love you.
Be safe.

(BLOWS RASPBERRY)
Got you last!

ALLIE: Winshire is beautiful.

That it is.

Would it be fair to say that
you've never traveled abroad?

Does Staten Island count?

FERGUS: Here it is.

ALLIE: It's like a castle!

That's because it is a castle.

It's been in the family
for three centuries.

What kind of family is this?

A royal one.

You'll be looking
after Princess Theodora,

the daughter of King
Maximillian III of Winshire.

And you're just
telling me this now?

Discretion is of
the utmost importance.

The palace wouldn't
want it getting out

that they're employing
yet another governess.

How many have there been?

Let's say the Princess can be
a bit of a handful.

(CHUCKLES)
That many, huh?

What a warm greeting.

FERGUS: Yes. Tragically,
it's not for you.

The service entrance,
please, Thomas.

Yes, sir.
Yeah.

This way.

(CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)

Ladies, this is Miss Evans,
our new governess.

Mrs. Claiborne, our cook,

and Miss Wick,
our head housekeeper.

She'll show you
to your quarters.

Welcome, Miss Evans.

"Allie," please.

We use formalities here,
Miss Evans.

Sorry. Hi.

Carter, take the new
governess's bags to her room.

Yes, ma'am.

Follow me.

I'm sure you'll want to change
into something more appropriate.

It's like a museum.

Ooh!
Don't touch anything!

Sorry.

We adhere to a strict schedule,

especially during Christmas.

Are you familiar
with court protocol?

I watch Downton Abbey.

Fergus will give you a schedule,

and I'll have
your uniform sent up.

You won't see much
of His Royal Highness,

and I can almost
guarantee he won't see you.

These are your quarters.

This is all mine?

I wouldn't get too attached.

Chances are you won't
make it to Christmas.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, my gosh.

(TRUMPET BLOWING)

FERGUS: Your Highness.

MAXIMILLIAN: Fergus.

Welcome home, Your Highness.

Thank you, Chancellor.
Where's Theodora?

I'm sure she'll be
here in a moment.

(BLOWING RASPBERRY)

Oh! You gotta be kidding me.

Yeah, you'd better run!

Princess Theodora,
is that any way to welcome

your new governess?

(CLEARS THROAT)

Hello, Father.

Theodora.

Hmm.

(SIGHS)

I asked you to give
her a check, not a job.

She wouldn't take it.

Why not?

I believe she
considered it a handout.

I realize that she's not
the conventional choice,

but then again, we haven't
had much luck with convention.

You've always
trusted my decisions, Max.

Why don't I feel that
same trust right now?

I can't imagine.

Fergus, a moment, please.

Certainly, Chancellor.

I trust you had
an enjoyable holiday.

It was hardly a holiday.

Your hotel bill says otherwise.

I don't need to remind you
that your popularity is down,

as well as our finances.

Well,
I suppose that's what happens

when no one in the family's had
a job for a thousand years.

Your father had no
time for frivolity.

Yes, I remember.

Well, now that you're back,

might I suggest that
we focus on Christmas Eve.

The gala would be
the perfect opportunity

for an announcement.

I'm not ready.

(GASP)

(TOY SNAKE RATTLES)

So that's the way
it's going to be, huh?

(KNOCKING)

(THEODORA GIGGLES)

(THEODORA GIGGLES)

This is so weird.

I could've sworn I heard
somebody knocking on my door.

So weird.

Hmm.

Boo!
Hey.

Thanks for the snake.

I've given it some thought,
and I've decided

I don't need a governess.

Well, I don't blame you.

Lucky for you,
I'm not a real governess.

What are you?
A New Yorker.

Well, I don't need
one of those either.

You sure about that?

Because that snowball toss
out there was pretty weak.

Pretty weak?
You almost missed me.

Could you do better?
With both hands behind my back.

Prove it.

No hands, through the door.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Yes!
MAXIMILLIAN: Ow!

What's going on?

This is awkward.
I am so sorry.

Meet my new governess, Father.

Yes. We all saw her
yelling from the window.

Again, that was more
of a misunderstanding.

I believe we bumped into
each other in New York.

Allison Evans. Allie.

His Highness is not in
the habit of shaking hands.

You may as well
send her packing now,

save us all the tedious
"getting to know one another."

Off to your room, Theodora.

Miss Evans.

Not to make excuses,
but you are my first king.

RIGGS: Hmm.

Yes. I believe
that's quite apparent.

I'm afraid Theodora's behavior
is my fault, Miss Evans.

My royal duties preclude me from
spending much time parenting her.

As they should,
Your Highness, if I may.

The Princess is
a rebellious child

who prides herself on
terrorizing those in authority.

We've all tried,
without success,

to understand her behavior.

Well, she is 10.

RIGGS: She's a princess,

and is expected to act
like one at all times.

Is that clear?

With all due respect, sir,

childhood is a short season.

If you try and make
her grow up too fast,

she just might do it.

(CHUCKLES) Miss Evans,
are you trying to get fired?

No one's being fired,
Chancellor.

Miss Evans, you will supervise
Theodora to all royal events,

but kindly stay
in the background.

In other words, be invisible.

Somehow, I doubt
you're the invisible type.

That'll be all.

(CLEARS THROAT)
Sorry! Excuse me.

Bye.

(SIGHS)

Tough room.
Who's the hatchet man?

Chancellor Riggs,
advisor to the throne.

I suggest you stay
in his good books.

Is he always so...
Insufferable?

I was gonna use another word.
(LAUGHING)

I'll have supper
sent to your room.

I'm not eating
with everyone else?

The governesses
usually keep to themselves.

We're looking at
his picture right now.

I cannot believe that is the same
guy you hit with the maid cart.

Nice driving, sis.

ALLIE: He's not a guy.
He's a king.

And I also hit him
with a Christmas ornament.

So it's going well then.

Not to mention the little girl,

she's exactly
like you guys were.

Oh, no.
Nice.

LISA: Good luck.
(KNOCKING)

Oh, gotta go. Come in!

Your supper.

Thank you.

We don't tip here.

Gotcha. Sorry.

What's for dinner?

Hi.

Oh, hmm.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(LAUGHING)

Good evening, Your Horse-ness.

Oh...

You want this?

Why the long face?

I think I know.

Talking to my horse?
(GASPS)

No! Uh...

I mean yes. Just small talk.

I do it all the time.
In fact, he likes it.

Don't you, boy?

(NEIGHING)

It's a trick
we've been working on.

That's the first smile
I've seen since I got here.

Well, I should get back
to my overly-large room.

You know, it's not often people
speak their mind around here.

Sorry.

Don't be.

I'm not gonna try to curtsy
again, if that's okay.

Good night, Miss Evans.

You like her, don't you?

(CHUCKLES)

(CHUCKLES)

(SIGHS)

(KNOCKING)

Come in.

Mrs. Claiborne.
I was just headed down.

I see you survived
your first night.

It's only been one night?

I remember when I
first started here.

The King was just a boy rushing
around causing trouble.

But, you know, in a good way.

He was always the fun royal.

But then fate stepped in.

Thank you.

What happened to
Theodora's mother?

She took ill.

It was a long battle.

And soon after, he lost his
father in a riding accident.

It was dreadful.
I mean, poor Maximillian.

He suddenly found himself thrust
into the role of widower and king,

and all before
his 30th birthday.

I don't think he's let
anyone or anything in since.

Good morning, Theodora.

You're still here.

Hmm, I don't scare off
that easily.

I suppose this is
when you start trying

to turn me into
a little princess.

I don't have nearly
enough time to do that.

Besides, when I was your age,

the last thing I
wanted to be was a princess.

What did you want to be?

ALLIE: An artist.

Then why didn't you?
Weren't good enough?

Something like that.

So, what do you want to do?

You're letting me decide?

Hmm, it's your castle.

Do you like this one?

Yeah.
It looks kind of like you.

You're not afraid of bugs?

(CHUCKLES)
Are you kidding?

New York has the toughest
cockroaches in the world.

My last governess
was scared of bugs.

She also said I was annoying.

All kids are annoying.
That's their job.

How old are you?
How old do you think I am?

Sixty.

Close. Thirty-one.

Are you married?
Nope.

No one ever asked?

Oh, someone asked once,
in sixth grade.

Are you an old maid?

Well, I'm a maid.
I mean, I was a maid.

I mean, I was... I was fired.

Not anymore.

Are you here just 'cause
you want to marry my father?

A lot of women do.
That's why they're nice to me.

Well, you can rest assured,

if I'm nice,
it's because I like you.

And I'm more likely to marry
Santa Claus than your father.

Santa Claus is already married.

As he should be.

This is a great greenhouse.

It was my mother's.

People say I
look a lot like her.

You must miss her a lot.

I guess.

You know, I lost my mom too.

And my dad.

Back home,
when things get tough,

my brother and sister
and I put our hands

together and we say,

"We're the Evans."

It makes us feel like
we can get through anything.

So are the Evans special?

We're just a regular family.

Do you think

we should put a few
in Miss Wick's bed?

(BOTH LAUGHING)

This one looks
like an Ellie to me.

Miss Evans!
Oh, there you are.

Theodora is late
for the Christmas photograph.

What?

I left a schedule
under your door.

I didn't get any schedule.

(CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)

She'll be ready in five minutes.

Make it four.

Let's go!

Hurry!

Come on,
come on, come on, come on!

Okay, let's go!
Off with the jacket.

Ah! Miss Theodora,
at last.

Fergus will show
you to your place.

Apologies.

Miss Evans.

There.

Can I sit in
the chair with you, Father?

Not this time.

I suppose we can airbrush her
jeans from the final photograph.

PHOTOGRAPHER:
A little closer in.

Ready and...

So, how many will be in
attendance at the Christmas gala?

A few more than last year.

The Count of Ashbury, I assume?

MAXIMILLIAN:
With his new wife.

RIGGS: You mean his
second new wife.

Or is it his third?
Hard to keep track.

(ALL LAUGHING)

Father's taking me
ice skating tomorrow,

just the two of us,
aren't you, Father?

I'm afraid that'll
have to wait, Theodora.

The day after tomorrow?

Perhaps after the holidays.

(ALL CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)

(ALL GASP)

Did you just put
that back on her plate?

It was under three seconds.

Excuse me?

Uh, the three-second rule.

If it drops on the floor,
but you pick it up

within three seconds,
it's still good.

I take it you
don't have that rule.

When I was at university,
we had the three-minute rule.

My roommate barely made that.

(ALL LAUGH)

In fact, a toast.

If there is
Christmas in your heart,

then there is most definitely
Christmas in the air.

ALL: Hear, hear.

Perhaps you'd like to add a
toast of your own, Miss Evans.

It's considered unlucky
to toast without a glass.

Fergus, would you get a glass
for Miss Evans, please?

And one for yourself.

Straightaway, Your Highness.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas to those
who've seen us at our best

and at our worst

and can't tell the difference.

Cheers.
Cheers.

Cheers.
Cheers!

Well said, Miss Evans.

(HORSE NEIGHS)

Good morning, Fergus.

Good morning.

Perfect timing.
Your schedule.

Hmm.

Holiday tea in the blue room,

followed by the
nativity scene unveiling,

the royal charity
Christmas visit,

and a late supper
in the gold room.

And that's just for today.

It is, it is.

As you can see, preparations are
underway for the Christmas Eve gala.

It's a time-honored tradition.

Nothing has changed
in the last 300 years.

Not even the guest list?
(LAUGHING)

If they're still standing,
they'll be here.

You won't be attending,
of course,

but you will be in the background
in case a problem occurs.

I'm very much hoping it won't.

Ah! Here comes the tree.

Carter, put it down at
the far end, will you?

Straight down there.
Yes, in front of the mirror.

Can me and Miss
Evans decorate the tree?

The royal decorator is
in charge of the tree.

He's scheduled in tomorrow.

We could get a head start.

Please?

Oh, I suppose you can
put up a few things,

at least until
Miss Wick takes them down.

That's it.
Straight up there in front of the mirror.

The ornaments are locked up,
but I know where the key is.

Or we could make our own.

Why would we want to do that?

Come with me.

(CHRISTMAS SONG PLAYING)

This old lace looks great.
And so do those pinecones.

Add a little gold paint
and some ribbon, voila.

I challenge any royal
decorator to outdo this.

(LAUGHING)

My mum used to
decorate the tree with me.

Mine too.

I'm starting to
forget what she was like.

You know what I do
when I feel like that?

I think hard about one memory,

like the last time
we were together.

When was that?

Christmas, a lot of years ago.

We were opening presents,
and we all sang

Grandma Got Run
Over by a Reindeer.

Which is a pretty twisted song.

And we couldn't stop laughing.

That's what I think about,

and it all comes back.

RIGGS: Have you come
to a decision?

Yes.

I'm postponing it.
Indefinitely.

Maximillian, you've
had four years to grieve.

A royal wedding will
strengthen the country.

Lady Celia's
family is a crucial link

to our relations with
the northern provinces.

I'm sure we can
find another link

whose chain isn't attached
to an arranged marriage.

She's beautiful, she's educated

and she's royal.

She's perfect in every way.
Exactly.

And you have history together.

Had you not run off
to school in America

and met someone else,
we wouldn't...

But I did!

I like Celia,

but I don't love her, and I'm
not sure that I ever will.

Winshire needs a queen.

Not to mention, Theodora
could use a mother figure.

May I remind you,
your duty is to your country,

not your heart.

Where have I heard that before?

Your father was a great king!

So I've been told.

Ready? One, two, three, go!

(BOTH LAUGHING)

Oh, Darling,
what do you think of this?

Beautiful.
Oh, thank you, darling.

I know what we can use
for the top of the tree.

I'll be right back.
Okay.

Miss Evans, what exactly
is going on here?

Decorating.

Apparently.

How about this for
the top of the tree?

Is that your father's crown?

His Royal Highness
will not be happy.

Thank you.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

ALLIE: Here. You try.

I'm a butterfly!

(ALLIE LAUGHING)

ALLIE: Wait!
I wanna be one too.

"Now, Dasher, now, Dancer,
now Prancer and Vixen.

"On, Comet, on, Cupid,
on, Donner and Blitzen."

To be continued.

I think the decorations
look absolutely wonderful.

Yes, absolutely.
Superb, superb.

I do hope I've ordered
enough vintage champagne.

MRS. CLAIBORNE:
Well, you always do.

Mind if I join you guys?

It's not customary for the
governess to eat with staff.

(SCOFFS) I think that's up
to Fergus, don't you?

I see no harm in one more.

Thanks.

FERGUS: Here.

I'll try not to eat too much.

Trust me, with Mrs. Claiborne's
kidney pie, you won't.

I think that's your second
piece, isn't it, Fergus?

Is it really?

(ALL LAUGH)

It'll be okay.

Fergus tells me you make
a delicious mulligan stew.

Oh, yes! I had more than
one portion of that.

Would you like to give me
the recipe tomorrow?

I'd love to.
I'll drink to that.

(LAUGHING)
Cheers, everyone.

I thought Theodora
should have her star.

And it's too high up
for Miss Wick to take down.

Unless she flies
up on her broom.

(CHUCKLES)
Good point.

I know you talk to horses.
Do you ride them?

A few times,
around Central Park.

This park's a little
bigger and quieter.

Thanks.

You know, you can only see so
much from the back of a limo,

but you can see everything
from the seat of a horse.

You ride every night?

It's the only time when I
really feel like myself.

I think that's why I
love New York so much.

Nobody knows me there.

I can stand in line, get
shouted at by taxi drivers.

That's what you want?

You'd be surprised what you
want when you can't have it.

(CHUCKLES)
We should swap lives.

I stand in line and get
yelled at on a daily basis.

You know,
I met my wife in New York.

Her family was as royal and
stuffy as mine, but she wasn't.

We eloped.

Vegas?
Niagara Falls.

My father would have
disowned me if he could.

He was a much better king
than he was a father.

I probably shouldn't say this.

No, please, say it.

Do you ever feel like

maybe you've become
a little like him?

I'm afraid I might be
going down the same path.

Paths change all the time.

Not in my world.

Fergus tells me
you're an artist.

Oh, he saw a few paintings
at my house, that's all.

That's not how
he described them.

I had a show once,
a couple years back.

Didn't go so well.

So, now I just paint for myself.

Well, that's a shame.

I'd really like
to see your work.

So would he.

Where are your manners?

There's an artist
in our presence.

(CHUCKLES)
You taught him that?

He's taught me a few things too.

It's so beautiful.

Yes, it is.

(CHUCKLES)

Thank you for
the royal treatment.

And thank you for treating me
like a normal person.

I'm not sure
that's an even exchange.

Trust me, it is.

I'd shake your hand,
but I know you don't shake.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

Good night, Your Highness.

Max. Please.

Well, I should probably...

Good night, Allie.

Good night.

You wanted to see me, sir?

Yes. Lady Celia's
arriving tomorrow.

Make sure her room is ready.

But she's not due
until Christmas Eve.

There's been
a small change of plan.

(CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)

Good morning, Mrs. Claiborne.
Gingerbread cookies!

Good morning, dear.
And how was the rest of your evening?

Ah, just another
night in the castle.

It's funny, I can't
remember the last time

the King took anyone riding.

On second thought, yes, I can.

Never.

THEODORA:
Is that gingerbread?

It's not for breakfast.

Good morning, Theodora.

I saw you and
Father riding last night.

Next time, don't hold
onto the saddle horn.

Thank you.

Should there be
a next time, I won't.

Morning, Your Highness.
Morning, Fergus.

Chancellor. Your breakfast.

ALL:
♪ O Christmas tree

♪ O Christmas tree

♪ Your leaves are so unchanging

♪ Not only green
when summer's here

♪ But also when
it's cold and drear

♪ O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree

♪ Such pleasure
do you bring me ♪

Yes!

What wonderful
acoustics in here.

♪ O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree ♪

Not the original German.

A Christmas song
is a Christmas song.

A royal car has arrived,
Your Highness.

Are we expecting someone?
FERGUS: It's not on the schedule.

Ah, that must be Lady Celia.

I thought she wasn't arriving
until the day of the ball.

I invited her a few days early.

After all,
she'll be family soon.

That's not your decision.

Someone has to make one.

The monarchy needs a queen.

Announcing Lady
Celia of Luxembourg.

Maximillian, isn't this all
just wonderful?

Words cannot describe it.

Theodora, I haven't seen you
since you were tiny.

No.
You saw me three months ago.

And at Easter.

And last year at
the Christmas gala.

I suppose I should
remember these things.

But I did remember this.

Thank you.
I'll open it on Christmas.

No, open it now, dear.
I can't wait to see it on you.

Ah...

Ballet. My favorite thing.

Oh, and you're just the right
age to start lessons.

You are going to make
an adorable ballerina.

Lady Celia, this is
Miss Evans, my governess.

Nice to meet you, Lady Celia.

An American governess.
How odd.

(CLEARS THROAT)

I couldn't agree more.

Let's all move to
the drawing room, shall we?

Your Highness.

Who is she?

The horrible lady

my father's supposed to marry.

Hmm.

What better place to announce
it than the Christmas gala?

How perfect.
I vote for a spring wedding.

Of what year?

Aren't you silly.
This year, of course.

We'll send the invitations
out on the first.

Absolutely.
That way it gives anyone who counts

plenty of time to clear their schedule.
(CHUCKLES)

The wedding is being held
at the castle, I assume?

Mmm.

Just as Maximillian's
father's was.

And perhaps a honeymoon
in the Maldives?

You're planning
my honeymoon too?

Our honeymoon.
And I adore the Maldives.

Unless, of course,
you prefer somewhere else?

No, not really.

Father, you don't look too well.

Maybe you should go to bed.
I'll take you.

I'm fine, Theodora.

It is getting late.

You must be very tired, Theodora.
(LAUGHING)

Oh, I never sleep.
In fact, if you were to get married,

you'd never be alone together

because I'd always be
there day and night.

Theodora.

But I have
questions for Lady Celia.

Questions?
Do you like bugs?

As long as they're in
the ground, I suppose.

Do you know how to make
ornaments out of pinecones

or mulligan stew?
Theodora, that's enough.

Are you being nice to me just
'cause you want to marry my father?

Do you even love my father?

Theodora!

ALLIE: Teddy...

Excuse me.

Your Highness,
let the governess handle it.

Your Highness?

Teddy!

Teddy, wait!

Teddy!

I know you're in here.

Theodora.

Theodora, come out this minute.

She's locked it
from the outside.

You're not gonna hit
me with that, are you?

I'm going to break a window,
Your Highness.

It's still Max.

(SIGHS)

Don't believe
everything you're thinking.

You don't know
what I'm thinking.

That I'm a jerk who
wanted to kiss you

when I'm meant to
be getting married?

So you do know
what I'm thinking.

Can I at least explain?

There's nothing to explain.

This union was
arranged by the throne.

Aren't you the throne?

No. I just sit on it.

Apparently,
the monarchy's only popular

when we're getting
married or having babies.

Celia and I were meant to be
married years ago, but...

We see each other occasionally.

It's just always been assumed
that we'd be together.

You make a beautiful couple.

And I hope that you'll be happy.

Spare key. Sorry.

Inside, Theodora.

You're not going to punish me?

No.

Hmm.

(APPLAUDING)

Hello, everyone,
and welcome again.

It's hard to believe
another year has gone by.

I hope it's been
a good one for all of you.

(APPLAUDING)

MAN: There are rumors
of a royal wedding!

Father always told me
not to believe rumors.

I tell my daughter many things,
most of which she ignores.

(CROWD LAUGHS)

Theodora, would you please hang
the royal ornament on the tree?

I'll hang this one instead.

(APPLAUDING)

That's sweet.

A picture, Your Highness.

Look at us.
Just like a family already.

(KNOCKING)

Don't worry, Miss Wick.
I didn't make the bed.

It's not Miss Wick.
May I come in?

Of course.

What a surprise.

To what do I owe the pleasure
of this unexpected visit?

You and Maximillian
seem rather chummy.

Well, we do go way
back to five days ago.

I'm just the governess.

I owe you an apology,
Miss Evans.

I'm afraid I'm quite insecure
when it comes to Maximillian.

We were supposed to
be married years ago.

This is my second chance, and I'd
hate for him to slip away again.

You have nothing to
worry about from me.

The truth is, I don't believe
he's ever been quite comfortable

as a royal or a king.

Perhaps you could put a good
word in with Theodora for me.

Of course.

I'm glad we had this chat.

(DOOR CLOSING)

Fresh snow! Look!

It's gonna be a white Christmas.

Come on, let's go.

He's perfect.

Where's Theodora?

I don't know, Your Highness.

I'll go and find her.

Oh, good one!

Yes!
Princess Theodora,

you're due in for breakfast.

Oh, you cheeky little monkey!

Gotcha!

Whoa!

Two against one, huh?

Come on!
Come on, Helen!

Come on!

(LAUGHING)

ALLIE: Nice shot, Fergus.

Come on, guys.
Come on, join my team.

ALLIE: This means war!

(CLEARS THROAT)

Pardon the interruption,
Your Highness,

but I can't seem to
find the staff anywhere.

And my tea is cold.

(LAUGHING)

ALLIE: Come on, guys!
We need help!

Would you care to
explain yourselves?

That's not funny.

What are they doing?

ALLIE: Oh, no.

Father.

Your Highness,
please don't blame them.

Is this a snowball
fight or a tea party?

Oh!

Your Majesty!

ALLIE: Nice shot,
Your Highness!

Something needs to be done
about this governess.

(LAUGHING)

I think we'll make this
a new Christmas Eve tradition.

Come on.

Lady Celia.

(DINGS)

Well done, girls.
These look delicious.
Oh!

It's hot.

Can we make more?

Sure, but this time,
you're gonna do the measuring.

All right, we need
one-and-three-quarters cups of sugar,

but the one cup is being used,

so we'll use seven quarters cups

because four
quarters is the same as one.

Is that like fractions?

I don't get all this math stuff.

Oh, it's easy.
It's just different ways
of saying the same thing.

So, one cookie is
the same as two halves,

which is the same as
four quarters, see?

That is pretty easy.

So, if I have two quarters,

that makes a half.
Yes.

And if I add one more quarter,
that makes three quarters.

And just one more quarter

makes a whole.
You got it.

If I add another three
quarters, that would make...

Okay, that's enough math,
you little sugar monster.

It's almost dinnertime.

A toast.

To the future of Winshire.

To us.

Miss Evans and I
made Christmas cookies.

Who wants one?
I do.

Hmm.

Delicious.

Don't you want one, Lady Celia?

Of course I do.

Miss Evans' family recipe.

Is there no end to your talents?

There most definitely is.

Well, you certainly
have a way with children.

Thank you.

Well, perhaps you have some
advice for Maximillian and I.

After all, we do plan on having
a few of our own, don't we?

I doubt I have much to add.

Miss Evans says that you
should never yell at a child.

If you're angry, just lean in
and whisper quietly.

It's scarier.

(CHUCKLES)
That was more of a joke.

Miss Evans says that good
parenting lies somewhere between

"Don't do that"
and "What the heck."

All right, Theodora,
I think we get the picture.

Oh, no, do, please, go on.
This is fascinating.

Miss Evans?

Well, I...

I guess if I had advice,
it would be

always kiss your
children good night,

even if they're asleep.

Well, I think it's safe to say that Miss
Evans will be very hard to replace.

Fortunately,
she won't be replaced.

Theodora won't be needing a
governess after the holidays.

Really?

Oh...

You didn't tell her?

Tell me what?

Your father and I have been discussing
your enrollment at Le Rosey.

You're sending me
to boarding school?

Nothing's been decided yet.

Theodora!

I asked you not to say anything.

We can't keep
replacing governesses.

She's only 10!

You were only eight.

I went to Switzerland
when I was Theodora's age.

It is a wonderful training
ground for young ladies.

And we can always visit,

and she'll come
home on the holidays.

I lost my mum.

Now I'm losing my father to her.

You won't lose him, Teddy.

They're sending me away.

He's going to
forget all about me.

He won't.

You are pretty
darn unforgettable.

No matter how it
seems right now,

I promise you,

you are his
crowning achievement.

I know this is hard,

but you can get
through anything.

Just like the Evans, right?

(CHUCKLES)

Right.

(SNIFFLES)

Your Highness.

Another Christmas Eve,
another gala.

Hmm. This one will prove
unforgettable, I'm sure.

I think Lady Celia would
be quite happy with this.

MAXIMILLIAN:
That's my mother's ring.

And she would have wanted it
on Celia's hand.

It belonged on the hand
of Theodora's mother.

Well,
if you'd had a royal wedding

instead of eloped,
it would have been.

But let's look to the future,
Maximillian.

Believe me, I'm trying.

I can assure you,

it's the right thing to do.

Happy Christmas Eve!
How's the King?

About to
announce his engagement.

He's proposing?

To Lady Celia of Luxembourg.

What? When did this happen?

Apparently,
before they were born.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Gotta go.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

My mum used to brush my hair.

I think I'll use that
as my special memory.

Okay, tiara or no tiara?

No tiara.

All right, tiara it is.

You look just like a princess.

You've always been
honest with me, Fergus.

I have, yes.

Am I doing the right thing here?

You're doing what's right
for your country, Max,

and what your
father would've wanted.

That's not an answer.

Then I'm afraid this is
one time when I am unable

to be honest with you,
Your Highness.

Maybe you could give
Lady Celia another chance.

I know you don't like her,

but, hey, you didn't
like me at first either.

Sometimes people
can surprise you.

But why can't you be my mother?

Well, first of all,
I'd have to marry your father,

and we both know
that's impossible.

Why is it impossible?

He's better when
he's around you.

He's himself.

(KNOCKING)
MAXIMILLIAN: Theodora, are you ready?

She is.

You look so much
like your mother.

I'm sorry, Father.

Why would you be sorry?

I know you don't like
being reminded of her.

Theodora,

it's her memory

and you that keeps me going.

But you never talk about her.

That doesn't mean I
don't think about her

every single day.

Theodora,

we can talk about
her whenever you want.

My father

taught me to keep
everything inside,

but I don't think
we'll be doing that anymore.

Shall I take
Theodora to the ballroom?

I think I'll do it.

Father, may I invite Miss Evans?

She's never been to a ball.

Thank you, sweetie, but I
really don't belong there.

I disagree.
We'll see you downstairs.

Cheers!

(CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)

You're an invited guest.

What are you
doing in the corner?

Hoping to get uninvited.

You'll do no such thing.

Royals make an entrance,
and you're going to too.

Ah!

Your Highness.
You look lovely.

Just like a queen, Lady Celia.

Thank you, Theodora.

And you look every
bit the princess.

Shall we?

If you don't mind,
I'd like to walk Theodora in.

Chancellor,
would you escort Lady Celia?

It would be my honor.

Lady Celia, this way.

Are you ready?

Yes.

Whose is it?

Oh, I was young once.

I wore it to
a very special dance

with a very
handsome man years ago.

It's beautiful.

My mother was a seamstress.
She spent months making it.

Uh...

But I can't possibly...

You can and you will.

Thank you, Mrs. Claiborne.

It's Helen.

Allie.

Go on. Hurry up and put it on
before the ball is over.

So, what happened
to that very handsome man?

Oh...

We were far too young,
I'm afraid.

He was in the army,
and he was sent away.

We just lost touch.

ALLIE:
You never saw him again?

Oh, yes, I saw him,
but by then, I was married,

and my husband passed,
so too much time.

Anyway, at my age,
thoughts of romance

are about as unlikely
as an eclipse of the moon.

You do realize there are
several eclipses every year.

FERGUS: Announcing His Royal
Highness King Maximillian

and the Princess Theodora.

(APPLAUDING)

May I have the first dance?

(VIOLIN PLAYING)

She really is rather beautiful.

She's very sweet.
Yes.

Yes.
How sweet.

Is that true?

Announcing Miss
Allison Evans of Brooklyn.

Brooklyn?

I've never heard of her.

What's she doing?
She's a governess.

Not tonight.

(APPLAUDING)

So much for being invisible.

Dance with me.

(APPLAUDING)

Your Highness, may I have
Lady Celia for a dance?

Of course, Count.

It seems you're the only
one who hasn't danced yet.

Fergus hasn't.

I think I'd
rather dance with you.

Your judgment is
obviously impaired.

It has been for some time.

I'll definitely remember this
for the rest of my life.

So will I.

May I borrow him back,
Miss Evans?

Of course.

She looks quite
beautiful in your dress.

She looks lovely.

As did you once, I recall.

I'm not blind.
Celia...

I know you don't love me,
at least not like you used to,

and I'm okay with that for now

'cause I think one day you will.

And that's enough for you?

We're going to have
a wonderful marriage.

Please just give us a chance.

Now, let's take
a peek at that ring.

Isn't it bad luck to see
it before the proposal?

I'll take the risk.

That's strange.
Where is it?

When did you last see it?

Earlier this evening,
in my study.

Well,
I hate to state the obvious.

I trust my staff implicitly.
They've been with me for years.

Not all of them.

Miss Wick came from your staff.

Well, I'm not
talking about Miss Wick.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

That's ridiculous.
Is it?

She's not a thief.

I know you're fond of her,

but what do you
really know about her?

(CLEARS THROAT)
Excuse me, Your Highness.

A few pictures with
the Duke and Duchess.

It'll be good for relations.

Lady Celia.

No, you were.

Seriously...

(MUMBLING)

(CLEARS THROAT)

Lady Celia.

Could I have
a word between bites?

Of course.

It appears my
engagement ring is missing.

Really? That's awful.

Yes, I thought you might be able

to shed some light
on the situation,

before it escalates any further.

Me? No.
I have no light to shed.

Because there will
be a room search,

and if it's found
amongst your things,

the authorities will be called.

What are you trying to say?

I think it's clear.

Be clearer.

Well, last week you were a maid.

Now you're a governess.

Where will this dazzling
climb up the ladder end?

A 19-carat diamond
could buy a whole new life.

I have a life.

(CHUCKLES)
Do you?

Look,
I might be a lot of things,

but I've never taken
anything in my life.

She doesn't steal.
She's an Evans.

Thank you, Teddy,

but I think it might
be best if I just leave.

You can't.
We have another week.

(RIGGS CLEARS THROAT)

I think under the
circumstances, Miss Evans,

leaving now would be best.

Excuse me.

(SOBBING)

It's all my fault.
I've ruined everything.

Give me the ring, Teddy.

I just didn't want Father
to put it on her finger.

I know.

I'm sorry.

I'll tell them it was me,
and you can stay.

Oh...

I can't stay, sweetie.

I've caused enough
trouble as it is.

What's going on?

The ring's been found.

So I see.

I'm sorry, Father.

Do me a favor.

Tell them it was me.

It's important that Theodora and
Lady Celia get off to a good start.

It was found on my dresser,
where I left it.

I'll pack my bags.

You don't have to do that.

I'm pretty sure I do.

Promise we'll stay in touch.

I promise.

And you can come visit me
anytime your dad lets you.

They're waiting for us
downstairs, Theodora.

I'll miss you.

I'll miss you too.

Thank you for making
me feel like a princess,

even if just for a little while.

Thomas will drive you to
the inn when you're ready.

Thank you, Fergus.

I'm sorry.

I've always prided myself on
being a good judge of character.

I was right to hire you,
and I'd do it again.

Would you hand these out?

Oh, you shouldn't have.

I never dreamed
that halfway around the world

I'd make such good friends.

I'm gonna miss you.

It's time, Your Highness.

(APPLAUDING)

Thank you.
Good evening, everyone.

This is normally when I
would make my traditional

night before Christmas speech,

which you've no
doubt memorized by now.

But tonight I would like
to say something else.

Christmas is
a time to come together.

It's about family,
giving and love.

And recently, I've come to realize
that while I am your king,

first and foremost,
I'm a parent.

I know this realm needs a queen,

but right now,
my daughter needs a father.

I know many of you were expecting
a wedding announcement,

and I hope that one day soon
you'll have that.

But not tonight.
(ALL SIGHS)

I'm sorry.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Enjoy the ball.

Celia, please, wait.

No. I've waited
long enough for you.

Listen, you deserve more than an arrangement.
We both do.

I really am very sorry.

I hope one day we
can get past this.

Well, I can assure you we won't.

And, frankly, I'm relieved

I don't have to spend the rest
of my life with that child.

That child is my daughter!

And unlike you,
one day she will be queen.

Do you have any idea
what you've just done?

Yes, I do.
This is my house, my family.

Who I marry and
when is my decision.

Your father would
be so disappointed.

I can live with that, and if
you can't, you can leave.

(CHUCKLES)

I love you, Father.

(CHUCKLES)
I love you, Teddy.

And you're not going
to boarding school.

You're gonna stay
right here with me.

I think you strayed
from your path a little.

My path's changed.

It turns out I couldn't marry
someone I didn't love.

You didn't propose?

No.

I'm in love with someone else.

But what about the throne?

It survived a thousand years.
It can survive a girl from Brooklyn.

Are you sure about this?

The fact is you had
me at "sewing kit."