Original subtitles

I'm not sure.

Oh, yes, don't worry, friends, move is over there.

Oh, you're coming the full circle. It is over there.

Forgive me, Sasha. If we go across the fields in this direction...

We should be even further from the palace than we are now.

My dear Sasha, this is my home.

You are wrong. My sense of direction tells me it is over there.

Damn your sense of direction, I say over there.

Well, one thing's clear at any rate, we're lost. Let's ask him.

Could you tell us in which direction Fradence Borg lies?

Well, that depends. What do you mean?

On whether you be walking or driving.

Across the fields, that way you could walk it in half an hour.

If like me, you take the road, then it's that way.

Do you see? You're both right. Can I give you gentlemen a lift?

Thank you. That's very kind. I think we accept.

You gentlemen visiting them, how do I use them? Yes, we are.

I am Alexander Zara-Bruscher. This gentleman is the Prince of Wales.

I see.

And you, sir, who might you be?

I might be, and I am, King George of the Helleagues.

Yes.

You know who I am, gentlemen?

Know who I am.

Napoleon Bonaparte.

I still do not understand why he did not believe us.

Does he think that kings and princes have two heads or so?

It would have been all right if Bertie had insisted on calling him Emperor all the way home.

And I'm so frightened, Alex.

All the time now.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm so frightened, Alex. All the time now.

But since his father's assassination, it has got worse.

We are prisoners in our own home.

There are security men everywhere.

My poor darling.

You must have noticed it when you came to St. Petersburg for the funeral.

Yes.

That is why I insist on not coming to Denmark every summer just to get away.

Oh, sush, they're coming. Don't let him know I've been talking about it.

It upsets him.

Hello, darling. Did you have a good walk?

Yes, very good.

We got last.

Had to beg a lift home in a farm cart.

A farm cart?

It's when we told a farmer who we wear. He wouldn't believe us.

I'm not surprised. Three such untidy looking gentlemen. Go and get changed.

Yes, in a minute, my darling.

Oh, you know, you walk too fast, Sasha. I had a developer job trying to keep up with you.

Oh, it's his long legs.

I'm sorry, my old fellow. It's just that I do not get out very much at home.

So, well, when I'm here, it is good to feel free.

Yes, you know, I don't understand why now that you have the power.

You don't change all that. Tell the security people to go to hell.

No, we cannot do that. It is, uh, necessarily.

You don't understand, Bertie. We are in constant danger.

Yes, I know, I know, but don't you see that the rigid security,

the constant presence of the police, they take you further from your people,

and in the end, increase the danger of the very thing that you fear.

Now, a king should be seen by his subjects. If he's not seen,

he becomes remote to them, unreal.

Sasha, don't you feel that there could be greater safety for you

in the love of your people than in the strength of your police force?

I'm sorry. I realize it's none of my business.

Oh, no. No, you're probably right.

It's just that any relaxation would be taken as a sign of weakness.

We cannot go back. My father was called Liberator.

He tried to help even the poorest of our people. They killed him.

Yes, yes, I know, I'm sorry. You see, my friend, it is all very well for you in England.

You do not have our problems. No, no, I quite see that.

Well, uh...

I must go and change, please.

Excuse me.

Sorry, Mina.

Oh, don't worry. It's not your fault. He'll be all right.

Poor old Minnie.

They are happy together. That's the main thing.

Yes. But I can't help feeling that things are going to get worse and worse for them at home.

Sasha has learned the lesson of his father's assassination.

You heard what he said.

That it's the wrong lesson. I'm convinced of it.

It's not only that. He's frightened of Germany, Bismarck, the talk of expansion.

That's why he's determined to be strong at home.

Yes, I suppose that's it.

You have the sea to protect you in England.

Well, I'd better go and change, I suppose. Excuse me.

Don't be depressed, my darling.

No, I'm not depressed. Quite the reverse, in fact.

Bismarck can't last forever, and when the old Kaiser dies, Vicki and Fritz will be able to lead Germany.

You'll be able to lead Germany away from Prussian militarism. It can't be long now.

No, dear.

You know, we really ought to call on them. Perhaps on the way home.

No, Bertie. If you want to go to Berlin, you'll have to go alone. I shall not come with you.

Oh, but darling, Vicki would be tell-be-herd.

I can't help that. After what they do to my country, I could never go there, never.

My mind is quite made up, Bertie. I will not go to Germany.

Darling, Alex. You look particularly lovely when you get excited.

But it is just like home, Vicki. Everything is so English.

I hardly feel I'm in Germany. I'm glad you like it.

I do, I do.

Alex, my dear. Thank you for coming. I know you have little cause to love this country.

Don't let's talk about that now. I'm here. And in any case, it was not your fault, nor Fritz's.

No.

We have little influence now, I'm afraid. They do not trust him, you see, because of me.

I'm supposed to have made in English in his archive.

But that is nonsense. It's all Bismarck's doing, of course.

Oh, that dreadful man. He's at the bottom of everything that is evil.

When Fritz becomes Emperor, you must get rid of him.

Oh, Alex, if only you knew. He is even trying to turn willy against me, my own son.

You can't blame all the credit, Fritz. I think I must have had something to do with it.

Now, but we found to my dear fellow, you can't deny that.

He says that you and he were entirely responsible for our marriage.

Oh, for his tally, not his tally.

Well, almost. Nonsense. I recall you and Vicki sending photographs of a certain Elizabeth of Veed quite another lady.

I knew nothing about that. That was before Bertie. Elizabeth of Veed?

Yes, she's now Queen of Romania. Anyway, who arranged for you to meet quite by accident at the Cathedral at Spire?

You didn't. And whatever Bertie may say, I'm very grateful to you both.

Well, I suppose you may have had a little, just a little, I'm going to do it.

Well, let's sit down. And now tell me, how is Mama? Is her rheumatism any better?

Oh, yes, she's pretty well, really.

I think this Rayley's death upset her. She was so devoted to them.

Yes, will she ever be reconciled to Mr. Gladstone, do you think?

Oh, well, I doubt it. So, Pity really is a good man, I like him more each time we meet.

I think she was rather surprised at having to send for him again after he had retired so very finally the last time.

Oh, well, well, well, changing Prime Minister is always upset her.

I remember when I was a child at trouble when she finally had to send for Lord Palmerston.

Ah, Winnie, darling. Where are none of you being?

Out. Uncle Bertie, I'm delighted to see you. Hello, Willy.

And how is my beautiful aunt Alex? This is a great pleasure.

Well, my goodness, you have grown handsome.

Willy, your mother asked you a question.

Did she? I'm so sorry, Mother. What did you want to know?

Oh, it doesn't matter, darling. Nothing come and sit down.

Well, have I interrupted something, a family conference? Please go on.

No, darling, no, it wasn't anything very important. We were just talking about Mr. Gladstone.

Indeed. Well, he's certainly done it about face, hasn't he? Quite the men of the moment.

The man of the moment. Yes, to tell you the truth, Uncle Bertie,

I'm a bit surprised to find you still here when such momentous events are taking place in your country.

What you're talking about, Willy, what events? What's happened? What haven't you heard?

You're Mr. Gladstone has embarked on a holy war. The British fleet has bombarded Alexandria.

The Nationalist revolts, sir. The Egyptian army has mutinied under one of their kernels.

I'm afraid we had no alternative. They are proposing to set up a military dictatorship.

Yes, of course. I told you we should have to use force in the end.

Yes, we are sending in the army. And the garnet will be...

And spend it, spend it, spend it. I should like to go, you know.

Bertie. Well, why not? All my friends are over there.

I'd leave Charlie Bérezford, run his gunboat in under the very noses of Alexander.

I believe so, sir. And want to go here's going?

With your all-hannesus permission. I mean, good God, I am a field marshal, you know.

It's about time I saw some active service. Now, what do you say, Willy?

I understand your desire to take part, sir, but I am afraid Her Majesty.

Oh, Father Her Majesty. I'm sorry, but we'll simply have to persuade Her Majesty. Come, you must help me.

Excuse me, my dear. Come to my study. We must turn a campaign to get the Queen's permission.

If Charlie Bérezford do it, so can I.

Lord Charles is something of a national hero, I believe. Yes.

Oh, dear. What is it, Mom? She'll never allow it. It's so hard for him, especially now that you're going.

I have to, Mom. Oh, I know. Oh, liver. You will be careful, won't you?

Yes, of course I will. Don't go and take any unnecessary risks.

I promise. It's all the fault of that dreadful man.

What dreadful man? Bismarck. Do you know what he's supposed to have said?

No. About Bertie. That his love of uniforms was matched only by his fear of gunpowder.

Well, that's ridiculous. Oh, yes, you and I know that it's ridiculous.

But it's that kind of remark that makes him so determined to go.

He feels that he must prove himself.

Oh, my God.

Thank you.

Well, that'd be anything else, Mom. No. You can wait outside. I'll call when I want you.

Very good, Mom.

You had better sit down.

You too, Mr. Gladstone.

Thank you, Mom.

Well, Bertie.

I think you're aware, Ma'am, my reason for coming to seal.

I am.

Well, what can I say?

I want to go to Egypt with the household cavalry.

Yes.

I've come to ask your permission.

Yes.

Well, Mama.

It's quite impossible, of course, out of the question.

But, Mama, I hold the rank of field marshal.

No! Bertie, it will do no good.

I appreciate your gallant desire to see active service.

And I am proud that you should wish to share the dangers and privations about troops.

But I cannot allow it.

But why, Mama, you've let Arthur go. The Duke of Carnot is not the heir to the throne.

And apart from that, he has had the proper training you have.

I should be prepared to go in any capacity, Mom. Only let me go.

It would hardly be suitable, and I cannot think that you would wish to go merely as an observer.

Well, no, of course not, I guess.

And as heir to the throne, it is unthinkable that you should risk your life on active service.

No, Bertie, what you ask is impossible.

Bertie?

Yes, Mama?

There is another reason.

What is it?

I am an old woman, Bertie. I find I tire very easily these days.

You may be called upon at any moment.

Yes, Mama.

He doesn't believe you, Mom.

Thank you, Mr. Glaston. I could see that for myself.

Oh, here, help me up, will you?

No, Mr. Glaston.

Please, Mr. Glaston.

Please, please.

We're all handed, this is expectable.

Thank you.

Mr. Glaston.

Lily, my dear.

Come and sit down.

Thank you, your all, Hannah. Good evening, Lord Carrington.

Is it, Langley?

Well, how did it go this evening?

Oh, very well, I think. We had a full house.

Congratulations, my dear Mrs. Langley. It's obvious your place a great success.

It's not the play, my dear fellow. It's Lily, they come to see you, my dear.

Well, I didn't know that it's quite a bankrupt with a green leaf there.

Well, of course he would. Bankrupts, no fool. Why do you think he took you on in the first place?

Anyway, if I am a success, it's all due to your patronage.

I could never have done it without your help.

Thank you, my dear. Glad to have been of some use.

I drink to the most beautiful actress on the London stage.

Yeah, here.

Ah, dear, come in.

All right, I know this. I don't think you know Mrs. Crawford.

Mrs. Crawford. A pleasure.

This is Mrs. Langley and Lord Carrington, you men.

Good evening, Mrs. Langley. Lord Carrington. Good evening.

Come and sit down.

Thank you.

Good! Now we can eat. I'm starving.

From Oliver.

They've had the most wonderful victory at Tel El Kibir.

The Egyptian army was totally annihilated.

Is he all right?

Is he all right, ma'am?

Oh, yes, he came out of it without a scratch.

Apparently the Duke of Connaught distinguished himself.

Oh, good. The Royal Highness will be pleased.

Yes, I think he still rather resents not being allowed to go.

He's been very depressed his last few weeks.

No, no, it's true. I promise you.

We were staying at Dunrobele.

And I overheard a certain lady telling a certain gentleman

that she would leave a plate of biscuits outside her bedroom door

if the coast was clear.

It was Henry Farrie, but that's who he was.

Well, I simply removed the biscuits.

My husband was feeling peckish, you understand.

Yes, yes.

And poor Lord Henry spent the rest of the night dodging

between her bedroom and his waiting for the sickness.

Good for you, Mrs. Henry.

Sir, Sir, the better right.

My husband and his are entirely with Lord Henry,

you're a wicked creature.

I'm sure that Mrs. Langley acted as she did on behalf of her husband.

Mr. Langley was hungry. The biscuits in the corridor.

I'm right, I was with Langley.

I told you I was a child.

And now if you'll forgive me, I really must go.

It's late and I have a maternary tomorrow.

Yes, of course, my dear.

My carriage is outside.

I've been most happy to be here.

The good night, Mrs. K

is a pole and the other a stick.

I don't understand.

Mrs. Langdon, if I dare to not have any good actors.

Oh, I see.

She's very good with his royal highness.

So I've never known a fail when it comes to keeping him amused.

And that isn't always easy, let me tell you.

She's beautiful.

Yes.

And she's accepted at Moreborough House.

Princess of Wales is quite fond of her.

Mm.

The Markable Woman.

Very remarkable.

Oh, listen to this, Marl.

Mrs. Langdon is of too solid a physique for any light, skittish movement.

Her laugh, not yet being under control, appears forced and painful.

And her action is as constrained and mechanical as that of an eaten sixth form boy on speech day.

Oh, how can they write such things?

Which paper was that, my dear?

A punch, Marl.

I have a good mind to write to Mr. Clement Scott and tell him what I think of him.

Mrs. Langdon, may I offer you a word of advice?

In your new profession you will receive attacks, personal and critical, just and unjust.

Bear them.

Never reply and above all, never rush into print to explain yourself.

Oh, yes, you're the Prime Minister who's right, Mrs. Langdon.

Oh, dear, yes, I suppose he is.

But it is very hard, Marl.

I know, and in this case, most unjust.

The prince and I saw the play and enjoyed it very much.

And I thought your performance excellent.

Thank you, Marl.

You must go to see it, Mr. Gladstone.

I hope to, Marl.

Very soon.

And if I see the gentleman from Punch, Mrs. Langdon, well, I'll punch him on the nose.

Thank you, dear Mr. Gladstone.

I could not wish you a more valiant champion.

Mr. Gladstone, there is something that we wanted to ask you.

Marl.

I hope you will not think it merely idle curiosity.

But we are most anxious to know what exactly it is you do in your work among fallen women.

They are called prostitutes, Marl.

Yes, I know.

Well, I do my best to rescue them.

To redeem them, you might say.

Yes?

Well, I go out at night, usually with a small stick in case of attack.

And I simply ask them if they will come home with me to my house, where my wife and I,

give them food and shelter and try to persuade them to give up their terrible profession.

And do they?

Sometimes.

Not as often as I might wish.

But if we can persuade only one of them, then it has been worthwhile.

I see.

It sounds very splendid, but you must be careful, Prime Minister.

Your motive's allowable to be misunderstood, you know.

I dare say you're right, Mrs. Langdon.

But if there is work to be done there, then I must do it.

My reputation is in the hands of the Almighty.

Very proper place for it to be, Prime Minister.

The answer is yes.

I'm delighted to accept your offer.

Oh, it is.

Mr. Gladstone, you've been keeping something from us.

I thought you should tell them, sir.

Well, Bertie.

I've been asked to serve on the Royal Commission on the housing of the working classes.

Sir Charles here is to take the chair, and Lord Caddington has agreed to serve with me.

Bertie, that's splendid.

Yes, I'm very pleased.

There is great work to be done there.

Oh, my warmest congratulations, you're all high.

Thank you, Lily.

Thank you, Lily.

Yes, sir. One more.

Thank you.

I should like a cushion, John.

Just there.

Thank you.

Well, there's anything more, ma'am.

No, thank you.

May I bring my shore, Beatrice?

Thank you, dear.

Ah, Alex.

Mama.

Darling, Mama.

Are you feeling better?

Oh, in this little deer.

So silly, falling downstairs like that.

I know, Bertie told me.

Fortunately, I have my good John Brown to look after me.

Though he's not well, you know.

Oh, dear, it's nothing serious, is it?

He caught a chill on Tuesday night, searching the grounds for a prowler.

Oh?

One of those wretched fenions.

Of course they never found him, but my poor John refused to give up until it was quite light.

Poor Mr. Brown.

Hmm.

She's in nuisance.

Particularly now.

When, as you see, I am most in need of his services.

You have dropped the boys to see me.

Come and give your poor old grandmother a kiss.

Cheers.

Hello, Grandma.

Dear.

You look so fine and grown up in your uniform.

Both of you.

So grown up.

Have you finished your training, dear? What was the name of that ship?

Of the Bikini Grandma.

Yes, yes, that's right. And what will you do now?

I am to stay in the Navy.

And Eddie?

Oh, he is to go to Cambridge.

Oh, Cambridge.

Will you like that, Eddie, dear?

I should think so.

And where it used to have this working-class housing commission?

Yes, Mama.

With that dreadful Sir Charles Dilt, who is little better than a Republican.

A whole enterprise seems to have acquired an undesirably frivolous tone before it has even begun.

I suppose they know what they are doing.

I won't be just a figurehead, Charles. I intend to take part.

You know, they are all the meetings.

Yes, of course.

I mean, I may not know very much about it, but the fact that I am on the thing will help, won't it?

Oh, indeed, sir.

We must succeed, you see.

And now you are an MP, Mr. What you can in the house.

Yes, sir. May I make a suggestion, sir?

Oh, and of course what is it?

A chance for you to see for yourself, sir. I think I could arrange for us to see some of the worst areas.

Cluck and Wilson, Pankras. We'd have to go in disguise, of course.

Charles, you are a genius. It's a wonderful idea. Arrange it at once, will you?

We have many to move for certain couple of days.

Don't get me, sir.

Yes.

Oh, I shouldn't, sir.

I should chose, couldn't we?

Sir, I beg you not to, where would you get drowned?

I may be torn to pieces before they got out of the area.

I had no idea.

No idea.

Would you rather hire Mr. Light to visit another area?

I can offer, sir.

No. No, let's go home.

I feel convinced also that your lordships, in common with all classes of Her Majesty's

subjects, will be gratified to learn that the noble Marquis has asked for a searching inquiry

into this great and momentous question with regard to the housing and the

amelioration of the dwellings of the poor and of the working classes.

And that Her Majesty's government has issued a royal commission for the purpose,

the subject of the housing of the poor is not entirely unknown to me.

As having acquired a property in Norfolk now 21 years ago, I have been much occupied

in building fresh dwellings for the poor and for the working classes.

On arriving there, I found some of the dwellings in a most deplorable condition,

but I hope that there is now hardly one person on the estate who can complain of not being adequately housed.

In conclusion, my lords, I cherish the earnest hope, which I am sure will be shared by your lordships,

that the inquiries of this royal commission will result in its being able to recommend to Parliament measures

of a drastic and thorough character, which shall be the means not only of improving the dwellings of the poor,

but of ameliorating their condition generally.

I don't know how I should bear it, Alex.

He was everything to me, you see.

I had come to depend on him completely.

And to be taken from me now, well, I need him most.

It's very cruel.

Poor Mama. Poor Mr. Brown.

And we all thought it was no more than a chill.

Don't, Mama, please don't. You must try to get over it.

No. No, I shall never get over it. I best and truest friend.

Oh, I know none of you ever liked him.

That's not true, Mama.

That he used to pretend he wasn't there half the time.

He was very sad to hear of his death. We all were.

I dare say.

He had hope to come with me to see you, but this commission still takes so much of his time.

He made a most splendid speech in the House of Lords on Friday, Mama.

Everyone is saying how well he spoke. You would have been proud of him.

Should I?

Oh, Lord Tennyson called to pay his condolences.

He is to write the inscription for a statue I am having done of John for Balmoral.

Just something simple, you know.

And I was thinking of asking Sir Theodore Martin to write his biography.

I do not want people to forget him, you see.

No, Mama. I'm sure no one will do that.

I am afraid, Sir, that what you suggest is quite impossible. There is no provision in the Constitution.

I mean, heaven's name, why?

I served on the commission, signed the report, spoken in the House.

It seems to be incredible that I cannot now rally support by living it be known that I intend to vote in favor of the bill.

I'm afraid, Sir, that is the position.

But you have a bit thrown out, my dear, Delft. Their lordships are rejected. You know they will.

You prepare to stand by and see your reform bill defeated when a word from me might just have.

We have no alternative, Sir, the crown must remain above politics.

The constitutional position.

Oh, damn the constitutional position, and damn the bill.

I never have a proper part to play, never to be allowed to finish what I've begun.

I'm sorry, gentlemen, if it really is enough to try the patience of a saint.

Believe me, Sir, I understand how you feel.

That we are all prisoners in one way and another prisoners of the Constitution.

Yes, that's good.

But tell me, Mr. Gladstone, don't you ever feel like breaking out of prison occasionally?

I do, sir. Often.

So do I. So do I.

I'm afraid I can't think of any more funny stories.

I'm sorry, my dear. I'm not much company tonight.

They won't let me rule or fight or work.

I'm afraid I can't think of any more funny stories.

I'm sorry, my dear. I'm not much company tonight.

They won't let me rule or fight or work.

I can't even vote.

Oh, dear.

What will they let you do?

Hahaha.

Look at him. Look at him.

Oh, my dear. Vismark.

It's quite impossible to be happy when he is present.

Willy, it seems to be enjoying himself.

Yes. I hardly ever see him now, you know.

Oh, it's not his wife's fault. She's a sweet creature.

Before they got married.

Don't fizz marks do it.

I must find freaks.

Fritz, darling, are you all right?

Yes, my dear, perfectly.

Sitting here all alone.

I know I'm waiting for you this one, since.

It was your throat still bad.

No, no, no, it's nothing. Come.

Let's just go back to the ballroom.

Fritz, darling, you're not well.

Don't fuss, Vicky. Little pass.

I felt giddy for a moment. That's all.

Hasn't he seen a doctor?

Oh, hundreds of them, Bertie.

I have seen enough doctors to last my lifetime.

They don't tell you anything.

I'd like you to see an English doctor.

Well, thank you, my dear fellow.

I don't suppose one more will make any difference.

You don't think...

What, my darling?

I just thought it might cause a feeling.

You know what they say.

That I am under the thumb of my English wife.

Yes, I know that's what they say.

But we agreed long ago.

We wouldn't pay any attention to that kind of nonsense,

didn't we? Yes, darling, I'm sorry.

I'll see your English doctor, Bertie.

And thank you for suggesting it.

And now, how is the party going?

Is young Eddie enjoying himself?

It's very much. I think he's dancing with donor.

And Vicky?

With Sanro.

Oh, dear.

That'll cause trouble.

Weren't we supposed to keep them apart?

Are you certain?

Good evening, Herr Johnson.

I have to tell you, ma'am, that your daughter, the princess Victoria,

is at this very moment dancing with Prince Alexander of Bulgaria.

Yes, sir. I understand.

They make a handsome cup of dinner.

Very possibly, ma'am.

I think you know, however, it is the Emperor's express wish.

They be kept apart.

My daughter is quite old enough to choose her own dancing partners.

I should not consider it right to dictate to her in this matter.

Aren't we making too much of this, my dear Chancellor?

It alliance between the Princess and Prince Alexander is out of the question.

I am aware that it is looked upon with favor in certain quarters,

but it cannot in villeau take place.

I hope I have made myself clear.

Perfectly, Herr Chancellor.

In certain quarters, indeed, I think the old devil made me.

He knows ma'am was very taken with Sandra.

He's a stiff man.

Oh, I hate you.

He has spoiled everything that I have tried to do,

and now he is trying to turn willy against me, my own son.

Oh, I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!

The

That you do not understand Bertie.

Bismarck has actually accused me of working against Germany.

Oh, it is so unfair.

Yes, I know.

And he is so suspicious.

When I write to my ma'am, he thinks I am plotting with her to bring down the government here.

You must be patient, my dear.

The present Kaiser is an old man.

Soon now it will be Fritz's turn.

And then Bismarck won't seem so powerful.

And this ridiculous attitude to Sandra and Vicki, just because Sandra has quarreled with the czar.

They are afraid of offending the Russians.

You see, that is why Bismarck is so against their engagement.

My darling sister, calm yourself.

You've only to wait and all things will come to you.

When Fritz becomes every...

But he is ill, Bertie.

Oh, I know he says it is nothing, but he is very ill.

I know it. I feel it.

He says he recovers. He is not an old man.

And then the three of us can work together to create a lasting friendship between our two countries.

That was Paparck's dream, you know. And it has been mine too.

Oh, hello, Willy. Uncle Betty.

Willy.

I am sorry to interrupt you, ma'am.

But I thought you might like to know that the emperor has forbidden my sister ever to see Prince Alexander again.

Willy, dear.

I think you know why.

It seems so hard on young Vicki, don't you think?

My grandfather feels...

You mean Bismarck feels...

My grandfather feels that such an alliance would cause a breach with Russia and throw her into the arms of France.

My dear Willy.

Yes, Uncle Betty.

Isn't that a bit naive?

I'm sure in England you have your own reasons for advancing the marriage.

But in Germany willy, stop talking like a fool. Surely whatever the chance of this policy we can discuss this sensibly as a family matter.

I don't think there's anything to discuss now if you will excuse me.

Oh, very well. Have it your own way.

But Willy.

Yes, Uncle Betty.

I don't see how we can very well continue with your planned visit to London for the Jubilee, dear boy.

But I was...

Well, I didn't suppose the Queen in the circumstances would be very pleased to see you.

You know, I think that she very much approves of this marriage.

What's your laughing at?

Oh, Willy. You see how very much he wants to come to England.

Now, don't you wall-y, Vicki, my dear. This will all sort itself out and very satisfactorily do. I promise you.

But, my dear prince, the cancellation of your visit is a fair quern. Use it.

And if your mother approaches you for turning against your English relatives, your attitude is just as a matter of time.

And if your mother approaches you for turning against your English relatives, your attitude is justified now by their behavior.

Use your defeats, and they become victories.

I'm determined to show Uncle Betty that I'm no longer a child.

He'll learn that soon enough.

Your father is ill, to ill perhaps to succeed.

It is not impossible the emperor might come to regard you as his natural heir.

And in the interests of the country your father might feel you ought to stand down in your favor.

Have you spoken to them?

To your parents. No, no, it's not your time. But if you come, it will come.

When? Do not be impatient, my prince. Time is on your side. Learn to smile, and wait for the moment.

And above all prepare yourself so that when that moment comes you may be ready.

Your grandfather has made faith in you.

He is sitting in you and looking for her.

Yes, I think it all went off very well. Before I sat down I was able to get a good look at the congregation.

So many kings and princes. I didn't notice Mr. Gladsden, I understand he was there.

It was a beautiful service for my...

And all those people turned out to cheer us as we drove to the Abbey. I hadn't expected such crowds. It was most gratifying.

They're pleased to have an opportunity to show their affection for you, Mama.

Thank you, Bertie. I must say you have managed it all splendidly. Apart from that dreadful garden party.

That was only the heat, Mama. I dare say. I spent most of my time hiding behind the Duke of Cambridge in order to avoid you know who.

I thought Mr. G was out of office now, Mama.

He is. He is. But you see my dear, he will keep turning up.

Er, willy dear, would you open a window? We don't want to get stuffy with so many people all breathing the same air.

Of course, Grandma.

He is behaving beautifully. I cannot think why you would also...

Why will he? Of course. Louise, don't fidget.

Alex, I think the children could run along now. Willy, you go with them. I dare say you would prefer to be with the young ones.

Mama, can we play Skittles? I don't see why not, darling. Run along, Willy.

I shall only consent to go if you will come with me, Aunt Alex.

If I am to be considered one of the children, then my beautiful aunt, who looks as young as any of us, must qualify as well.

Thank you, Willy. Of course, I shall come.

Capital, we can set up the Skittles in the corridor.

Please help me out.

If it's to be Skittles, I don't see why I shouldn't try my hand.

Do you know, I used to play a similar sort of game up and down the corridors of Kensington Palace when I was quite a little better?

She's in wonderful spirits.

Yes, and I think quite surprised by all the fuss.

Fifty years.

There was a banner this morning in Whitehall. It read, Good Sovereign, No Change Required.

Your turn will come, Bertie.

I wonder. Sometimes I think she'll go on forever.

But I'm in No hurry. I think you and Fritz will be called very soon, though.

Yes. Do you think he looks any better?

Oh, much. Oh, Vicki, I can see such great times for us all ahead.

And look how splendidly Willy is behaving, didn't I? Tell you he'd come round.

Yes.

Well, then, you see how foolish you were to worry.

He certainly seems happier, more stable.

But I'm not sure of him, Bertie.

I'm still not sure.

Well, what can I say? You're now a claim to success, and not only here, but in America.

You don't need me anymore.

Oh, but I do. You've been everything to me.

I owe my entire career to your patronage. You know that.

Well, if I've been able to help a little, it's no more than your talent and your beauty deserve.

But you can manage on your own now. Well...

Of course you can. Your reception tonight proved that beyond doubt.

Oh, the Lady of Lions is always popular. But I think Pauline is a particularly good part for me, don't you?

She has such feeling.

You know that moment at the end of Act 4, when Mel not leaves her, I...

What are you laughing at?

Oh, suddenly, my dear. You sound like a real actress.

Will you take the play to America?

Yes, yes, I think so.

Oh, my darling, whatever shall I do though, too?

Manage very well, I dare say. But we shall always be friends, I think.

Oh, yes. Yes, please. I couldn't bear it if I thought I should never see you again.

Well, shall we say, I'm there if you need, Mel.

You're too good to me, my dear.

You've always been too good to me.

Oh, there, there's no need for tears.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Come, I'll take you home.

No, no, please, I'd rather not.

I have my carriage and it can take me perfectly while you stay here.

I'll be dying.

No, I... I'd prefer it like this. Please.

Shall I see you before you go to America?

Of course.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All right.

In the times this morning, such a nice piece, did you read it, Bertie?

Yes, Mama.

I particularly liked the bit about the family.

How did it go, Beatrice?

Shall I read it, Mama?

Yes, dear, if you wouldn't mind.

I underlined the passage when I was reading it this morning.

Thank you, Georgie.

Mm.

On the occasion of his silver wedding, his royal highness

has to be congratulated for all his charitable, educational,

industrial, artistic, and scientific endeavors.

And most of all, for his services to what may be called

the religion of the family throughout England.

Such a sensible publication.

Where is your mother?

It must be nearly time we went into dinner.

Oh, she'll be down in a moment, Mama.

She stayed late receiving presents.

There have been so many.

People have been wonderfully kind.

You have been married just half as long as I have reigned, Bertie.

Yes, Mama.

Oh, Alice.

Mama.

I'm so happy you were able to come.

And that beautiful silver cup, thank you so much.

You know what it is, don't you?

It's a loving cup.

Thank you, Mama. It's very beautiful.

See what my Bertie has given to me.

Isn't it lovely?

Very nice.

I think we might go in now if you're quite ready, my darling.

Of course. I haven't kept you waiting, have I?

No, no, of course not.

Bye-bye.

Thank you, Bertie.

But I think your duty lies elsewhere tonight.

Eddie shall take me in. Come along, young man.

Not too proud to take your old grandmother into dinner, I think.

Of course not, Grandma. I'm delighted to have the honor.

And Georgie Shelley Scott, his out gift.

You're looking very lovely tonight, my dear.

Thank you.

I like the orange blossom in your hair, it suits you.

I asked them to put a whole orange into the spray. Do you see it?

Yes.

It's to show I'm no longer a bud, but the fully ripened fruit.

Come, we are keeping the mouth waiting.

You father looks very happy tonight.

That is because the old Kaiser has died, and Uncle Fritz and Aunt Vicki are Emperor and Empress of Germany.

For passes he's been waiting for that to happen for years and years.

It came this morning from Vicki.

Cancer.

Poor Fritz.

He'd been Emperor for only 99 days.

Try to bear up, my dear.

If it's any comfort, I'm certain that short as his reign was, his name will not be forgotten.

He had such plans, such dreams we both had now, all that will be most.

No, no, will he, O'Kerry, on the work?

You know that isn't true.

Well, he is not on our side, he is completely under the influence of that monster, Bismol.

He said I have to blame for Fritz's death.

Oh, no.

That if I hadn't insisted on an English doctor's life, it could have been saved.

Oh, that's ridiculous.

I know.

So, Bertie, what am I to do?

His behaving so strangely, Finnish cough has been surrounded by soldiers.

I'm virtually a prisoner in my own house.

Try to keep calm, Vicki.

And he's being so cruelly of his father.

Oh, I can't help me.

I can't help, darling.

Bertie, Vicki, dear, I see.

He's just a boy.

A present he's trying his wings.

You must give him time, my dear, time to settle down, to get used to his position.

But I am frightened of him.

Yes, it's true.

I'm frightened of my own son.

You're majesty.

Come on.