The Crown, Netflix

Costly Coronet

Netflix British-monarchy period drama The Crown premiered last friday and reportedly required a pretty penny($125m).

The Crown season 2 has been confirmed, as the series is expected to span six seasons total.

Rottentomatoes: 91%

Metacritic: 82

IMDb: 9.3

***SPOILERS AHEAD***



Elizabeth Mary, The Crown, Netflix

Queen Elizabeth II

born: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary

regal name: Elizabeth Regina

Elizabeth Windsor

Elizabeth marries Philip, a random exiled Danish, Norwegian, and then Greek nobleman.

King George VI contracts lung cancer as a result of the perpetual habit of combusting tobacco, his doctors take half a lung, and he starts grooming Elizabeth as his operative successor.

Elizabeth and Philip birth two children Charles and Anne, Philip takes an active role in the British Royal Navy and the couple settles in to a plush parcel in Malta.

King George is informed of his cancerous tumor and imminently failing health.  Lilibet replaces her father on his global Commonwealth tour.

Philip posits a trip back home to Malta so he can resume his military service career and passion for the royal navy.

Dismally, King George passes.  “Then long live Queen Elizabeth.”

Churchill is felled by a minor stroke, and then has another.

Trips to Bermuda, Jamaica, and Australia try Philip’s patience, and tension between the two starts to mount.  This results in a lovers quarrel, and Philip is sent to Australia for an attitude re-adjustment.

Elizabeth is officially coronated as Queen of England.


Elizabeth Mary, The Crown, Netflix
“And…?” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1That would have been all very antiseptic.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“Must you really smoke?  You know how I hate it.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Well, you still have 24 hours to change your mind.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Or won the greatest prize on Earth.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“I, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary… take thee, Philip… to my wedded husband.  To have and to hold… from this day forward… for better, for worse… for richer, for poorer… in sickness and in health… to love, to cherish, and to obey… till death us do part.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Everyone inside, we’re starting now.  Thank you so much for coming.  Oh, good, you’re here!  Right, come on, you two, inside.  Can’t start without you.  Boys, come on.  Thank you.” — Elizabeth Mary
“As I’m sure you all know, my dear husband will soon no longer be Lieutenant Mountbatten but Lieutenant-Commander Mountbatten.  Which, I gather, involves a whole new gold ring for me to sew onto your uniform!” — Elizabeth Mary
“So I’ve asked the two most important people here to do the presentation.” — Elizabeth Mary
“He’s just upstairs with the doctors.  Now, you wait with nanny and we’ll be back in a minute.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Mummy.  We came as soon as we could.” — Elizabeth Mary
“No, I quite see the attraction of Peter.  But he’s married.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Don’t you get sick of it all?  And lonely?Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“Philip?  Well, he… Well, I’m afraid he’s become something of a snagaholic.  Well, you know we’re renovating Clarence House to make it our permanent home?  Well, ever since he started supervising the work, he can’t look at anything without seeing its faults.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Take him shooting.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Yes, I think he’d love it.  And then when your health’s improved, we’ll return to Malta and he’ll have his navy again, and all will be well.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Well, if you think we’re up to it.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Yes.  But it would mean so much to papa that we do it.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Don’t worry, we’ll put you to work.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“The children will be fine.” — Elizabeth Mary
“They won’t know.  They’re too young to notice.  It would so help in papa’s recovery.” — Elizabeth Mary
“My husband and I are deeply touched by our welcome here this morning.  Little more than 50 years ago, Nairobi was a savage place, the home of wild animals and uninhabited except for the occasional band of nomadic herdsmen.  Now, it is a modern, vibrant city, a striking tribute to the men and women of all races, who have made it a great center of commerce and finance.  Now, it remains only for me to pass on the apologies of my father, King George…  Who is, no doubt, very jealous indeed that I have come in his place.  He’s getting stronger every day.  And he will be with you all again very soon.”
Quote1It’s not a hat.  It’s a crown.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“You’re a bloody idiot.  Thank you.” — Elizabeth Mary
“If Papa’s condition should continue to improve, well, I thought I’d ask if we might return to Malta.  You can resume your naval career.  Hmm.  I know you’ve missed our life there.  Well, I have too.  Very much.  I’ll write to Papa.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Well, then, let’s not overcomplicate matters unnecessarily.  My name is Elizabeth.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“I know.  I won’t forget.” — Elizabeth Mary
“I’m not nervous.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Thank you.  Do sit down, Prime Minister.  I’ve ordered tea.  Or something stronger, perhaps.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Yes, I am Queen, but I am also a woman.  And a wife.  To a man whose pride and whose strength were, in part, what attracted me to him. I want to be in a successful marriage.  I would argue stability under this roof might even be in the national interest.  Had you considered that?Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“No.  You will inform the Cabinet, Prime Minister.” — Elizabeth Mary
“That is the favor you’ll do me, in return for one I’m already doing you.  I know your part wants you to resign to make way for a younger man.  Mr. Eden.  I also know that no one will bring up your resignation while you are actively engaged in planning the Coronation.  So, by delaying my investiture you are, in fact, holding onto power… In which case, I would suggest you are, somewhat, in my debt.  So, if…. I agree to the delay, perhaps you will consider supporting me in the matter regarding my husband’s name.  And perhaps you could also inform Cabinet, that my husband and I intend to stay here at Clarence House.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1It is our home.  It has just been refurbished at great expense.  Buckingham Palace can still be where official business is done but our home, our private family home, will be Clarence House.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1You don’t think I would’ve preferred to grow up out of the spotlight?  Away from Court?  Away from the scrutiny and the visibility.  A simpler life.  Happier life.  As a wife, mother.  An ordinary English countrywoman.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“Thank you.  You might extend the same apology to my husband the next time you see him.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Anyway, if I am to succeed, then he and I are going to need all the help we can get.” — Elizabeth Mary
“I would.  Particularly because my father isn’t here to give his.  I’d know it came from the heart.  Since I know, deep down, despite everything, that you care very deeply.” — Elizabeth Mary
“It’s the custom, not the law.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1The name has to be Windsor.  For stability.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“The home of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom is Buckingham Palace.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Because that’s the overwhelming advice.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“When it comes from the government, you do.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Name it.” — Elizabeth Mary
“All right, I promise.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Now, in your letter you sent me, you said… ‘Loyalty to the ideal you have inherited is your duty above everything else, because the calling comes from the highest source.  From God Himself.’  Do you really believe that?” — Elizabeth Mary
“Nothing.  He’s just feeling a little grounded.  Ignore it.  Right.  All ears.” — Elizabeth Mary
“But wouldn’t that violate the constitution?” — Elizabeth Mary
“I cannot do it.  I will not do it.” — Elizabeth Mary
“What are my responsibilities as head of state?  What should I do?  When it’s in the national interest?  How far dare I go?” — Elizabeth Mary
“It’s the Coronation.  A service which goes back a thousand years.  Some things can’t be changed.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1The people look to the monarchy for something bigger than themselves.  An inspiration.  A higher ideal.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“My father held him in higher regard.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Well, don’t think too much or too deeply.  It just gets one in a muddle.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Margaret, you’re imagining things.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1May God bless you all.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“Well, now you know, you didn’t marry a saint.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1Yes, that seems very sensible.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary
“Yes, they do they want you to be stable, and fulfilled.” — Elizabeth Mary
“Since our last meeting, I’ve been thinking  a great deal about something my father said to Princess Margaret and myself at the time of the abdication.  He made us swear, as sisters, never to put anything or anyone before one another, in the way that he felt his brother had.  It’s an oath that we both made and that… we intend to keep.  But I can’t see how I’m to honor it.” — Elizabeth Mary
Quote1As Head of the Church of England, I thought I might.Quote2 — Elizabeth Mary

Vigilant, pure, dutiful, and humble Elizabeth Mary is a Guardian.


Philip Mountbatten, Netflix, The Crown

Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh

“Thank you, sir.” — Philip Mountbatten

“They got through it.  I got through it.  I think they’d have preferred a nice, pink-faced marquis with a grouse moor in the Scottish Borders.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Are you sure you wouldn’t have preferred one of those?  Someone with a grand title, rather than a homeless Charlie Kraut?” — Philip Mountbatten

“Pity.  Because I love it so very much.  But, like a great many other things, I’m going to give it all up for you.” — Philip Mountbatten

“You think I can change my mind after all that?  No.  Too late.  I’ve signed myself away.” — Philip Mountbatten

“That’s certainly what they think.  It’s what I think, too.” — Philip Mountbatten

“See you tomorrow.  Try and get some sleep.” — Philip Mountbatten

“A naval officer’s stag night?  Chance would be a fine thing.” — Philip Mountbatten

“I, Philip… take thee Elizabeth Alexandra Mary.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Half a gold ring, darling.  Half a gold ring, gentlemen.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Breakfast with your mother?” — Philip Mountbatten

“Imagine.  I’m checking curtain fabrics in an hour.” — Philip Mountbatten

“What am I supposed to do all that time?” — Philip Mountbatten

“My work is as a naval officer, not grinning like a demented ape while you but ribbons!” — Philip Mountbatten

“What about the children?  Oh!  Without their parents for months on end?” — Philip Mountbatten

“I won’t be a moment, darling.  If you go and play with grandpapa, I’ll be right over.  Good boy.” — Philip Mountbatten

“We will.  If I can handle a frigate.” — Philip Mountbatten

“And why?  What else have you got in mind for our little holiday?  Why does everybody think, just because we’re royal, we like fine dining?  Don’t they realize we’re savages?  Good for nothing but school dinners and nursery food.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Absolutely so.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Come on, I just want a sloppy one.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Well, good luck darling.” — Philip Mountbatten

“This is the first proper home I’ve ever had.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Now, don’t forget the two things we discussed.  The children keeping my surname.  And us staying here in Clarence house, not moving to Buckingham Palace.  Both very important.  And don’t be nervous.  You look nervous.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Be firm.  Just lay down the law.  I know he’s Winston Churchill and all that, but remember who you are.  You’re– The Queen of England.” — Philip Mountbatten

“I’d like to take flying lessons.  I know.  But, trust me, becoming a pilot has been a lifelong ambition of mine and I think I’ve found a teach mad enough to take me on as a pupil.” — Philip Mountbatten

“You’ve taken my career from me.  You’ve taken my home.  You’ve taken my name.  I thought we were in this together.” — Philip Mountbatten

“You fought in the battle of Britain didn’t you?” — Philip Mountbatten

“Flying what?” — Philip Mountbatten

“Any kills?” — Philip Mountbatten

“Anything interesting?  Care to share it?” — Philip Mountbatten

“‘Once you’ve tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will always long to return.  You know what’s remarkable about those words?  They were written 300 years before man first got on a plane.  Leonardo da Vinci.” — Philip Mountbatten

“I couldn’t help but notice you filled her right up.  Starboard and port.  Eighteen gallons?  Fancy lunch in Edinburgh?  They made me Duke there, so I should probably show up from time to time.  Unless you have more pressing engagements?” — Philip Mountbatten

“There’s no need to matronize me.” — Philip Mountbatten

“A few hours a week darling, anyway.  What do you suppose I do?  Sit around and wait for you while you’re Queening?” — Philip Mountbatten

“Desperately dull.  I’m confident I’ve met more interesting plants.” — Philip Mountbatten

“This whole thing is a circus.  It’s a miserable circus.  Trudging from town to town and we’re the dancing bears.” — Philip Mountbatten

“I’m nearly fed up with her myself.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Oh.  Well, in the name of the people that live with you and love you, might I suggest not being Head of the Church for a minute.  Or Head of State, or Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, or the Army, or the Navy, or the Government, or the Fount of Justice, or the whole damn circus, frankly.” — Philip Mountbatten

“A living, breathing thing, a woman.  A sister.  A daughter.  A wife.” — Philip Mountbatten

“Don’t dress betrayal up as favor.” — Philip Mountbatten


King George VI, Netflix, The Crown

King George VI

The King, sadly, has lung cancer.

“Philip Mountbatten… I… I grant you and the heirs, male of your body, lawfully begotten, the dignities of Baron Greenwich, Earl of Merioneth and Duke of Edinburgh.  And Knight Companion of our Most Noble Order of the Garter.  Congratulations.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Question for you both.  Spot of blood in my spittle yesterday morning.  Ought I be concerned?  Cold weather.  That’s what I thought.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“The carriage will be cold too, Peter.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Right.  There was an old countess of Bray, and… you may think it odd when I say that despite her high station, rank and education… … she always spelled cunt with a K.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“You’ll be fine.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“This present is from me.  If your… marriage is as happy as mine has been, I don’t want you to miss a single thing.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Who won?  Who, who won?  Good for him.  You didn’t hear me say that.  They keep trying to count him out, but he keeps getting back up.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“One doesn’t want to look ill, either.  A sick… king is no good to anyone.  There must be no weakness.  No vulnerability.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“The people have spoken.  Your part has won the election, and as… as their Sovereign, I invite you to form a government in my name.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“My dear Winston.  Congratulations.  Would it be terribly unconstitutional of me to say how happy I am?  I’ve missed our weekly chats.  Your predecessor is a fine parliamentarian.  A good man.  But, well, as company, as a companion…” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Quite.  Now you may congratulate me in return.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“My rapid recovery.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“I seem to have bounced back a lot quicker than people expected.  Not sure I ever imagined what breathing through one lung would feel like.  Turns out there’s barely any difference.  Though… probably wise to let the Princess Elizabeth undertake the Commonwealth tour?  Hm?  What say you?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Yes, I’d say so.  Besides… we have to start breaking her in gently, don’t we?  Keep one eye on the future.  The distant future.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“You told me that, after the operation, I might expect some… soreness, some difficulty breathing.  But you didn’t tell me about this.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“But… we removed it?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“So, what’s next?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“I have two questions.  Who knows the full picture?  Of course.  But not the queen?  Nor anyone else in my family?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“In case you’re wondering, I haven’t anything specific to say.  Just wanted to spend time with you.  If there’s anything you wanted to ask me, just fire away.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Oh, the boxes.  Not if you keep on top of them.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Everything they want me to know, they stick on top.  Everything they’d rather I didn’t know, Cabinet meetings, Foreign Office briefings, they tuck away at the bottom.  Which is why… the first thing I do when no one is looking, is this.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Sometimes.  Which is why it’s so important to have the right person by your side.  I’ve been very lucky in that regard with your mother.  How’s your fellow?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“I should make more of an effort with him.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Would he like that?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Of course.  But, in the meantime… I’m still not yet well enough to travel.  Not long distances, anyway.  Which brings me to the forthcoming Commonwealth tour.  I was wondering if you would consider stepping into my shoes, so to speak.  My health is improving but I’m still not yet well enough.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“What’s the weather like today?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Morning.  Yes, I’m not sure that’s the correct address for the King of England.  It’s a beautiful morning for duck.  I thought Wolferton Splash.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Oh, Teal.  Below the withy there.  When I woke up this morning, I thought we’d go to Babingley flat or Eleven Acres.  But, in the end, there’s nowhere better than the Splash with a bagful of cartridges to lift the spirits.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Oh, he is, thank you.  Like a young man again.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“We’ll be alright.  My son-in-law’s a naval man.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“I told you, I woke up this morning feeling like a new man.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Well, I intend to.  And I’ll head straight to Sandringham if you give the all-clear to shoot.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“What do you suggest I do?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“Well, that is where we run into difficulties I’m afraid.  I no longer am Albert Windsow.  That person was murdered by his elder brother… when he abdicated.  And, of course, Albert Windsor would dearly love to say to his old friend, Winston Churchill, ‘Take a step back.  Put your feet up.  Let the younger generation have a go now.’  But he is no longer with us and that void has been filled by George the VI who, as it turns out, is quite the sticker, and… no more allow the sovereign to interfere with the Prime Minister than stand for office himself.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“The national interests?  Or Anthony Eden’s interest?” — Albert Frederick Arthur George

“It is better to be patient and get what you desire in the right time… than have high office thrust upon you when you are not ready.  I speak from personal experience.  Foreign secretary.” — Albert Frederick Arthur George


Winston Churchill, Netflix, The Crown

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill is Britain’s Prime Minister.

“This whole thing’s Mountbatten’s triumph.  He engineered it all.  The man who gave away India.” — Winston Churchill

“You know why his three sisters aren’t here?  They’re all married to Nazis!  Prominent Nazis!” — Winston Churchill

“She insisted.  It was discussed.” — Winston Churchill

“This is indeed a powerful and happy moment, to be elected for the second time, as your Prime Minister.  What this nation needs is several years of strong, steady, experienced administration.” — Winston Churchill

“Have a look at this for me, will you?  In the war, we used mathematicians to decode the indecipherable.  I need an expert to cut through the jargon.  Are they keeping something from me?” — Winston Churchill

“Which they performed because of ‘structural alterations.’  What are structural alterations?” — Winston Churchill

“An honor I gratefully accept.” — Winston Churchill

“Yes!  Everything exactly as it was before.” — Winston Churchill

“He talked a great deal about his recovery.  Lost of mentions of ‘bouncing back.’  Which always makes one fear the worst.  Not to mention the make-up.  He was wearing rouge.  It’s cancer.” — Winston Churchill

“We’re all dying.   That’s what defines the condition of living.  Will he die tomorrow?  No.” — Winston Churchill

“Well, I’m strong!” — Winston Churchill

“And I won’t lie to you.  I have considered resigning for Anthony’s sake.  For your sake.  But then I realized a situation like that would also require statesmanship.  The party needs me.  The country needs me.  She needs me.” — Winston Churchill

“Have they told you terrible things, your colleagues downstairs?  go on.  Be candid.” — Winston Churchill

“I can be a monster.  Did they say that?  It’s true.  But you need to be a monster to defeat Hitler.” — Winston Churchill

“Anything from the foreign office?  About America?  Or the Soviet Union?  Oh, very well.  Then start with the Exchequer.  Read it aloud.  Don’t be alarmed if you hear no response.  I shall be making mental notes.” — Winston Churchill

“No one in the country can sleep.” — Winston Churchill

“That’s impossible.  The King would never engage in such treachery.  And Anthony would never dare.  I’ve been like a father to him.  I groomed him every step of the way.” — Winston Churchill

“It’s my eulogy for the King. It’s broadcast tomorrow and the right words keep eluding me.” — Winston Churchill

Quote1Anything less than perfect will be a disaster.Quote2 — Winston Churchill

“The King was greatly loved by all his peoples.  The greatest shocks ever felt by this island fell upon us in his reign.  Never, in our long history were we exposed to greater perils of invasion and destruction.  The late King, who assumed the heavy burden of the Crown when he succeeded his brother, lived through every minute of this struggle with a heart that never quavered and a spirit undaunted.  In the end, death came as a friend.  And after a happy day of sunshine and sport, and after a goodnight to those who loved him best, he fell asleep, as every man or woman who strives to fear God and nothing else in the world, may hope to do.  Now, I must leave the treasures of the past and turn to the future.  Famous have been the reigns of our queens.  Some of the greatest periods in our history have unfolded under their scepters.  Queen Elizabeth II, like her namesake, Queen Elizabeth I, did not pass her childhood in any certain expectation of the Crown.  This new Elizabethan age comes at a time when mankind stands uncertainly poised… …on the edge of catastrophe.  I, whose youth has passed in the august, unchallenged and tranquil glories of the Victorian era, may well feel the thrill in invoking once more the prayer and the anthem, God save the Queen.” — Winston Churchill

“Your Majesty.  I so looked forward every Tuesday to my audiences with your… dear papa.  His late Majesty was a hero to me and to all his people.” — Winston Churchill

“Oh, dear.  Did no one explain?  The Sovereign never offers a Prime Minister refreshment.  Nor a chair.  The precedent set by your great-great-grandmother was to keep us standing like Privy Councillors.  To waste time is a grievous sin!  And, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 52 years of public service, it is that there is no problem so complex nor crisis so grave, that it cannot be satisfactorily resolved within 20 minutes.  So… shall we make a start?” — Winston Churchill

“Now, I would like to discuss your coronation.  I have a proposed date which has been run past Cabinet and approved.  Indeed.  Next year.” — Winston Churchill

“For your benefit entirely.  A long period between accession and coronation was of great value to your father.” — Winston Churchill

“Any inquiry would be expensive.” — Winston Churchill

“It’s weather.  For better or for worse we get a great deal of it on this island.  Frankly, there are more pressing matters to deal with.” — Winston Churchill

“You know me Bobbety, I’m a man of my word.” — Winston Churchill

“Whatever would an Englishman want to change?” — Winston Churchill


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