The Young Victoria


The Young Victoria

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Transcript


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Guard! Royal salute! Present arms!

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BOOTS STOMP

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'Some people are born more fortunate than others.

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'Such was the case with me.

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'But as a child, I was convinced of quite the opposite.

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'What little girl does not dream of growing up as a princess?

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'But some palaces are not at all what you'd think.

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'Even a palace can be a prison.

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'Mama never explained why she would have someone taste my food,

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'why I couldn't attend school with other children

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'or read popular books.

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'When my father died,

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'Mama and her adviser, Sir John Conroy, created rules.

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'He said they were for my protection,

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'and he called it the Kensington System.

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'I could not sleep in a room without Mama

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'or even walk downstairs without holding the hand of an adult.

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'I learned the reason for all this when I was 11.

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'My Uncle William was the King of England.

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'Yet he and his three brothers could boast only one living child.

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'And that was me.

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'Sir John's dream was that the King would die

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'and there would be a Regency,

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'where my mother would rule England and he would rule my mother.

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'So I began to dream of the day when my life would change...

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'and I might be free.

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'And I prayed for the strength to meet my destiny.'

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-WHISPERS:

-I will be good.

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MUSIC: "Zadok the Priest" by George Frideric Handel

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ALL: God save the Queen!

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God save the Queen! God save the Queen!

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BELL TOLLS

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Sign it!

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Are you sure that we're doing the right thing?

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We've waited long enough.

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Now, for the last time, you WILL sign this order.

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I will not sign it.

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I say you will!

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-And I say I will NOT!

-How dare you, you...!

-Sir John.

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We were just...

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It's time for the Princess's medicine.

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-Shall I...?

-I'll do it.

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Well, if you're sure.

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Good night, mein Liebling.

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Good night, Mama.

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How are you?

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I've received a letter from England.

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My sister says Victoria won't sign the order for her Regency.

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And why would she sign it?

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The Princess is nearly 18. Why would she sign away her own powers?

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Because she is an ignorant baby.

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Because she needs guidance and time to prepare for her role as Queen.

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Until then, my sister will take her place as Regent.

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Sir John Conroy would be Regent.

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Unfortunately, the Duchess is controlled by her controller.

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It may be in Your Majesty's interests

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to consider abandoning Conroy and your sister before it's too late,

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and support the future Queen instead.

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Of course, the Duchess won't like it.

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Baron, I was born the younger son of a penniless duke.

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Now I'm King of the Belgians.

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Such journeys are not managed without hard decisions.

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Besides, who controls a young girl most?

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Now go to Germany and finish my nephew's training.

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Albert!

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I suppose you want to walk with me this afternoon.

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Really? Just the two of us alone?

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What would Mama say?

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SHE CHUCKLES

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Hold still or I'll never get your nose right.

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DOG WHINES

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Oh, I give up! I give up.

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You are impossible. You are impossible. You are impossible.

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Victoria, your mother's waiting.

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Come on!

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Dash!

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Where is the Duchess?

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In the drawing room, Your Royal Highness.

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It will take them three days to arrive by coach from Coburg.

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-Dashy!

-How did you come downstairs?

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I walked.

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-Not alone?

-No, not alone. Lehzen was with me.

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-She held your hand?

-She did. Though why she still has to is...

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Because not everyone in England wishes you well.

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Put the book down, please.

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England is the key to peace in Europe.

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Your uncle's throne is six years old and born of civil war.

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He only took the crown of Belgium because England pledged her support.

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And if he's to survive, he must have English force at his disposal.

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Favourite novels.

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IN GERMAN:

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Sie hat nicht viele Romane gelesen.

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English. Always English.

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She has not read many novels. They were forbidden until last year.

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But she did like...?

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-The Bride of Lammermoor.

-By?

-Sir Walter Scott.

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Other recreations?

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Drawing. The famous dolls, of course.

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Piano. Music, generally.

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It's hard to believe she knows so little Schubert.

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Never mind Schubert. She likes modern composers.

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Is she permitted the theatre?

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Only the opera and ballet.

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Which opera does she like best?

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Norma?

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I Puritani!

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HE SINGS AN ARIA

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'In order to maintain control over Princess Victoria,

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'Sir John and the Duchess keep her away from King William's court.

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'Thus when she does make a public appearance,

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'her mere presence causes quite a stir.'

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'You must win her favour before anyone else has the chance.'

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You still don't look well.

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-Maybe we should go away for August.

-No, Mama.

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What do you mean, "No"?

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We missed the Queen's birthday. We will not miss the King's.

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We have accepted. We're going.

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Really, Victoria, don't issue orders to me.

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I'm not a servant.

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Well, you've already disobeyed about the extra rooms. That's enough.

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Are we to live like rabbits, crammed in a hutch?

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We do live in a palace, Mama.

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We're a lot better off than most people.

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The rooms which I took were empty.

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Keeping us out of them was...

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almost immoral.

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-So Sir John says.

-I knew he'd have a part in it.

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My dearest child, he only wants what's best for you.

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I wish you could believe that.

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I've invited the Coburg brothers to come and stay.

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-You ought to know them better than you do.

-Why?

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Because you should.

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Uncle Leopold thinks it's a good idea.

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You stick one more pin in me, I swear I will call the guard.

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Your first visit will be the most important.

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We cannot have any mistakes.

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And always remember, you're first a Coburg.

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The King of the Belgians is a Coburg.

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The King of Portugal is a Coburg, so is the Queen of England's mother.

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And you are the next piece in the game!

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'Now go to England and make her smile.'

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Is this all the luggage?

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What if she wants to dance?

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It's your first visit. She won't.

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-Your Serene Highnesses, welcome to England.

-Thank you.

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I'm Sir John Conroy, controller of the Duchess's household.

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This way, please.

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The Duchess is in the drawing room.

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Ah! May I present her Royal...

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Hello.

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I am Ernst, ma'am. This is my brother, Albert.

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I hope we haven't interrupted your studies.

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No, not at all.

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-How was your journey?

-Long, but not too bad.

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We had books to keep us busy.

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As matter of fact, I passed the time reading The Bride of Lammermoor.

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By Sir Walter...Scott.

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Yes.

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Do you want to come and meet Mama?

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Of the modern composers, I suppose Vincenzo Bellini is my favourite.

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What a coincidence! So is mine.

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Oh, which of his operas do you enjoy most?

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No, wait, let me guess. I Puritani?

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As a matter of fact, yes.

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I used to like it too. Now I prefer Norma.

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DASH BARKS

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Dashy! Go fetch it! Fetch it, Dash!

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Aye, aye, aye, aye.

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Have I offended you in some way?

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No.

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And Schubert.

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I like Schubert.

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I think... I think perhaps you don't...

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but I do.

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I don't mind Schubert.

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Good.

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Do you ever feel like a chess piece yourself?

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In a game being played against your will?

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Do you?

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Constantly.

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I see them leaning in and moving me around the board.

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The Duchess and Sir John?

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Not just them.

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Uncle Leopold.

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The King. I'm sure half the politicians

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are ready to seize hold of my skirts

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-and drag me from square to square.

-SHE LAUGHS

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Then you had better master the rules of the game

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until you play it better than they can.

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You don't recommend I find a husband to play it for me?

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I should find one to play it with you, not for you.

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Why don't we ring for some music? And then we could dance.

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I've recently discovered the waltz and I am quite in love with it.

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Waltzing is not really my forte.

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Oh, dear.

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What a shame.

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You know the King wants me to marry my cousin, George?

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Hm.

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What's he like at chess?

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SHE LAUGHS

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Victoria.

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It's all right, Lehzen, Albert can take me up.

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You'll have to hold my hand. Mama insists. I hope you don't mind.

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Not in the least.

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What did you want to say?

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Only that I understand more than you think of what your life is.

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Do you?

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My childhood wasn't easy either. I lost my mother when I was a boy.

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I know. She died.

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No, er... That is, she did die eventually, but...

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She was sent away long before that.

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There was some difficulty.

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It was all hushed up and... no-one talks of it now.

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But I know what it is to live alone inside your head,

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while never giving a clue as to your real feelings.

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Did Uncle Leopold ask you to tell me that?

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No. Er, he actually told me never to mention it.

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SHE LAUGHS

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Well, how little he knows me.

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Hm.

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May I write to you?

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VICTORIA HUMS

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I expect you'll miss the princes when they're gone, ma'am.

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Don't be impertinent.

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VICTORIA GIGGLES

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-Those boys pester you.

-Oh, please, Lehzen.

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You don't think I've come this far

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to walk straight into another jail, do you?

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You must marry one day.

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Well, I don't see why.

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And if I do, I shall please myself,

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not Mama or Uncle Leopold or the King or anyone else. Trust me.

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SHE HUMS

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-Must I?

-Yes, you must.

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Be on your guard.

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We are going to Windsor for my uncle's birthday party.

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-In the castle of the enemy.

-YOUR enemy, Sir John, not mine.

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-Agree to nothing.

-What should I say about the rooms?

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You needed the space.

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Appeal to the Queen. It's ridiculous.

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I wish you were coming with us.

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You're very intent, Baroness. Are you making a study of me?

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Someone should.

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-Present Prime Minister?

-Melbourne.

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LORD Melbourne.

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Liberal leader who'll probably be in power when the Princess succeeds.

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-He may be troublesome.

-Why?

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-Because he puts the interests of England above those of Europe.

-Which is bad?

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Which is not useful to us.

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He wouldn't spill one drop of English blood

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to save a foreign throne.

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-ANNOUNCER:

-'The Viscount Melbourne.'

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Why would he save a foreign throne if it wasn't in England's interest?

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That is just the kind of thinking your Uncle Leopold is afraid of.

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Which is why he's content to find his niece

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as the future Queen of England.

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'The Duke of Wellington.'

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In the public mind, the leader of the Conservative opposition

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is their pet hero, Napoleon's conqueror, the grand old Duke of Wellington.

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-But not in fact.

-No.

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-You look in very good health, sir.

-Thank you, sir.

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-I wish I was. Enjoy the meal.

-Thank you.

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The next Tory Prime Minister will be Sir Robert Peel.

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'..and Lady Peel.'

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Which side does Victoria favour?

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She's a Liberal. Above all, she favours Lord Melbourne.

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And he'll take full advantage of it.

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'Her Royal Highness, Princess Victoria of Kent.

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'Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent.

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'The Lady Flora Hastings.'

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Hello, Uncle.

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Look at that demure little head.

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And all of us wondering what's inside it.

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We'll find out soon enough.

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Lord Melbourne will make her fall in love with him. It's his method.

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Don't underestimate Victoria.

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Don't underestimate Melbourne.

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My dearest niece.

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Aren't you going to you greet your cousin, George?

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Good evening, George.

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How can my niece and nephew have grown up so when I wasn't looking?

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Whereas you are quite unchanged and as handsome as ever.

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If I put my head very close to yours and speak softly,

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-they'll suspect us of hatching a plot.

-Yes.

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-If I look a little surprised...

-SHE GASPS

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-..well, then they'll know it.

-THEY BOTH LAUGH

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I wish we saw more of you. But then, nor you nor I are to blame for that.

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The plain fact is, madam, you have stolen 17 rooms!

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One cannot steal a room, sir. The rooms are where you left them.

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Now they are used, whereas before they were empty.

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I see. So I have no say in my own palaces?

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Why not move in here and bring your Irish tinker with you?

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The Queen and I will be happy enough in the lodge!

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So would I be, sir, if I thought that people there would be POLITE to me!

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-How dare you talk...!

-Enough!

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You have exhausted the topic.

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Conroy tried to force the Princess Victoria's agreement to a Regency.

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I gather she wouldn't sign it, sick as she was.

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That says something for the girl's spirit.

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Your next birthday will be quite a landmark.

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I hope it means we'll see more of you at Court.

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I hope so too, Lord Melbourne.

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You know, should you ever need an ally...

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you have one in me.

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The Prime Minister has more important calls upon his time.

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Not at all. I knew the late Duke of Kent.

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Naturally, I take an interest in his daughter.

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You knew my father?

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Yes.

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I'm sorry. Is it difficult to speak of him?

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No. I love to hear from someone who knew him. For I never did, you see.

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Well... He was a great gentleman. Of that you can be sure.

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Indeed I am.

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Excellent company like his brother, the Regent,

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but not quite so extravagant.

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And kind, like his brother, the King.

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But perhaps not so talkative. SHE LAUGHS

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Well, you make him sound as though he were the best of them.

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Oh, I think so, ma'am.

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Your leader is hard at work, Duchess.

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You see him hover with his net to catch the pretty butterfly.

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And when your party is back in power, Duke,

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will you not do the same?

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Not nearly as well as Melbourne.

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Unfortunately, I have no small talk. Peel has no manners.

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And I would have a hard time praising her father.

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The most brutal officer I ever encountered.

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ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS

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THE MUSIC DIES

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Erm...

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-SLURRED:

-I thank you...

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for your good wishes on my birthday.

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It has been a long life... and an interesting one.

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But I shall be content with only a short while more.

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Just enough...

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to dispense with any thought of a Regency...

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..so that I may pass the Royal Authority

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directly to that young lady.

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And not...

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to the hands... of a person now near me...

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..who is surrounded by evil advisers

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and who cannot act with propriety

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in the station in which she's been placed!

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I have been insulted!

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Grossly and continually insulted!

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She has kept her daughter, MY BROTHER'S CHILD, from MY Court!

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But from now on, I'd have her know that I AM KING!

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And I will not be flouted or disobeyed by her

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or by the jackanapes she keeps about her!

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Are you all right?

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DOOR SLAMS

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Families. Who'd be without them?

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IN GERMAN:

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Are you listening?

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What?

0:27:430:27:44

-Well?

-It was a messenger, ma'am, and you do have a letter,

0:27:550:27:58

but it's not from Germany, it's from the King.

0:27:580:28:00

So it is. Thank you, Watson.

0:28:020:28:05

Don't you see what he wants?

0:28:120:28:14

He increases my income once I'm 18

0:28:140:28:17

and he asks to see me at Court, what is wrong with that?

0:28:170:28:20

The King wants to separate you from your mother.

0:28:200:28:22

He wants to control you,

0:28:220:28:24

to take you from those whose sole aim is trying to protect you!

0:28:240:28:28

There's no need to shout.

0:28:280:28:29

The people of London will find out our business soon enough

0:28:290:28:32

without hearing it from your lips.

0:28:320:28:34

Tell her. Make her understand.

0:28:340:28:37

What Sir John means is that you are unprepared for the task ahead of you.

0:28:390:28:42

And if I am, whose fault is that?

0:28:420:28:45

You're too young!

0:28:450:28:46

You've no experience!

0:28:460:28:48

You're like a china doll walking over a precipice!

0:28:480:28:50

Well, then, I must smash! For it's too late to mend my ways now!

0:28:500:28:54

-So if you'll excuse me.

-But I will not excuse you!

0:28:540:28:58

Now this is what you will do!

0:28:580:29:01

You will refuse the money

0:29:010:29:03

and demand instead that it be given to your mother.

0:29:030:29:05

Next, you will appoint me your private secretary from today.

0:29:050:29:09

Finally, you will agree to be co-regent with the Duchess

0:29:090:29:12

until your 25th birthday.

0:29:120:29:14

Neither she nor I will accept less!

0:29:140:29:17

You may do what you like with the money.

0:29:170:29:20

Now, get out of my way!

0:29:200:29:22

And if you think that I will ever forget

0:29:280:29:31

that you just stood by silent and you watched him treat me thus,

0:29:310:29:35

you are dreaming!

0:29:350:29:37

DOG WHIMPERS

0:29:420:29:44

Is there no limit to this disobedience?

0:29:580:30:01

Mark my words! The reign of King Conroy is coming!

0:30:010:30:05

My poor sister-in-law. What is the hold that wicked man has over her?

0:30:060:30:09

What about her uncle in Brussels? Could he not be of some assistance?

0:30:100:30:15

King Leopold is as slippery as a barrel full of eels.

0:30:150:30:19

If he did dislodge Conroy,

0:30:190:30:21

it'd only be to tighten his own grip on the girl.

0:30:210:30:23

Mightn't there be some benefit if I pay Princess Victoria a visit

0:30:240:30:28

before Conroy has a chance to usurp her?

0:30:280:30:31

Very well.

0:30:340:30:35

Lord, in your mercy, get me past May!

0:30:370:30:41

That way she'll be of age

0:30:430:30:46

and we'll have killed off the Regency at least.

0:30:460:30:48

I tell you, Lord Melbourne, his behaviour to me

0:30:520:30:55

makes it impossible to keep him in any post near my person.

0:30:550:30:59

Any post whatever.

0:30:590:31:01

You don't think it more dangerous to cut him loose?

0:31:020:31:05

I know things that mean I could never have confidence in him.

0:31:050:31:10

Now, I see I must endure Lady Flora. Mama can hardly appear at court

0:31:110:31:15

without a lady-in-waiting, but I draw the line at Conroy.

0:31:150:31:18

And once I'm queen, I do not wish to look upon his face again.

0:31:180:31:21

Well, we can't prevent the Duchess

0:31:210:31:24

from keeping him in charge of her own affairs.

0:31:240:31:26

That will be her mistake, not mine.

0:31:260:31:29

'My dear Victoria, when I think...

0:31:310:31:33

'Dearest Victoria, if ever you should need...'

0:31:360:31:40

What? Like a vulture? To hover at the edge until the King is dead?

0:31:510:31:55

And, ma'am, you needn't worry.

0:31:550:32:00

I'll be your private secretary. For now, at least.

0:32:000:32:03

Thank you, Lord Melbourne. That is a great comfort to me.

0:32:030:32:07

-HE SPEAKS IN GERMAN

-Ernst! English, please!

0:32:070:32:10

When he is dead, there'll be more than one vulture to contend with.

0:32:110:32:16

We should consider the new appointments,

0:32:160:32:19

your ladies-in-waiting and so forth.

0:32:190:32:21

Perhaps the Duchess of Sutherland for Mistress of the Robes?

0:32:210:32:25

Oh, I don't really know her.

0:32:250:32:27

She's a dear friend of mine. You'll enjoy her enormously.

0:32:270:32:30

I should be lost without your guidance.

0:32:300:32:33

-I hope you know how grateful I am.

-I'll draw up a list.

0:32:330:32:37

What is it? Don't you like her?

0:32:370:32:39

Yes, I like her.

0:32:390:32:42

More than I dared hope.

0:32:420:32:44

But it's not up to me, is it?

0:32:440:32:47

What do you call a man who waits for a rich woman

0:32:470:32:50

to decide whether or not she wants him?

0:32:500:32:52

Then, why not tell her how you feel?

0:33:020:33:04

'My dear Victoria,

0:33:120:33:14

'these days will be full of sadness

0:33:140:33:17

'since I know the King is dear to you.

0:33:170:33:19

'Will you allow me to offer my support, albeit at a distance?

0:33:190:33:23

'If I cannot be with you,

0:33:230:33:26

'then I pray you will hear my voice in the music that I send.

0:33:260:33:30

'You know my love of Schubert.

0:33:300:33:32

'This is his Swan Song.

0:33:330:33:35

'And I play it with you in my heart.'

0:33:350:33:38

-Is he ready?

-Well, he may be, but she isn't.

0:33:390:33:44

Let her enjoy succession and the freedom it'll bring.

0:33:460:33:50

We must wait for disillusion and the loneliness that follows.

0:33:500:33:55

Victoria.

0:34:160:34:18

You must come now.

0:34:240:34:25

Long live the Queen.

0:34:450:34:47

DOOR CREAKS

0:34:530:34:55

I'm going back to bed.

0:35:030:35:05

I imagine Lord Melbourne will be here quite early.

0:35:050:35:08

Would you make sure he has everything he needs

0:35:080:35:11

if I am not ready to receive him?

0:35:110:35:14

Of course, Your Royal...

0:35:140:35:16

Your Majesty.

0:35:180:35:19

Victoria, wait. I will hold your hand.

0:35:270:35:31

No. Thank you, Mama.

0:35:310:35:33

And, Lehzen, in the morning, could you arrange

0:35:330:35:34

for my bed to be moved into a room of my own?

0:35:340:35:37

-Surely there's no need...

-As soon as possible, Lehzen.

0:35:370:35:40

The Council is assembled, Your Majesty.

0:36:080:36:10

Her Majesty the Queen!

0:36:360:36:37

CLEARS THROAT

0:37:000:37:02

It is with a sense of reverence and honour

0:37:080:37:10

that I address you, my Privy Councillors,

0:37:100:37:13

as your Sovereign and Queen.

0:37:130:37:15

I mourn sincerely the death of my dear uncle, the King,

0:37:170:37:22

but I know I may count on you

0:37:220:37:24

to serve me as loyally as you served him.

0:37:240:37:28

I am young, but I am willing to learn.

0:37:360:37:40

And I mean to devote my life

0:37:420:37:43

to the service of my country and my people.

0:37:430:37:47

I look for your help in this.

0:37:470:37:49

I know I shall not be disappointed.

0:37:520:37:54

Thank you.

0:37:540:37:56

She starts on your watch, Lord Melbourne.

0:38:020:38:05

Guard her well and keep her safe from harm.

0:38:050:38:07

DOOR SLAMS

0:38:070:38:09

As a matter of interest, will a time come when I read them first?

0:38:280:38:32

You'll enjoy this. She has a real flair for description.

0:38:320:38:37

MAN: Present arms.

0:38:370:38:39

'Dearest Albert,

0:38:390:38:41

'on Tuesday, I went to inspect Buckingham Palace.

0:38:410:38:44

'It is only just finished and I shall be the very first sovereign

0:38:440:38:48

'to live there.

0:38:480:38:50

'As I stepped out of the carriage,

0:38:530:38:55

'for the first time in my life, I felt freedom.'

0:38:550:39:00

Splendid, is it not?

0:39:060:39:08

Yes!

0:39:080:39:11

You'll have to decide on a husband soon.

0:39:110:39:14

What about Leopold's candidate?

0:39:140:39:16

-I can't marry the man they want me to marry.

-Oh!

0:39:160:39:20

Every suitor will come with strings attached.

0:39:200:39:24

Can't I be my own mistress for a while, haven't I earned it?

0:39:240:39:29

Dear Lord M, he's so very kind. I couldn't have asked for a better tutor.

0:39:290:39:32

You may dream of independence, but you won't get it.

0:39:320:39:36

From now on, everyone will push you and pull you for their own advantage.

0:39:360:39:40

Melbourne more than the rest.

0:39:400:39:43

Just remember, you are the Queen, he's a politician.

0:39:430:39:46

And politicians, whatever their creed,

0:39:460:39:49

always resent the monarchy.

0:39:490:39:51

They pass through. You stay.

0:39:510:39:54

So just keep dear Lord M in his proper sphere.

0:39:540:39:59

He's already chosen the new household.

0:39:590:40:02

About my ladies in waiting...

0:40:020:40:04

Yes, I'll have a list brought over to you later today. They've all accepted.

0:40:040:40:08

Only my aunt advised me not to be... Well, too partisan in my choice.

0:40:090:40:14

With respect, Your Majesty,

0:40:140:40:17

I think I understand these things at least as well as the Queen Dowager.

0:40:170:40:21

I... I know that, of course.

0:40:210:40:22

And we want our friends around us, of course.

0:40:220:40:26

Surely, as we begin our labours, we don't want to find Sir John Conroy

0:40:260:40:30

sneaking his feet back under the table.

0:40:300:40:32

No. Not if we have to line up every friend we both possess.

0:40:320:40:36

Well, quite, ma'am.

0:40:360:40:38

It's very cold in here. Why haven't they lit the fires?

0:40:380:40:41

Well, it seems the fires are laid by the Lord Steward's department,

0:40:410:40:44

but lit by the Lord Chamberlain's,

0:40:440:40:46

and no-one knows which footman should do it.

0:40:460:40:48

It's not very sensible.

0:40:480:40:50

Ma'am, if that's the way things are done, I shouldn't meddle.

0:40:500:40:54

We must improve where we can.

0:40:540:40:56

If I've discovered anything from touring England

0:40:580:41:00

it's the suffering that needs my help.

0:41:000:41:03

Oh, never try to do good, Your Majesty.

0:41:030:41:05

-It always leads to terrible scrapes.

-SHE LAUGHS

0:41:050:41:07

Lord Melbourne, that is not what is preached from the pulpit.

0:41:070:41:11

It's not, and that's exactly why I never go to church.

0:41:110:41:14

-One always hears the most extraordinary things.

-SHE LAUGHS

0:41:140:41:16

I've made no promise to him.

0:41:290:41:31

But sometimes I feel quite alone in the world.

0:41:330:41:36

Never while I'm here, Your Majesty.

0:41:360:41:39

'Lord Melbourne is akin to a miracle.

0:41:430:41:46

'He has proved to be most generous and sensitive,

0:41:460:41:49

'quite wondrous in a politician.

0:41:490:41:52

'Someone I trust and hold dear,

0:41:520:41:54

'he is the best company imaginable.

0:41:540:41:58

'Sometimes we laugh so much it's as if we were naughty children!

0:41:580:42:01

'Oh, Albert, I so look forward to the day

0:42:010:42:06

'when you can know and value him as I do.

0:42:060:42:09

'Yours affectionately, Victoria.'

0:42:120:42:15

Plenty of praise for Lord Melbourne and not much of anything else.

0:42:190:42:22

Everything comes to he who waits.

0:42:220:42:25

And if nothing comes, what then?

0:42:250:42:28

You've played with me, Baron.

0:42:290:42:32

And now it is enough. I'm going back to England.

0:42:320:42:36

There must be a reason if you wish to visit Her Majesty.

0:42:360:42:39

Then find me a reason.

0:42:390:42:41

HE SPEAKS GERMAN

0:42:420:42:44

So, are you going to propose?

0:42:470:42:50

What? What am I supposed to think? You're going to London to enjoy the weather(?)

0:42:530:42:57

I'm going to spend some time with her, that's all.

0:42:570:42:59

Besides, I'm forbidden.

0:43:000:43:03

It has to come from her, apparently.

0:43:040:43:07

So I could not propose, even if I wanted to.

0:43:070:43:12

And do you want to?

0:43:120:43:14

Walk on! Up, up!

0:43:280:43:30

Please hold still. I'm afraid I always find noses a challenge.

0:43:390:43:42

Am I permitted to talk?

0:43:470:43:49

Yes, but you can't move.

0:43:490:43:51

There's nothing to rival an English garden.

0:43:590:44:03

Of all my life in Kensington, it's the only part I'll miss.

0:44:030:44:07

But the gardens at Buckingham Palace, surely...?

0:44:070:44:10

-You're moving!

-Oh.

0:44:100:44:13

Now you're smiling.

0:44:130:44:15

SHE LAUGHS

0:44:160:44:18

Impossible! You're worse than him!

0:44:180:44:22

I believe we have a duty to those in need of our protection.

0:44:260:44:30

It is the business of every sovereign

0:44:300:44:32

to champion the dispossessed, for no-one else will.

0:44:320:44:35

Take housing. May I show you?

0:44:360:44:39

Industry is expanding so fast

0:44:420:44:44

that people are not considering where the workers will live.

0:44:440:44:48

But I've been experimenting.

0:44:480:44:50

By building these in units of two, you can build safe, clean homes

0:44:500:44:53

for two families for less than the cost...

0:44:530:44:57

I'm sorry. I don't mean to preach.

0:44:580:45:00

No, there's no need to apologise for being passionate.

0:45:000:45:03

It seems I have a lot to learn...

0:45:040:45:07

..with all my duties and...

0:45:100:45:12

And I do take them very seriously.

0:45:120:45:14

-I know you do.

-But there are plenty of people who will expect me to fail.

0:45:140:45:18

And there are even more trying to take advantage

0:45:180:45:21

of my youth and inexperience and...

0:45:210:45:23

Then they don't know you like I do.

0:45:230:45:26

May I keep this?

0:45:300:45:31

So, remember, the first thing is to find an anchor point.

0:45:440:45:48

So take your hand back to beneath your chin.

0:45:480:45:51

Good. This is where it will come every time.

0:45:510:45:54

Now, release the bow.

0:45:540:45:55

Your hand must cover the leather, like this.

0:45:550:45:58

And make a firm claw. One finger, two fingers.

0:45:580:46:01

-"Claw".

-Yes, and back to beneath the chin.

0:46:010:46:03

Bend this arm slightly. Rotate to catch the arrow.

0:46:040:46:07

Good.

0:46:090:46:11

Very good. Now, try with an arrow.

0:46:110:46:14

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

0:46:160:46:19

-Ah. He's still here?

-At my mother's insistence.

0:46:240:46:28

Certainly not mine.

0:46:280:46:29

-DUCHESS OF KENT:

-Where am I to live?

0:46:310:46:33

Am I to be abandoned here?

0:46:330:46:36

Or am I to beg along the highways for a crust?

0:46:360:46:39

Come now. You will move into the palace with the Queen.

0:46:390:46:43

But she's arranged a separate apartment for you.

0:46:430:46:45

It will allow you both more privacy.

0:46:450:46:48

I... I don't want privacy from my own child!

0:46:480:46:52

To exclude us entirely will launch the new reign in a cloud of scandal.

0:46:520:46:55

I know your game, my lord.

0:46:550:46:58

You want to be her father, her mother, and who knows what else.

0:46:580:47:02

If I'm not to be her private secretary, there must be something else.

0:47:020:47:07

I'm sorry. I can see that I am not speaking clearly.

0:47:070:47:11

You have played the game and lost.

0:47:120:47:16

The Prime Minister is here, Your Majesty.

0:47:210:47:23

Thank you, Duchess.

0:47:230:47:24

Have I ever thanked you properly for accepting the post?

0:47:260:47:29

I'm afraid it will involve a good deal of inconvenience.

0:47:290:47:32

To be Mistress Of The Robes is a great honour, ma'am.

0:47:320:47:34

I'm only anxious to prove worthy of it.

0:47:340:47:36

Well, Lord Melbourne thinks you'll be perfect.

0:47:360:47:39

How is Albert's visit going?

0:47:470:47:49

He writes that Victoria is still under Melbourne's control. The prince is frustrated.

0:47:490:47:53

Then he must stay in England

0:47:530:47:55

until the Queen thinks more of him than she does of Melbourne.

0:47:550:47:58

LORD MELBOURNE: Queen Elizabeth never married.

0:47:580:48:01

It didn't spoil things for her.

0:48:010:48:03

Are you familiar with the coronation chair

0:48:050:48:07

and the ancient Stone of Scone?

0:48:070:48:09

Familiar, yes...

0:48:090:48:10

..but quite in awe.

0:48:110:48:14

I'm terribly afraid of disappointing on the day. I so want to do it perfectly.

0:48:140:48:18

Just be yourself. Your instincts are always to your credit.

0:48:220:48:26

MAN CLEARS THROAT

0:48:280:48:29

Yes, I'm sorry, ma'am. They're preparing the abbey for the ceremony.

0:48:310:48:35

I'm told they asked permission for a glimpse of Your Majesty.

0:48:350:48:38

-Don't be sorry.

-God bless, Your Majesty.

0:48:390:48:42

I do want to help them, whatever you say.

0:48:450:48:48

And not just the labouring poor, but the hungry and the homeless.

0:48:490:48:53

There are people who are lost.

0:48:530:48:54

Whose business is it to see to their welfare?

0:48:540:48:56

Well, in my experience, ma'am,

0:48:560:48:58

it's best to let these things develop naturally.

0:48:580:49:01

If you interfere, you risk overturning the cart.

0:49:010:49:04

Prince Albert doesn't agree.

0:49:040:49:06

He's made a study of the working man's condition.

0:49:060:49:09

He's full to the brim with ideas for their improvement.

0:49:090:49:12

Is he indeed? How inspiring.

0:49:120:49:14

Well, good.

0:49:160:49:17

He sounds like a young man ready to take charge at the first opportunity.

0:49:170:49:21

Then you had better master the rules of the game

0:49:310:49:34

until you play it better than they can.

0:49:340:49:36

Are you quite sure about that, ma'am?

0:49:490:49:51

Make your move.

0:49:550:49:56

CHESS PIECES CLATTER

0:49:590:50:01

Well?

0:50:150:50:16

You...may not accompany me to the proclamation ceremony.

0:50:240:50:29

You may not attend the coronation.

0:50:320:50:34

MUSIC: "Zadok The Priest" by Handel

0:50:390:50:41

Perfect.

0:50:480:50:49

-DUCHESS OF KENT:

-'You're unprepared.

0:50:540:50:57

-CONROY:

-'You've no experience! You're too young!

0:50:570:51:00

ALBERT: 'Then they don't know you like I do.'

0:51:000:51:03

DISTANT APPLAUSE

0:51:130:51:15

GLASS SHATTERS

0:51:300:51:32

Don't look so surprised. A queen has many different duties.

0:51:410:51:46

It's heartening to see she won't neglect the least of them,

0:51:460:51:48

even on Coronation Day.

0:51:480:51:50

I don't think Dash would allow it.

0:51:500:51:52

Try to get some rest before the ball.

0:51:520:51:54

I will...since I firmly intend to dance until dawn.

0:51:540:51:58

SHE HUMS

0:51:580:52:00

ORCHESTRA TUNES UP

0:52:070:52:09

Her Majesty the Queen.

0:52:090:52:12

Are you sure this is wise?

0:52:410:52:43

ORCHESTRA PLAYS

0:52:460:52:48

MUSIC STOPS

0:54:230:54:25

It's been quite a day. Are you tired?

0:54:270:54:30

Oh, no. Ah, well, not really. It's just...

0:54:300:54:33

Well, I'm stronger than I look.

0:54:330:54:35

-How much longer are you in London?

-Only until Friday.

0:54:360:54:39

Then home via Brussels. Uncle Leopold must have his report.

0:54:390:54:44

SHE LAUGHS

0:54:440:54:46

Oh, dear. I have a quadrille with the Prince of Prussia next.

0:54:470:54:50

My poor little toes. I feel sorry for them already!

0:54:500:54:54

Your Majesty.

0:54:560:54:57

I've had a letter from King Leopold.

0:55:180:55:20

He proposes extending this visit of Prince Albert.

0:55:200:55:24

-And what have you answered?

-Nothing yet.

0:55:240:55:27

Well, perhaps you should tell your uncle

0:55:280:55:31

you need to focus on your new duties right now.

0:55:310:55:34

THUNDER ROLLS

0:55:340:55:36

THEY LAUGH

0:55:380:55:39

Thank you for being my messenger. I hope I've given my uncle enough detail.

0:55:450:55:48

You can fill in anything that I've missed.

0:55:480:55:50

-He takes a great interest in you.

-Yes. Don't I know it.

0:55:500:55:54

You should see the questions he asks by every letter.

0:55:540:55:57

It's like this never-ending examination.

0:55:570:55:59

-Lord Melbourne calls him...

-SHE LAUGHS

0:56:010:56:05

What about Lord Melbourne?

0:56:050:56:08

Nothing.

0:56:090:56:11

-The French ambassador is here, ma'am.

-Right, erm...

0:56:120:56:17

I wish you a good journey.

0:56:180:56:20

Victoria...

0:56:270:56:29

HE SIGHS

0:56:290:56:31

I would so like to be useful to you.

0:56:310:56:34

If there is ever an opportunity...

0:56:350:56:38

I know you would.

0:56:380:56:39

But not yet.

0:56:410:56:43

Have you read this?

0:57:190:57:20

No, sir.

0:57:200:57:22

It seems she does not think it appropriate

0:57:250:57:28

to discuss politics in our otherwise "delightful correspondence".

0:57:280:57:32

-Which was dictated by Melbourne.

-Damn it!

0:57:320:57:35

-LEOPOLD:

-Do something!

-STOCKMAR:

-I can't get past Melbourne.

0:57:370:57:41

Then get him past Melbourne! Get him into her bed!

0:57:410:57:45

ALBERT: 'My dear Victoria, Uncle Leopold is full of ideas

0:57:470:57:50

'of how you and I may spend more time together.

0:57:500:57:53

'And I must say, I hope that some of them at least will come to pass.'

0:57:530:57:57

BELL CHIMES

0:57:570:58:00

IN GERMAN:

0:58:090:58:11

-VICTORIA:

-'Dear Albert, you've been keeping secrets.

0:58:140:58:17

'When did you learn to dance so beautifully?

0:58:170:58:20

'Lord M assures me the next several months

0:58:200:58:24

'will be particularly gruelling and busy for me as a new queen.

0:58:240:58:27

'Thus, I am not certain when I shall see you again.

0:58:270:58:31

'I look forward to your every letter,

0:58:340:58:36

'enjoying the detail of life in Germany, and wishing to share more.

0:58:360:58:40

'Yours affectionately, Victoria.'

0:58:430:58:46

Ah, this quite inoffensive little game

0:58:460:58:48

can turn into an effective weapon!

0:58:480:58:50

THEY LAUGH

0:58:500:58:53

Lord Melbourne says French doctors kill their patients.

0:58:530:58:56

-English ones just let them die!

-THEY LAUGH

0:58:560:58:59

I rather thought he might be here tonight.

0:58:590:59:01

Oh, he's thrown me over for Lady Holland.

0:59:010:59:04

-I expect Your Majesty will miss him.

-Not too severely. He'll be back tomorrow.

0:59:040:59:08

No, no, no. I meant when he's out of power.

0:59:080:59:11

What?

0:59:110:59:12

Well, only... I don't wish to crow,

0:59:140:59:16

but I thought it was common knowledge

0:59:160:59:19

that he's about to lose the vote.

0:59:190:59:21

Schatzi, I thought you were in your bedroom.

0:59:290:59:32

VICTORIA SOBS

0:59:430:59:46

Never mind.

0:59:520:59:54

Shh. Shh.

0:59:550:59:57

-You won't desert me, will you?

-Never, mein liebes schatzi.

0:59:591:00:03

Every one of your ladies is the wife of a friend of Lord Melbourne.

1:00:101:00:14

Surely you can see how that looks.

1:00:141:00:16

You should not set such store by appearances, Sir Robert.

1:00:161:00:19

I'm only asking for a token, ma'am.

1:00:191:00:20

For two ladies, maybe even one, who supports my cause.

1:00:201:00:23

Otherwise, it must seem as if Palace and Parliament have fallen out.

1:00:231:00:27

-I want to go in.

-I beg your pardon, ma'am,

1:00:271:00:29

but Her Majesty is with the Prime Minister and cannot be disturbed.

1:00:291:00:33

But that will not apply to her mother.

1:00:331:00:36

I'm very sorry, ma'am.

1:00:361:00:38

Let me understand you.

1:00:391:00:41

Are you telling me it is now the Prime Minister who selects my household?

1:00:411:00:44

Has the law changed in this regard?

1:00:441:00:46

-No, no, of course not, ma'am.

-Then there cannot be much more to be said on the subject.

1:00:461:00:50

BELL RINGS

1:00:531:00:55

Good day, Sir Robert.

1:00:561:00:58

Could you please ask Lady Portman to come in as you leave?

1:01:031:01:06

Yes, ma'am.

1:01:071:01:08

I wonder if you could have a note delivered to Lord Melbourne.

1:01:191:01:22

Of course, ma'am.

1:01:221:01:23

# What power... #

1:01:351:01:38

-WOMAN:

-Mrs Melbourne!

1:01:381:01:41

-Good God! What are we coming to?!

-Who was it? I didn't see.

1:01:431:01:47

The Duchess of Montrose. That's the end of her career at court, I hope.

1:01:481:01:53

If I ban everyone who thinks me wrong,

1:01:561:01:59

you and I will be alone in the ballroom.

1:01:591:02:01

With sorrow, I must inform the House

1:02:041:02:07

that I have been unable to persuade the Queen

1:02:071:02:09

that her ladies should not solely adhere to the views

1:02:091:02:13

of my political opponents.

1:02:131:02:15

I have therefore informed Her Majesty

1:02:151:02:17

that I am not qualified to form a government, if I do not enjoy her confidence.

1:02:171:02:22

CROWD SHOUTS

1:02:221:02:24

Mr Speaker,

1:02:241:02:25

are we to understand that the great Sir Robert Peel

1:02:251:02:27

has been frightened off by a few frilly petticoats?

1:02:271:02:30

LAUGHTER

1:02:301:02:33

Prime Minister!

1:02:331:02:35

Mr Speaker, what frightens me

1:02:351:02:38

is to see the Crown used as a shuttlecock

1:02:381:02:41

in the game of politics!

1:02:411:02:44

Which, apparently, Lord Melbourne plays better than you!

1:02:441:02:48

Order!

1:02:481:02:50

Constitutional crisis!

1:02:501:02:52

Queen flouts Prime Minister! Threat to bring down Tory government!

1:02:521:02:56

-Order!

-Constitutional crisis!

1:02:561:02:57

You should be ashamed of yourself, sir.

1:02:571:03:00

If the Queen has been foolish, she can plead her youth.

1:03:001:03:03

You are old enough to know better.

1:03:031:03:05

What troubles you is that Lord Melbourne is Prime Minister again.

1:03:051:03:09

I do hate a bad loser.

1:03:091:03:10

We are all losers in this, sir. Most especially the Queen.

1:03:101:03:15

You have to understand, you reign by right of Parliament.

1:03:151:03:17

You must work with the voters' choice.

1:03:171:03:20

-Well, Lord Melbourne says...

-He says what suits his interest.

1:03:201:03:24

He has used you to punish his enemies

1:03:241:03:26

without a thought for the damage to the Crown.

1:03:261:03:28

The Queen is in the clutches of Melbourne, the great seducer!

1:03:281:03:31

And when he is silent, who does she listen to?

1:03:311:03:34

Her German mother.

1:03:341:03:36

I'm glad he THINKS I listen to Mama.

1:03:361:03:38

You are confusing stubbornness with strength, my dear.

1:03:391:03:44

And I warn you, the people will not like you for it.

1:03:441:03:47

SHOUTING

1:03:471:03:49

She's brought down a government over a handful of ladies?

1:03:511:03:56

-Apparently.

-Then she's a fool.

1:03:561:03:58

No, she is not a fool. But she has listened to a fool.

1:03:581:04:02

Then she had better change her advisor.

1:04:021:04:05

Or things will get worse before they get better.

1:04:051:04:08

Open the door.

1:04:191:04:20

"Not all the water in the rough, rude sea

1:04:201:04:23

"can wash the balm off from an anointed king."

1:04:231:04:25

"The breath of worldly men

1:04:281:04:30

"cannot depose the deputy elected by the Lord."

1:04:301:04:35

DISTANT SHOUTING

1:04:351:04:36

"For every man..."

1:04:361:04:38

Sir John, what are you doing here?

1:04:381:04:39

-I must speak to the Queen.

-You know that's quite impossible.

1:04:391:04:42

HE WHISPERS

1:04:441:04:46

"Welcome, my lord. How far off lies your power?"

1:04:461:04:51

An armed man has been found in the gardens.

1:04:511:04:54

-What?!

-He said he wished to harm the Queen.

1:04:541:04:58

"..discomfort guides my tongue

1:04:581:05:00

"and bids me to speak of nothing but..."

1:05:001:05:03

GLASS SHATTERS AND LADIES SCREAM

1:05:031:05:05

SHOUTING OUTSIDE

1:05:191:05:20

They think I have interfered in matters that do not concern me.

1:05:201:05:24

It'll pass, ma'am, you'll see.

1:05:271:05:30

'My dear Victoria, while these days may feel endless,

1:05:321:05:36

'please do not lose faith in yourself or your people.

1:05:361:05:39

'We are all allowed to make mistakes,

1:05:391:05:42

'most especially when we have looked to others for guidance.'

1:05:421:05:45

'The storm still rages outside the palace walls.

1:05:451:05:50

'I wonder now if everyone was right.

1:05:501:05:54

'Perhaps I am too young and inexperienced for my position.'

1:05:541:05:59

'Open your mind, examine your choices,

1:06:031:06:05

'and your honesty will take you through the storm.

1:06:051:06:09

'I promise that you can do this work and do it well.

1:06:091:06:13

'You have courage and heart, and you said yourself,

1:06:131:06:16

'you're stronger than you look.'

1:06:161:06:18

FOOTSTEPS

1:06:211:06:25

A letter from your mother.

1:06:251:06:27

'My dearest child.

1:06:291:06:32

'You will not let me come to you, and that I may deserve,

1:06:321:06:36

'but however you resent me, however I have failed,

1:06:361:06:40

'I am still and always your mother.

1:06:401:06:43

'What troubles you, troubles me.

1:06:431:06:47

'What pleases you, pleases me.

1:06:471:06:50

'I love you and my only prayer is that one day

1:06:501:06:54

'you will understand how much.

1:06:541:06:58

'Goodnight, mein Liebling. Your own Mama.'

1:06:581:07:02

SHE SOBS

1:07:081:07:10

'My dearest Albert.

1:07:111:07:14

'You asked me once if you could be of help to me,

1:07:141:07:19

'and I, so proud and confident of my great powers,

1:07:191:07:22

'replied, "Not yet".

1:07:221:07:25

'But since that day so much has changed.'

1:07:261:07:30

-I'm not forgiven yet.

-Not yet, but soon.

1:07:381:07:43

Just wait for unseasonal weather

1:07:431:07:44

or the news of some elopement and it'll all be forgotten.

1:07:441:07:47

You don't have a very high opinion of ordinary people,

1:07:471:07:51

do you, Lord Melbourne?

1:07:511:07:52

With respect, I have lived longer than Your Majesty.

1:07:521:07:57

I said once I didn't understand

1:07:571:07:59

whose task it was to see to the public welfare.

1:07:591:08:02

Ma'am, in my lifetime,

1:08:031:08:05

I have seen with my own eyes

1:08:051:08:06

what happens when the rabble is empowered...

1:08:061:08:09

Lord Melbourne,

1:08:091:08:11

I want a report on living conditions,

1:08:111:08:13

on parish benefits,

1:08:131:08:16

housing, all of it.

1:08:161:08:18

And by the end of the month.

1:08:181:08:21

And one more thing,

1:08:211:08:24

I have invited Prince Albert for another visit.

1:08:241:08:26

Very good, Your Majesty.

1:08:261:08:28

When you get there, don't be a spy or Uncle Leopold's puppet.

1:08:301:08:34

It's your life, Albert. Live it.

1:08:341:08:36

For yourself and for Victoria.

1:08:361:08:39

Our uncle wouldn't thank you for that.

1:08:411:08:44

I don't care.

1:08:441:08:46

-I should have worn the red.

-You look beautiful, Your Majesty.

1:08:531:08:56

His Serene Highness,

1:08:591:09:02

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Your Majesty.

1:09:021:09:06

I only just got your note.

1:09:571:09:58

I was riding.

1:10:001:10:02

Sit. Please.

1:10:041:10:06

-The park is marvellous.

-I'm so pleased you like it.

1:10:161:10:19

I do want you to feel quite at home.

1:10:211:10:24

I'm sure you're aware why I wished you to come here.

1:10:271:10:31

Because it would make me happier than anything...

1:10:331:10:37

too happy, really, if you would agree to what I wish.

1:10:371:10:41

-And stay with you?

-And stay with me.

1:10:411:10:45

And marry you?

1:10:451:10:46

And marry me.

1:10:461:10:48

Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife?

1:11:191:11:22

To live together after God's ordinance,

1:11:231:11:26

in the holiest state of matrimony?

1:11:261:11:29

I will.

1:11:291:11:30

Now I am quite married.

1:12:201:12:23

-You know when we're old...

-Hmm?

1:12:271:12:30

..and surrounded by our children...

1:12:301:12:32

..we will remember this as the day our lives began.

1:12:351:12:38

Not too surrounded, please.

1:12:381:12:40

And not too soon.

1:12:471:12:49

Oh? I should warn you that I am expecting a very large family.

1:12:511:12:54

SHE GIGGLES

1:12:541:12:56

-Good morning, wife.

-(Good morning).

1:13:021:13:04

VICTORIA GIGGLES

1:13:101:13:12

Have you woken Her Majesty?

1:13:121:13:15

-No, ma'am.

-Don't you think you should?

1:13:151:13:18

No, ma'am. Not this morning, I don't.

1:13:181:13:21

Let's take a little tour together and visit Scotland.

1:13:281:13:31

I hear if any part of Britain is like Germany,

1:13:311:13:34

-it's the Highlands of Scotland.

-Yes, we must one day.

1:13:341:13:36

No, I mean straight away. Now.

1:13:361:13:39

-Now?!

-Only for a few weeks.

1:13:391:13:41

You're a bride. They can't expect you back before that.

1:13:411:13:44

Dearest, I may be a bride but I am also a queen.

1:13:441:13:47

I cannot be away for more than three days at the most.

1:13:471:13:50

What are you doing?

1:13:541:13:56

Well, if we've only got three days...

1:13:561:13:58

So tell me, will the weather be this fine for all of the three days?

1:14:011:14:05

Yes!

1:14:051:14:07

Albert, where are you going?

1:14:191:14:22

SHE LAUGHS

1:14:221:14:24

BOTH LAUGH

1:14:271:14:29

-But seriously, is it always like this?

-Yes!

1:14:361:14:38

VICTORIA LAUGHS

1:14:421:14:45

We will take care of each other, won't we?

1:15:311:15:34

Always.

1:15:341:15:37

CROWDS CHEER OUTSIDE How changeable they are.

1:15:581:16:01

They hate you. They love you. They hate you.

1:16:021:16:06

They punished her, but they never hated her.

1:16:061:16:10

And now she's a bride and back on top. Until the next mistake.

1:16:101:16:16

What on earth have I done with my life?

1:16:191:16:21

I have many gifts, you know.

1:16:231:16:27

As a boy, I was tipped for success.

1:16:271:16:30

You have served me well.

1:16:331:16:35

What is that?

1:16:421:16:43

CLAP OF THUNDER

1:16:461:16:49

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

1:16:491:16:53

SHE GIGGLES

1:16:561:16:59

-LEOPOLD:

-'Dear Albert, why haven't you responded to my last two letters?

1:17:031:17:08

'I must be kept informed of your progress.

1:17:081:17:10

'I need help - England's help -

1:17:101:17:13

'and you must and will secure it for me.

1:17:131:17:16

'Never forget that you are first a Coburg.

1:17:161:17:18

'Your Uncle Leopold.'

1:17:181:17:21

-What is it?

-Just a question for Lord M.

1:17:311:17:35

Could I help?

1:17:351:17:37

It'll keep.

1:17:371:17:39

Why are these windows so dirty?

1:17:531:17:55

-I can hardly see out.

-Same as the fires, I'm afraid.

1:17:551:17:59

The departments can't agree to wash inside and out at the same time.

1:17:591:18:02

-Why don't we do something about it?

-I quite agree.

1:18:021:18:06

Because that's the way things are done here

1:18:061:18:08

and it's worked well for many years.

1:18:081:18:10

Meanwhile, we live in a filthy, freezing house.

1:18:101:18:14

We live as guests of the Queen.

1:18:141:18:16

Thank you, Baroness, for reminding me that I am a guest here.

1:18:171:18:20

Let him go.

1:18:301:18:32

How is Albert settling in?

1:18:331:18:36

Why? What have you heard?

1:18:361:18:38

He says he wants to reorganise the way the palaces are run.

1:18:421:18:46

Well then, for Heaven's sake, let him!

1:18:461:18:49

He says that Lord Melbourne controls me,

1:18:491:18:52

and he says that Lehzen controls me.

1:18:521:18:54

It seems that everyone controls me except him.

1:18:541:18:57

A man who has no work becomes ridiculous.

1:18:571:19:00

And a poor man with a rich wife must work twice as hard as anyone else.

1:19:001:19:04

Besides, you have chosen well.

1:19:041:19:08

My Uncle William chose well.

1:19:081:19:11

You did not take on half his duties.

1:19:111:19:14

You don't know that. You don't know what I did.

1:19:141:19:18

What is this for?

1:19:291:19:30

Your Royal Highness.

1:19:301:19:33

The Red Room dinner service, sir. For the officers guarding the King.

1:19:331:19:36

What king?

1:19:381:19:40

King George III, sir.

1:19:401:19:43

And how often do we provide this dinner

1:19:431:19:46

for a king who has been dead for 20 years?

1:19:461:19:49

Every night, sir.

1:19:491:19:51

I cannot believe I'm being subjected to this interrogation.

1:19:541:19:59

You're not being subjected to anything, Sir John.

1:19:591:20:03

You have been in charge of the Duchess's finances for many years.

1:20:031:20:06

Indeed, you have made public statements testifying to their health.

1:20:061:20:10

-Yes, I have.

-I am so grateful.

1:20:101:20:12

All I am asking is that you will be so good as to tell us

1:20:121:20:16

exactly where the money has gone?

1:20:161:20:19

Are you sure?

1:20:281:20:30

SHE LAUGHS

1:20:421:20:44

-APPLAUSE

-Congratulations, ma'am.

1:20:481:20:50

Mein liebes Schatzi! I'm so happy.

1:20:501:20:54

-Mein Liebling!

-Heavens, Mama, don't crush me.

1:20:541:20:59

You'll let me know at once if there's anything you need?

1:20:591:21:02

You're not going already?

1:21:071:21:09

I cannot leave too soon for my daughter.

1:21:091:21:13

Anyway, I have a lot on my mind.

1:21:131:21:16

Something I could help with?

1:21:161:21:18

Congratulations.

1:21:231:21:25

Your Highness. There's your opening, if you'll take my advice.

1:21:271:21:32

Lord Melbourne,

1:21:321:21:34

forgive me, but...you seem to have confused me

1:21:341:21:37

with a member of your club.

1:21:371:21:38

I am not your drinking companion, nor your whist partner.

1:21:391:21:44

I am the husband of your sovereign.

1:21:441:21:47

And as such, I will make my own decisions,

1:21:471:21:50

and I neither seek, nor invite, your advice.

1:21:501:21:53

Good evening.

1:21:531:21:55

So... VICTORIA LAUGHS

1:21:591:22:01

-Are you discussing names?

-We're discussing the help.

1:22:011:22:04

He writes that he'd prefer not to talk politics in his letters,

1:22:041:22:09

but only to discuss news of the family.

1:22:091:22:12

I have planned this marriage for 20 years!

1:22:121:22:15

And now I'm supposed to accept that I have failed?!

1:22:151:22:17

On the contrary, Your Majesty, we must accept it.

1:22:171:22:21

The birds have flown.

1:22:211:22:23

Your Majesty.

1:22:541:22:56

DOOR SLAMS

1:23:031:23:05

I've been boring Sir Robert and the Duke

1:23:411:23:43

with my ideas for encouraging the Arts.

1:23:431:23:45

-Hmm. Does Sir Robert care for such frivolity?

-I have many interests, ma'am.

1:23:451:23:49

And my government would support the Prince's plans wholeheartedly.

1:23:491:23:52

Your government? What government is this?

1:23:521:23:55

I meant, if I should be fortunate enough to form another government, ma'am.

1:23:551:23:59

And when he does, there'll be no repeat of the old problem.

1:23:591:24:03

Some of your ladies have already agreed to resign.

1:24:031:24:06

And Sir Robert will ask for no more change than that.

1:24:061:24:10

Thank you, Sir Robert.

1:24:141:24:16

How dare you speak to me in that way before them?!

1:24:251:24:28

How dare you...talk across me, as if I were a child?

1:24:281:24:33

-I... I did no such thing.

-Oh, no?

1:24:331:24:37

Well, you've sorted this, you've sorted that.

1:24:371:24:40

You and Sir Robert. You and the Duke, and all without reference to me!

1:24:401:24:43

-Victoria, I thought you'd be pleased.

-I will tell you what you thought.

1:24:431:24:48

You thought that I was a woman!

1:24:481:24:50

To be petted and passed over and ignored!

1:24:501:24:54

Would it were so simple, then we might avoid more scandals of your making.

1:24:541:24:59

Have you lost your mind?!

1:24:591:25:00

Do you wonder at it?

1:25:001:25:02

Less than three years on the throne, and you and your precious Melbourne

1:25:021:25:05

have pushed this monarchy to the brink of an abyss!

1:25:051:25:08

I have told you before and I will tell you again -

1:25:081:25:11

you are my husband here, and that is all!

1:25:111:25:14

And that is quite enough, believe me!

1:25:141:25:16

I will not have my role usurped!

1:25:161:25:19

I wear the crown.

1:25:191:25:20

If there are mistakes, they will be my mistakes,

1:25:201:25:23

and no-one else will make them.

1:25:231:25:24

No-one! Not even you!

1:25:241:25:26

I'm leaving, before you excite yourself and harm the child.

1:25:321:25:35

You will go when I dismiss you.

1:25:351:25:38

I am your Queen, and I am telling you to stay!

1:25:381:25:43

Goodnight, Victoria.

1:25:451:25:47

You may not go.

1:25:471:25:50

You may not go! I order you to stay here in this room! Albert!

1:25:501:25:54

Guard, royal salute. Present arms!

1:26:011:26:04

There is no need for you to accompany me.

1:26:201:26:22

I said I would come with you, so I will come with you.

1:26:221:26:25

Walk on. Hup!

1:26:251:26:27

For pity's sake, smile, woman. Anyone would think we'd quarrelled.

1:26:431:26:47

Don't talk to me.

1:26:471:26:48

GUNSHOT ECHOES

1:26:501:26:52

There's nothing more I can do here. The Prince needs rest.

1:28:201:28:23

Your Majesty.

1:28:251:28:26

SHE SOBS

1:28:361:28:38

I'm so sorry!

1:28:401:28:41

I thought I was going to lose you.

1:28:441:28:47

-I don't think he was a very good shot.

-Why did you do it?

1:28:491:28:52

You're so stupid! Why did you do it?

1:28:521:28:56

I had two very good reasons.

1:28:581:29:00

First, I am replaceable and you are not.

1:29:011:29:05

-You are not replaceable to me.

-Shh.

1:29:051:29:08

Second, you are the only wife I've got, or ever will have.

1:29:091:29:14

You are my whole existence.

1:29:141:29:17

And I will love you until my last breath.

1:29:171:29:20

We're told the man was mad.

1:29:351:29:37

Is that reassuring? I can't decide.

1:29:371:29:41

May I be honest, ma'am?

1:29:431:29:44

Even a politician can be honest sometimes.

1:29:461:29:49

SHE LAUGHS

1:29:491:29:50

My...guidance... hasn't always been faultless...

1:29:511:29:57

and I'm sorry for it.

1:29:571:29:59

But I speak to you now as a true friend.

1:30:011:30:04

I know.

1:30:041:30:05

The Prince is a good man.

1:30:071:30:10

A better man than any of us knew.

1:30:111:30:12

I know he does not think as well of me. My vanity is not the issue here.

1:30:141:30:19

He is able.

1:30:211:30:22

He is clever.

1:30:221:30:24

And he is faithful.

1:30:251:30:27

Let him share your work.

1:30:281:30:31

There is one task more Your Majesty must face,

1:30:401:30:42

if the Prince is to feel truly welcome here.

1:30:421:30:46

I needed her so much as a child.

1:30:511:30:54

I hope you don't mind, I had your desk brought in.

1:31:091:31:12

-Don't I have a say in this?

-No!

1:31:161:31:17

SHE LAUGHS

1:31:171:31:19

SHE LAUGHS

1:31:351:31:37

BABY GURGLES

1:31:391:31:40

Good morning, wife.

1:31:461:31:47

Good morning.

1:31:471:31:49

His Royal Highness Prince Albert. Her Majesty the Queen.

1:33:131:33:18

MUSIC: "Only You" by Sinead O'Connor

1:34:071:34:10

# My love

1:34:161:34:18

# Your love

1:34:191:34:20

# Has opened up a world I've never known

1:34:201:34:24

# All hope

1:34:271:34:30

# Was found

1:34:301:34:33

# A place I never dreamed I would go

1:34:331:34:36

# Feels like only yesterday

1:34:381:34:41

# I had locked my heart away

1:34:411:34:45

# Safe behind a castle of stone

1:34:451:34:49

# Sure I'd always be alone

1:34:511:34:54

# Only you

1:34:541:35:00

# Know how

1:35:001:35:02

# To hear me through

1:35:061:35:11

# The silence

1:35:111:35:14

# You reach a part of me

1:35:181:35:23

# That no-one else can see

1:35:231:35:29

# Forever true

1:35:291:35:32

# There's only me

1:35:321:35:35

# And only you

1:35:351:35:37

# Only me and you. #

1:35:411:35:44

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

1:35:451:35:48

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