Queen, The
Writers: Peter Morgan
Genres: Drama
THE QUEEN
Written by
Peter Morgan
1.
ARCHIVE TELEVISION FOOTAGE
It's Election Day 1997. Up and down the country, the PEOPLE
OF BRITAIN, people of all shapes and sizes and denominations,
black and white, young and old, are going to the Polls.
Everyone, that is, except the people that live in...
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The most instantly recognisable Palace in the world.
The Royal Standard, (the flag of heraldic lions and symbolic
harp-strings that signals the Monarch's presence), flutters
on the roof.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CHINESE ROOM DAY
We're in a state room at Buckingham Palace. A TV plays in the
corner..
COMMENTARY
..here's Tony Blair, just 43 years
old, arriving at the polling station
of his constituency in Sedgefield.."
QUEEN ELIZABETH II, wearing formal robes of the Garter, is
posing for an official portrait by an elderly black PORTRAIT
ARTIST, (representative, one assumes, of one of the many
Charities of which she is patron)..
ELIZABETH
Have you voted yet, Mr Crawford?
ARTIST
(proudly dabbing palette)
Yes, Ma'am. I was there when they
opened. First in line. Seven o'clock.
COMMENTARY
If he wins, he'll be the youngest
Prime Minister in almost two hundred
years.."
He straightens..
ARTIST
And I don't mind telling you, it
wasn't for Mr Blair.
ELIZABETH
Not a moderniser, then?
ARTIST
Certainly not. We're in danger of
losing too much that's good about this
country as it is.
TV COMMENTARY
"The only questions that still remain:
how big will his landslide be? And how
extensive, how sweeping will the
modernisation programme be that he
ushers in?"
ELIZABETH
Hmm.
The QUEEN watches as he paints..
ELIZABETH
I rather envy you being able to vote.
(a beat)
Not the actual ticking of the box,
although, I suppose, it would be nice
to experience that ONCE.
(a beat)
But the sheer joy of being partial.
ARTIST
Yes..
The ARTIST squints as he scrutinises the canvass..
ARTIST
One forgets that as Sovereign, you are
not entitled to vote.
ELIZABETH
No.
ARTIST
Still, you won't catch me feeling
sorry for you. You might not be
allowed to vote, Ma'am..
(a beat)
But it IS your Government.
ELIZABETH
Yes.
The QUEEN raises her eyebrow..
ELIZABETH
I suppose that is some consolation.
FADE TO BLACK:
3.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
The QUEEN's face. Fast asleep. It's shortly before 8.00 am.
Daylight filters through the curtains. As does something
else..
The stirring sound of bagpipes..
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - INNER COURTYARD - DAY
The inner courtyard of Buckingham Palace. In a ritual
unchanged since Queen Victoria, a uniformed PIPER, wearing a
kilt of Ancient Hunting Stuart tartan, marches under her
Majesty's windows, playing the bagpipes.
t's her morning alarm call, and it's the way she wakes up
wherever she is - anywhere in the world.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Darkness. A soft knock at the door. (The strains of bagpipes
can still be heard from below). Her Majesty's DRESSER sticks
her head round the corner, with a calling tray of Earl Grey
tea and the newspapers.
MAID
G'morning, Ma'am.
The DRESSER puts the tea and newspapers on a bedside table.
DRESSER
Shall I draw the curtains?
The QUEEN's sleepy voice answers..`Please'. The DRESSER goes
to the window.
ELIZABETH (O.S)
Did you stay up?
DRESSER
Yes, Ma'am.
ELIZABETH (O.S)
And? Was it as expected..?
The QUEEN's hand reaches for spectacles, then for the
newspapers. She puts on her glasses.
RESSER
Yes, Ma'am. Mr Blair, by a landslide.
The QUEEN's expression changes..
4.
ELIZABETH
I see.
She lifts the newspaper up. The front page comes into sharp
focus.
FULL FRAME: the beaming smile of TONY BLAIR, the new Prime
Minister. The QUEEN stares back. Their eyes meet - as it
were. Headlines tell us..
"IT'S BLAIR!", "LANDSLIDE VICTORY FOR BLAIR".
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - BREAKFAST ROOM - DAY
The QUEEN sits at breakfast. Reading the newspapers. Dogs
under the table. A knock on the door, and ROBIN JANVRIN,
(40's), her deputy Private Secretary, pops around..
JANVRIN
The Prime Minister is on his way,
Ma'am.
ELIZABETH
To BE, Robin.
(correcting, terse)
Prime Minister to BE.
The QUEEN frostily flicks a page, without looking up..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
He hasn't asked my permission yet.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY
The QUEEN and JANVRIN walk through a corridor of the Palace.
It has the air of a grand hotel. Chintz. Flock. Long, gilded
mirrors. Portraits on the walls..
ELIZABETH
He's a hard one to read, isn't he?
JANVRIN
Yes. On the one hand his background is
quite establishment. Father a
Conservative. A public school
education at Fettes, where he was
tutored by the same man as the Prince
of Wales.
ELIZABETH
Well, we'll try not to hold that
against him.
5.
JANVRIN
On the other, his manifesto promises
the most radical modernisation and
shake-up of the Constitution in three
hundred years.
ELIZABETH
Oh. Is he going to `modernise' us, do
you think?
JANVRIN
I wouldn't put it past him. He's
married to a woman with known anti-
Monarchist sympathies - you may
remember her curtsey the first time
you met. It could best be described as
`shallow'.
ELIZABETH
I don't measure the depth of a
curtsey, Robin. I leave that to my
sister.
JANVRIN
And I spoke to the Cabinet Secretary
who said he was expecting the
atmosphere at Downing Street to be
very informal. Everyone on first name
terms.
(a beat)
At the Prime Minister's insistence.
ELIZABETH
What? As in `Call me Tony?'
JANVRIN
Yes.
The QUEEN's face puckers in distaste..
ELIZABETH
Oh. I'm not sure I like the sound of
that.
(a beat)
Have we sent him a protocol sheet?
EXT. MALL - DAY
ARCHIVE FOOTAGE: as TONY BLAIR's motorcade drives down the
MALL.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The motorcade sweeps into the grand, inner quadrangle of
Buckingham Palace, and stops at the King's door.
6.
INT. CAR - DAY
Three secret service BODYGUARDS leap out and open the car
doors. TONY looks out at the palace..
TONY
Funny, I'm actually rather nervous.
HERIE
hy? You've met her often enough
before.
TONY
I know. But never one to one. And
never as Prime Minister.
CHERIE
Remember, you're a man that's just
been elected by the whole country.
T
TONY
Yes. But she's still, y'know..
TONY looks up at the vast palace in front of him..
TONY
The Queen.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR/STAIRCASE - DAY
A uniformed EQUERRY leads TONY and CHERIE through corridors,
and up a grand staircase..
EQUERRY
When we reach the audience room, I
will knock. We will not wait to be
called, we will go straight inside.
Standing by the door, we bow. From the
neck. I will introduce you. The Queen
will extend her hand, you go to her,
bow again, then shake her hand.
TONY shoots his cuffs, `Right', clears his throat.
QUERRY (cont'd)
Couple of other things. It's `Ma'am'
as in ham, not Ma'am as in farm.
TONY
Yes..
EQUERRY
And when you're in the Presence, at no
point must you show your back.
7.
TONY
The `Presence'?
EQUERRY
Yes, Sir. That's what it's called,
when you're in her Majesty's company.
TONY turns, shoots a look at CHERIE, who sticks her fingers
down her throat. TONY smiles back..
The EQUERRY reaches a grand door, and knocks gently. Without
waiting for a reply, he enters..
CHERIE is left in the corridor. Alone. She stares at a
liveried FOOTMAN.
He stares back. No life behind his eyes. CHERIE takes a seat
on a chair. Eyes widen to herself.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - AUDIENCE ROOM - DAY
TONY and the EQUERRY enter, and gently bow their heads. The
EQUERRY then straightens, and announces..
EQUERRY
Mr Blair, your Majesty.
The QUEEN extends her hand. TONY walks forward, and shakes
it. The EQUERRY leaves. The door is then closed.
ELIZABETH
ongratulations.
TONY
Thank you, Ma'am.
ELIZABETH
Your children must be very proud.
TONY
I hope so.
ELIZABETH
You've three, haven't you?
TONY
That's right.
ELIZABETH
How lovely. Such a blessing. Children.
The QUEEN and TONY take their seats..
ELIZABETH
So..Have we shown you how to start a
nuclear war yet?
8.
TONY
(thrown)
No.
ELIZABETH
First thing we do, I believe.
a beat)
Then we take your passport and spend
the rest of the time sending you
around the world.
TONY
You obviously know my job better than
I do.
ELIZABETH
Well, you are my tenth Prime Minister,
Mr Blair. I'd like to think there
weren't too many surprises left. My
first was Winston Churchill. He sat in
your chair, in frock coat and top hat,
and was kind enough to give a shy
T
young girl like me quite an education.
TONY
I can imagine.
ELIZABETH
ith time, one has hopefully added
experience to that education, and a
little wisdom - better enabling us to
execute our constitutional
responsibility.
(a pointed addition)
To advise, guide and warn the
government of the day.
TONY
Advice which I look forward to
receiving.
ELIZABETH
ell, we will save that for our weekly
meetings.
a beat)
Now, if there's nothing else, I
believe we have some business to
attend to..
TONY stares, then clicks..
TONY
Of course..
He falls, rather extravagantly, on bended knee. The
supplicant position of deference...
9.
TONY
Your Majesty, the country has
spoken...and I come now to ask your
permiss.. E
ELIZABETH
(interjecting)
No, no, no. It's usual for ME to ask
the questions.
TONY winces. Wishes the ground would swallow him up.
ELIZABETH
Mr Blair, the people have elected you
to be their leader. And so the duty
falls on me, as your Sovereign, to ask
you to become Prime Minister, and form
a government in my name.
TONY stares. Lost for words. Then..
ELIZABETH
Generally, this is where you say
`yes.'
TONY
`Yes'.
The QUEEN extends her hand, which TONY kisses. She withdraws
it again - quite sharply, then DISCREETLY PRESSES A BUZZER by
her chair indicating the ceremony is over. The EQUERRY opens
a door, and CHERIE is invited inside.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
How nice to see you again, Mrs Blair.
HERIE curtseys awkwardly, reluctantly, shallowly..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
You must be very proud.
HERIE
Yes.
ELIZABETH
And exhausted, I imagine. Where will
you be spending the summer?
CHERIE
France.
ELIZABETH
How lovely.
TONY
ou'll be in Balmoral, I expect.
10.
ELIZABETH
Yes, I can hardly wait. Wonderful
place.
The QUEEN indicates a portrait of QUEEN VICTORIA..
ELIZABETH
My great, great grandmother said of it
- "In Balmoral all seems to breathe
freedom and peace and to make one
forget the world and its sad
turmoils."
t that moment, the doors open, and JANVRIN enters, and
whispers urgently in the QUEEN's ear. The QUEEN's face
changes as she listens.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Really..?
Her expression changes. She frostily turns to the BLAIRS..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
I'm afraid we're going to have to
leave it there.
With that the QUEEN shakes TONY's hand. TONY and CHERIE
awkwardly back out of the royal presence, leaving The QUEEN
and JANVRIN.
ELIZABETH
Not too short, was it? I gave him
fifteen minutes.
(a beat)
One doesn't want to be rude.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY
TONY and CHERIE walk down a corridor. CHERIE whispers under
her breath..
CHERIE
(mimics QUEEN's manner)
"Thank you so much for coming. Now
bugger off."
TONY
I know. What was all that about?
CHERIE
Diana. Apparently she's got a new
boyfriend.
11.
ARCHIVE TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
Of PRINCESS DIANA walking hand in hand with a dark-haired MAN
in his late thirties..
CNN NEWSREADER
Dodi Al-Fayed is the son of Egyptian
millionaire Mohammed Al-Fayed, a man
whom the English establishment has
repeatedly denied a British passport..
TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
DIANA and DODI kissing and canoodling on board the yacht
`Jonikal'..
GERMAN NEWSREADER
The Princess and Mr Fayed were hugging
and kissing in full view of the
world's press yesterday..
ELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
DIANA and DODI on the yacht on their last holiday together..
FRENCH NEWSREADER
..the couple then left for Paris. At
one point, the Princess told gathered
reporters to watch out. Her next move
would really surprise them...
CUT TO:
EXT. RITZ HOTEL - NIGHT
PAPARAZZI are assembled outside the hotel. A few SPECTATORS
too.
CAPTION: "RITZ HOTEL, PARIS. 31 AUGUST, 1997".
Various NEWS REPORTERS are also broadcasting...
RENCH REPORTER
(in French)
..the Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed
returned to Paris earlier today..
ERMAN REPORTER
..where they visited a local jewellery
shop where unconfirmed reports
suggested Mr Fayed had been looking at
engagement rings..
12.
INT. RITZ HOTEL - NIGHT
CCTV FOOTAGE: the unmistakable blonde hair of the PRINCESS of
WALES as she enters the Ritz Hotel through revolving doors.
AXT. RITZ HOTEL - NIGHT
German REPORTER continues..
GERMAN REPORTER
(in German)
...they have now been inside the hotel
for more than two hours. We believe
they have been dining in a suite on
the fifth floor..
Presently a ripple of activity: DOORMEN furtively speak into
walkie-talkies. Growing anticipation in the CROWD..
An AMERICAN REPORTER turns to his camera..
AMERICAN REPORTER
We've just been told the Princess is
about to come out of the hotel..
PAPARAZZI jostle roughly for position, and raise their
cameras as the doors open, and a BLACK MERCEDES slides into
position.
INT. RITZ HOTEL - SAME TIME
Elsewhere in the hotel..
The real DIANA, her BODYGUARD, DODI FAYED, and HENRI PAUL
leave the public part of the hotel, and walk down a flight of
stairs..
EXT. RITZ HOTEL - FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Pandemonium breaks out as BODYGUARDS emerge from the hotel.
Engines roar into life of the decoy black Mercedes.
Doors slam. The CROWD surges. An explosion of flashlights.
Tyres burn. The squeal of rubber as the MERCEDES pulls off.
Swarms of PAPARAZZI give chase, kick-starting their
motorcycles, speaking into cell-phones to their COLLEAGUES..
13.
INT. RITZ HOTEL - SAME TIME
The real ROYAL PARTY, meanwhile, walks briskly through an
underground corridor which leads to the back door of the
hotel..
EXT. RITZ HOTEL - BACK EXIT - SAME TIME
PAPARAZZI who were waiting at the back exit, speak to their
COLLEAGUES on their cell phones, and are about to jump on
their motorcycles to join them in the chase, when suddenly..
HENRI PAUL, PRINCESS DIANA, her BODYGUARD and DODI FAYED
emerge from a door, and climb into a waiting Mercedes. HENRI
PAUL turns to the PAPARAZZI..
PAUL
(in French, we see sub-
titles)
Don't bother following. You won't
catch us.
The engine starts with a roar. The PAPARAZZI double-take, and
frantically shout into their phones to their COLLEAGUES.
`Wait! They've come out at the back.'
EXT/INT. MERCEDES LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
The Mercedes pulls up at a traffic light.
ALL AROUND THEM: the glare of Paparazzi motorcycles and
camera flashbulbs around the car. The Paparazzi call out in
French and Italian. They thump the window. It's terrifying.
An explosion of flashing lights. Popping flashbulbs. The
traffic light turns amber. DODI barks at the DRIVER..
The DRIVER, a short squat man in glasses, (we do not see his
face), slams his foot down.
EXT. EXPRESSWAY - NIGHT
The car roars ahead, then speeds down into a tunnel, followed
by the PAPARAZZI MOTORCYCLES.
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - NIGHT
The Scottish Highlands. To establish.
14.
The silhouette of a magnificent ten year old STAG stands on a
rock, and roars into the night.
INT. CRAIGOWEN LODGE - NIGHT
`RRRRrrrinnnnggg', the phone rings..
A SILHOUETTE fumbles for a light switch, and hits the light.
We immediately recognise the face. It's JANVRIN, the Queen's
deputy Private Secretary.
JANVRIN
(into PHONE)
Robin Janvrin.
He listens, then his expression changes.
ANVRIN (cont'd)
What?
He checks the clock on the bedside table, waking rapidly now.
Deadly serious..
ANVRIN (cont'd)
Right. I see.
JANVRIN hangs up. Then urgently dials a number on the
telephone..
INT. CRAIGOWEN LODGE - NIGHT
JANVRIN (cont'd)
I'm going to need to speak to her
Majesty. Right away.
EXT. BALMORAL ESTATE - NIGHT
till pulling on clothes, JANVRIN rushes on foot towards the
big house in the distance. Lights go on all over the darkened
castle.
NT. BALMORAL - STAIRCASE. NIGHT
ANVRIN and a middle-aged DRESSER, (half-asleep and still
rearranging her uniform), walk urgently up the stairs towards
the second floor corridor where the QUEEN's bedroom is
located. They pass a PAGE on the way down..
JANVRIN
Tell Sir Guy I'd like everyone in. As
soon as possible.
The PAGE nods. Departs.
15.
INT. QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
A knock on the door. The door opens, and the DRESSER's voice
gently calls out..
DRESSER
Ma'am?
he QUEEN stirs in her bed..
DRESSER
Mr Janvrin is here to see you..
ELIZABETH
Oh..
The QUEEN turns on the light. The DUKE of EDINBURGH flinches
in irritation, scrunching his eyes as they are blinded..
PRINCE PHILIP
What the..?
INT. BALMORAL - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
he QUEEN emerges from her bedroom wearing an old-fashioned
dressing-gown, and clutching a hottie, (a velour-covered
Cosimax hot water bottle), to find ROBIN JANVRIN waiting..
JANVRIN
Good evening, Ma'am. I'm sorry to
disturb..
He clears his throat..
JANVRIN
I
've just had a call from our Embassy
in Paris. It's...the Princess of
Wales.
PRINCE PHILIP appears in the doorway. Irritable.
PRINCE PHILIP
Why? What's she done now?
INT. MYROBELLA - TRIMDON - TONY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
"Rrrrrinng", the phone rings. We're in TONY BLAIR's
constituency house in Trimdon, near Durham in northern
England.
Click', TONY, in T-shirt, turns on the light. His face is
creased with sleep. He blinks..
16.
TONY
What? How badly?
The figure of CHERIE stirs in the bed. Groans. TONY listens
to the voice at the other end..
TONY
I see. Who are we speaking to there?
TONY
Right.
shell-shocked)
Keep me posted.
TONY hangs up. CHERIE turns..
TONY
It's Diana. She's been in a car
accident. In Paris.
CHERIE
Is it serious?
TONY
Apparently Dodi Fayed is dead.
CHERIE
What?
CHERIE's face. Visibly shocked. TONY has switched on the TV
in the bedroom.
NEWSREADER
Let's just re-cap on what's happened.
INT. BALMORAL - SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
he QUEEN is sitting with the DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
PRINCE PHILIP
What was she doing in Paris?
ELIZABETH
ou know what she's like.
The QUEEN flicks channels, peering over her glasses, trying
to catch the latest news on the television..
At that moment CHARLES enters the room. His face ravaged with
concern. It's the first time the QUEEN has seen him since
news of the crisis..
17.
ELIZABETH
It's quite awful...
(wants to console CHARLES
but finds it easier to
say..)
What are you going to do about the
boys?
An awkward moment. Stifled..
CHARLES
Let them sleep until we know more.
ELIZABETH
Yes that's sensible.
CHARLES
I should go to Paris. I told my people
to start organising a jet.
ELIZABETH
What? A private one?
HARLES
Yes.
ELIZABETH
Isn't that precisely the sort of
extravagance they attack us for?
CHARLES
ell, how else am I going to get to
Paris at this time of night? The
airport at Aberdeen will be closed.
Presently, a voice from behind..
QUEEN MOTHER
You can use the Royal Flight. They
keep one of the planes on permanent
stand-by.
deadpans)
In case I kick the bucket.
ELIZABETH
Out of the question. It's not a matter
of State.
HARLES
What are you talking about?
ELIZABETH
Diana is no longer an HRH, nor a
member of the Royal Family. This is a
private matter.
18.
CHARLES
She's mother to your grandchildren.
The QUEEN MOTHER sits on the sofa next to PRINCE PHILIP..
QUEEN MOTHER
That's the latest?
PRINCE PHILIP
I don't know. I can't hear..
(indicates TELEVISION)
Everyone's shouting!
CHARLES stares in disbelief. Exits the room..
INT. BALMORAL - JANVRIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
television plays in the corner..
TELEVISION
..behind me, is the tunnel of the Pont
de l'Alma, which you reach by the
expressway along the Seine. It was
along here that the Mercedes carrying
the Princess..
ANVRIN's SECRETARY hands over the phone..
SECRETARY
The Ambassador, in Paris.
JANVRIN
Good evening, Sir.
JANVRIN listens to what the person is saying at the other
end. His expression changes..
JANVRIN
Right.
ashen-faced)
I see.
NT. BALMORAL - 1ST FLOOR CORRIDOR - NIGHT
An ashen-faced JANVRIN walks along the corridor, reaches the
room where the ROYAL FAMILY is watching television.
e clears his throat, knocks on the door..
INT. BALMORAL - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - NIGHT
JANVRIN enters.
19.
JANVRIN
I've just spoken to our Ambassador in
Paris, Ma'am.
ll heads turn to face him..
JANVRIN (cont'd)
I'm afraid it's not good news.
INT. BALMORAL - CHARLES'S STUDY - SAME TIME (AYRSHIRE)
PRINCE CHARLES's face: he lets out a strangled cry, as he
hears the news..
CHARLES
No!
CHARLES roars in pain and disbelief. His knuckles whiten..
CHARLES
No, no, no, no..!
In the doorway: STEPHEN LAMPORT, who has delivered the news,
can hardly bear to watch..
INT. BALMORAL - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - NIGHT
ON TV: struggling in vain to hold onto his composure, a
BRITISH NEWSREADER relays the news, visibly in shock..
NEWSREADER
We have just had confirmation, that
(
Diana, Princess of Wales..
voice cracks)
..has died in Paris.
ELIZABETH, PRINCE PHILIP and THE QUEEN MOTHER all stare. A
tableau of shock.
CNN ANCHOR breaks the news to a worldwide audience..
CNN ANCHOR
"I'm afraid we have some bad news to
report.."
INT. MYROBELLA - NIGHT
The CNN ANCHOR continues on TV.
NN ANCHOR
"Diana, Princess of Wales, is dead."
TONY BLAIR is watching on TV, sitting downstairs, having
thrown on some clothes. He speaks on the phone..
20.
TONY
What have I got on this week?
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL, Press Secretary to TONY BLAIR, is dressed
and already in Downing Street. Also watching television. (WE
INTERCUT BETWEEN THE TWO LOCATIONS AS NECESSARY).
ALASTAIR
You're writing your maiden Conference
speech as Prime Minister.
TONY
Well, let's cancel everything else.
This is going to be massive.
a beat)
I'd better make a statement in the
morning.
ALASTAIR
You'll be pleased to know I've already
started coming up with ideas.
n CAMPBELL's knee, a pad of paper. We pick out the words,
"People's Princess." T
TONY
God, she's only been dead an hour!
ALASTAIR
Would you prefer I didn't do my job?
INT. BALMORAL - CHILDREN'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT
he QUEEN's FACE in close-up. Her eyes flicker as she watches
something intently.
e REVERSE ANGLE to see: a half-open door. SILHOUETTES
inside. The sound of male voices. Whispering. Speaking
softly.
It's the moment the BOYS are being told. We make out the
SILHOUETTES hugging. The sound of tears. Soft voices. CHARLES
repeatedly kissing his SONS.
ur CAMERA stays on the QUEEN's FACE. A distant flicker of
pain at the unrestrained intimacy and affection between them.
Presently, the door opens, and a red-eyed PRINCE CHARLES
emerges.
C
21.
CHARLES
They're going to go back to sleep.
(clears his throat, speaks
with difficulty)
Well, try anyway.
The QUEEN goes up to CHARLES and stiffly, poignantly, tries
to touch him. But cannot. Is unable. She withdraws her hand.
CHARLES
(reading the message)
My Private Secretary's office has
found a travel agency open in New York
that will sell me a flight to Paris
with an hour's stop over in
Manchester.
CHARLES contains himself with difficulty..
CHARLES
Perhaps now you might consider whether
it's still an extravagance to bring
back the mother of the future King of
England in one of our planes?
ELIZABETH
(after a long pause)
All right.
HARLES's eyes burn. He turns, and walks out.
The QUEEN is left alone. She stares for a moment, then
leaves, passing a FOOTMAN.
ELIZABETH
(to FOOTMAN)
I don't want the boys to see the news
and get upset. First thing tomorrow
morning, I want the radio taken out of
their bedroom, and the television
taken out of the nursery.
The FOOTMAN bows..
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - VERY EARLY DAWN
The QUEEN sits in bed, writing her diary, in a bedchamber
where the decor is unchanged in a hundred years..
O
utside, the sound of bird-song. The first rays of light.
The DUKE OF EDINBURGH sticks his head around the corner. He
looks at the QUEEN..
PRINCE PHILIP
Well, well, well.
22.
ELIZABETH
Ye-es.
PRINCE PHILIP
Are you all right?
A silence.
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
Your sister called about an hour ago.
From Tuscany.
ELIZABETH
hope you told her to come back? Cut
the holiday short?
PRINCE PHILIP
I did.
ELIZABETH raises her eyebrow..
ELIZABETH
an't imagine she was pleased.
PRINCE PHILIP
That's putting it mildly.
ELIZABETH
What did she say?
PHILIP smiles to himself recalling MARGARET's words..
PRINCE PHILIP
Something about Diana managing to be
even more annoying dead than alive.
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
Just make sure the boys never hear you
talk like that.
PRINCE PHILIP
Of course.
PHILIP produces a bottle of pills from his dressing-gown
pocket, and shakes them..
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
Something to help you go down?
ELIZABETH
No. I'm going to do my diary a little
longer.
PRINCE PHILIP
Fine. I'll sleep next door.
23.
PHILIP touches her on the shoulder. But she doesn't
reciprocate. He goes. The QUEEN appears to continue writing,
but our CAMERA slowly turns to reveal her PEN is not moving.
Nor writing.
She's staring in thought.
AXT. MYROBELLA - DAY
Victorian, red-brick house. In the driveway, the
incongruous mix of a grey Renault Espace people-carrier and
two POLICE VEHICLES.
In the modest garden: two ARMED POLICE OFFICERS are playing
football with three young CHILDREN..
INT. TRIMDON - BLAIR KITCHEN - DAY
Inside the plain, unfashionably decorated house..
The TV plays in the corner of the kitchen. CHERIE BLAIR,
visibly upset, watches TV while cooking breakfast.
TONY is not wearing his Newcastle shirt.
TONY is reading out his statement which is written on a pad
of paper, filled with crossings-out..
TONY
"..that's how she will remain. In our
minds, our hearts, forever."
(looks up)
OK, got it.
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME.
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL is in Downing Street, sits in an office,
feet on a desk, staring at the TV..
ALASTAIR
Where will you do it?
TONY
I thought at church. On the way in.
ON TV: breaking news: Diana's brother, EARL SPENCER, makes a
statement from the gates outside his house in South Africa..
S
PENCER (ON TV)
...this is not a time for
recriminations, however I would say
that I always believed that the press
would kill her in the end.
(MORE)
24.
SPENCER(cont'd)
But even I could not imagine that they
would take such a direct hand in her
death as seems to be the case. It
would appear that every proprietor and
editor of every publication that has
paid for intrusive and exploitative
photographs of her has blood on his
hands today...
ALASTAIR
Not the press, mate. You've got the
wrong villain.
An AIDE appears in the doorway, catches TONY's eye, and
indicates her watch..
TONY
I've got to go.
ALASTAIR
You about to speak to the Queen?
TONY
Yes.
ALASTAIR shoots a mischievous look..
ALASTAIR
Ask her if SHE greased the brakes.
TONY
Now, now..
TONY hangs up, crosses to the study, making sure the doors
are shut so he won't be disturbed. We notice his shirt has
no. 10 on the back, under the name, `BLAIR'.
NT. BALMORAL - DINING ROOM - DAY
he QUEEN, PRINCE PHILIP and the QUEEN MOTHER sit in silence
at the table, eating breakfast, stoically listening to radio
coverage, soberly flicking through newspapers..
The QUEEN is the only one who is fully dressed, (the others
in bathrobes), and she wears black. She is reading "The
Sunday Times".
All around them the QUEEN's (elderly) MAIDS perform the
choreography of service as the radio coverage continues. One
MAID pours tea. Another brings fresh toast.
Also present is the rather smarter VALET and MAID belonging
to the PRINCE of WALES, and his separate HOUSEHOLD. They have
a separate, (and more stylish), uniform of their own.
T
hey set CHARLES's place and his breakfast, (nuts, grains,
healthy food).
T
25.
A flamboyant napkin is folded into an elaborate fleur-du-lis,
(traditional symbol of the PRINCE OF WALES). The QUEEN turns
to Charles's VALET..
A knock on the door, JANVRIN enters, and bows in respect to
the QUEEN..
JANVRIN
I'm sorry to disturb, Ma'am, but I've
the Prime Minister, for you. From his
constituency.
QUEEN MOTHER
(privately rolls eyes,
without looking up from
newspaper)
Lucky you.
ELIZABETH
Thank you, Robin. I'll take it next
door.
T
he QUEEN gets to her feet and walks out into..
INT. BALMORAL - FIRST FLOOR CORRIDOR - DAY
The first-floor corridor. STAFF flatten themselves against
the wall, averting their eyes as..
The QUEEN unexpectedly comes out of the dining-room, walks
along the corridor, and disappears into..
INT. BALMORAL - QUEEN'S STUDY - DAY
The QUEEN's study. High ceilings, portraits, stag's antlers
on the wall. The QUEEN picks up the phone..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Good morning, Prime Minister.
INT. TRIMDON - BLAIR'S STUDY - DAY
The contrast in surroundings could hardly be greater. TONY
sitting in a cramped room, surrounded by toys, in track suit,
in a working-class house..
TONY
Good morning, your Majesty. May I say
right away how very sorry I am - and
that the thoughts and prayers of my
family are with you at this terrible
time and with the two princes in
particular.
26.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
HERIE appears in the doorway.
TONY
Is it your intention to make some kind
of appearance. Or statement?
ELIZABETH
Certainly not.
INT. BALMORAL - QUEEN'S STUDY - DAY
The QUEEN's face, bristling at the suggestion. (WE INTERCUT
AS NECESSARY)..
ELIZABETH
No member of the Royal family will
speak publicly about this. It is a
private matter and we would all
appreciate it if it could be respected
as such.
TONY
I see.
TONY straightens, taken aback..
TONY
I don't suppose anyone has had time to
think about the funeral yet?
ELIZABETH
We've spoken to the Spencer family,
and it's their wish..
(a beat)
..their express wish, that it should
be a private funeral. With a memorial
service to follow in a month, or so.
TONY
Right.
TONY shoots a look at CHERIE..
ELIZABETH
Given that Diana was no longer a
member of the Royal Family we have no
choice but to respect their wishes.
TONY
I see.
TONY shoots a look at CHERIE..
27.
TONY
You don't feel that in view of her
high profile and popularity..
(
choosing his words
carefully)
...it might be an idea to pay tribute
to her life and achievements?
(a beat)
Or even just to her as a mother?
The QUEEN's face freezes over.
ELIZABETH
As I said. That's the Spencers' wish.
TONY (cont'd)
And the public, Ma'am? The British
People?
TONY hesitates..
TONY
You don't think a private funeral
would be denying them a chance..
ELIZABETH
hance to what..?
TONY
To share in the grief?
The QUEEN's face: did she hear right?
ELIZABETH
It's a family funeral, Mr. Blair. Not
a fairground attraction.
(a beat)
I think the Princess has already paid
a high enough price for exposure to
the press, don't you?
PRINCE PHILIP enters, dressed and ready for church. He
indicates his watch..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Now, if there is nothing else I must
get on. The children have to be looked
after.
TONY
Of course.
`Click', the QUEEN hangs up. TONY stares at the receiver.
TONY (cont'd)
Good bye, Your Majesty.
28.
He puts down the phone...
TONY
Her instinct is to do nothing. Say
nothing. And give her a private
funeral.
CHERIE
Are you surprised? She hated her guts.
TONY
Well, I think it's a mistake.
TONY's face becomes dark..
TONY
They screwed up her life. Let's hope
they don't screw up her death.
INT. SALOON/HALL - BALMORAL - DAY
veryone is getting ready to go to church. The QUEEN and
QUEEN MOTHER are putting on their hats. PRINCE PHILIP, in
full Highland regalia and black tie, helps both LADIES into
their long coats...
ELIZABETH
The Chaplain called. Wanted to know
whether he should make any changes to
the service or make special mention of
Diana.
PRINCE PHILIP
What did you say?
ELIZABETH
I told him he shouldn't change a
thing.
UEEN MOTHER
Q
uite right.
ELIZABETH
I think the less fuss one makes, or
draws attention to it, the better.
she lowers her voice, as
the PRINCES approach from
the saloon with CHARLES)
For the boys.
QUEEN MOTHER
Yes.
ELIZABETH
And we should probably arrange some
company for them. Some young people.
29.
PRINCE PHILIP
I'll take them for a long walk this
afternoon. Up Craggy Head.
ELIZABETH
Good. They'd like that.
RINCE PHILIP opens the doors..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
But no guns. It's Sunday.
They walk off to the waiting CARS..
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME
Offices BUSY FOR SUNDAY. Bustling AIDES and SECRETARIES. The
engine room of Government. An AIDE sticks his head round a
door, and calls down the corridor to...
AIDE
Alastair? He's on..
CAMPBELL turns, and excuses himself from his conversation,
walks back down the corridor..
INT. OFFICE - DAY
ALASTAIR enters a press `monitoring' room, where several
televisions are playing. One or two AIDES are busy working..
ON TV: TONY, wearing a dark suit, and tie, takes his position
in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, in front of the
cameras.
EXT. TRIMDON CHURCH - DAY
TONY steps closer to the microphones, then..
TONY
e are today a nation in a state of
shock, in mourning, in grief that is
so deeply painful to us. People
everywhere, not just here in Britain,
kept faith with Princess Diana..
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY
JANVRIN watches the broadcast on television, surrounded by
several MEMBERS OF STAFF - MAIDS, COOKS, VALETS, FOOTMEN, all
craning their necks, watching the television in the Private
Secretary's room..
30.
Our camera stays on JANVRIN's face, as TONY's speech
continues..
TONY (ON TV)
They liked her, they loved her, they
regarded her as one of the people. She
was the people's princess, and that is
how she will stay, how she will remain
in our hearts and memories forever.."
J
ANVRIN's eyes roll privately..
JANVRIN
A bit over the top, don't you think?
JANVRIN turns, fully expecting everyone to agree..
But instead all the STAFF MEMBERS behind him have tears
rolling down their cheeks..
EXT. HOSPITAL - PARIS - DAY
Archive Footage.
CHARLES's motorcade pulls up outside the hospital in Paris.
Doors open. PRINCE CHARLES gets out..
INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - PARIS - DAY
Shooting through the half-open door: we watch as the PRINCE
of WALES disappears into the room. In the far corner, an open
coffin.
HARLES is visibly distressed. We hear the PRIEST's voice as
he begins to pray..
PRIEST
Notre Pere qui es aux cieux,
Que ton nom soit sanctifie,
Que ton regne vienne,
Que ta volonte soit faite,
S
ur la terre comme au ciel..
In the corridor: hospital OFFICIALS quietly close the door in
respect.
TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, fighting emotion, speaking from the
White House lawn..
31.
CLINTON (ON TV)
I'll always be glad I knew the
Princess, and hope everyone will
support her two fine sons and help
them have the life and the future she
would want..
PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA - speaking from Cape Town..
MANDELA (ON TV)
I had the honour of hosting her a few
months ago when she visited our
country, and I was tremendously
impressed by her..
The sound of a NEWSREADER's voice..
NEWSREADER (V.O.)
In cities all around the world,
shrines have been created, in a
spontaneous, worldwide outpouring of
grief.
mages of NEW YORKERS laying flowers outside the British
Embassy, AUSTRALIANS doing the same in Sydney, PAKISTANIS in
Karachi..
NT. CAR - DAY
TONY BLAIR is in a car on his way back down to London. The
phone rings. He is travelling with an AIDE, who answers the
phone, listens, then hands it to TONY..
IDE
Lord Airlie.
A
TONY shoots a look, `Who?' The AIDE covers the phone..
IDE
The Lord Chamberlain. In charge of the
funeral. You're meeting him at the
airport.
TONY nods. Takes the phone.
TONY
Lord Airlie.
INT. CAR - SAME TIME
A rather formidable, handsome, aristocratic man with a
military bearing, is driven in a car, speaking into a mobile
phone..
32.
AIRLIE
(brisk, military)
Prime Minister. I'm responsible for
organising all royal ceremonial
events...
(a beat)
And there's simply no precedent for
the funeral of an ex-HRH.
INT. CAR - SAME TIME
TONY privately rolls his eyes at the ridiculous upper-class
pronunciation..
TONY
Then perhaps we should plan for any
contingency.
ORD AIRLIE
Yes. I've arranged a meeting tomorrow
morning at 10.00 at Buckingham Palace.
Officials from all three palaces,
representatives from the Spencer
Family, the emergency services.
a beat)
Would you send some of your people?
TONY
Absolutely. Of course.
They hang up.
TONY
(mimicking)
`Preeecedent?'
TONY rolls his eyes.
TONY
Where do they find these people?
EXT. RAF NORTHOLT - DAY
PRINCE CHARLES comes down the steps of his plane. He walks
towards the line of OFFICIALS, among them TONY BLAIR who
stands next to LORD AIRLIE. TONY and PRINCE CHARLES shake
hands..
TONY
I'm so sorry, Sir. And if there's
anything I or my Government can do...
CHARLES appears distracted. Miles away..
33.
CHARLES
They stood up as we drove past...in
cafes...in restaurants. Removed their
hats. This was Paris. One of the
busiest cities in the world...and you
could hear a pin drop...
TONY
I imagine it will be the same here.
CHARLES
Yes...I imagine it will.
HARLES looks at TONY..
CHARLES
The Palace would still prefer to see
it as a private funeral. What are your
feelings on that?
TONY
I...
(a diplomatic smile)
I think that would present us with
difficulties.
C
HARLES
So do I. My mother..
(corrects himself)
...the Queen, comes from a generation
not best equipped to...
(tailing off)
...she grew up in the war...
(a beat)
I think what we need, what the COUNTRY
needs is to be led by someone.."of
today". If you follow?
(a beat)
Balmoral is..
(he gestures, `another
world')
TONY
I think I understand.
CHARLES and TONY shake hands, then the PRINCE moves on...
Meanwhile, in the background, DIANA's coffin is taken from
the aeroplane by pall-bearers and loaded into a hearse.
he coffin is draped in the ROYAL STANDARD....
INT. BALMORAL - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - NIGHT
The QUEEN, PRINCE PHILIP and the QUEEN MOTHER watch
television. It's the evening news..
34.
ON TV: PRINCE CHARLES is greeted by PRESIDENT CHIRAC on the
steps of the hospital.
ELIZABETH
Have we heard from the Spencers again?
Have they made up their minds when the
funeral will be?
QUEEN MOTHER
Not me. No one tells me anything.
NEWSREADER (V.O.)
The Prince of Wales spent half an hour
at the hospital. At 5.06, the party
left with Diana's coffin..
PRINCE PHILIP
n our walk today, one of the ghillies
said he'd seen a large stag up at
Craghie Head.
a beat)
He reckoned fourteen points.
QUEEN MOTHER
What? Really? We haven't had one that
big on this estate in years.
PRINCE PHILIP
No. Quite.
ON TV: CHARLES's plane arrives back in England.
EWSREADER (V.O.)
Diana's coffin arrived back in London,
at RAF Northolt, two hours later..
The QUEEN watches intently as CHARLES is greeted on the
runway by TONY BLAIR, and the two men talk.
A flicker of suspicion on the QUEEN's face..
PRINCE PHILIP
nyway, I thought it might be a good
distraction. For the boys.
ELIZABETH
What? Stalking?
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Isn't it a bit soon?
PRINCE PHILIP
I think anything that gets them
outside is a good idea.
35.
NEWSREADER (V.O.)
arlier today, the Prime Minister made
a statement from his constituency..
ON TV: TONY making his speech outside the church in Trimdon.
We CLOSE on the QUEEN's face as she hears..
TONY (ON TV)
"They liked her. They loved her. They
regarded her as one of the People. She
was the People's Princess, and that is
how she will remain in our hearts
forever.."
The QUEEN watches in disbelief. Her knuckles whiten.
ELIZABETH
I'm sorry, I can't bear it.
gets to her feet)
I'm going to bed.
The QUEEN walks out.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The following morning. A bare flagpole. No flag flying.
But the flowers left by mourners outside the palace gates are
growing.
NT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - MEETING ROOM - DAY
A large ceremonial room. Elaborate chinoiserie. Ming vases.
Inside, some thirty or forty OFFICIALS, many uniformed, sit
around a table. Among them: the CHIEF CONSTABLE of the
METROPOLITAN police, the heads of the FIRE SERVICE and
AMBULANCE SERVICE, military OFFICERS, representatives from
the three palaces, Kensington Palace, (DIANA's court), St
James's Palace, (CHARLES's court) and Buckingham Palace, (the
QUEEN's court), representatives from the Intelligence and
Police Protection services, experts in protocol, and finally,
representatives from the SPENCER FAMILY and Downing Street,
(among them ALASTAIR CAMPBELL).
L
ORD AIRLIE, (whom we met at RAF Northolt), checks the time.
It's ten o'clock. He raps on a table, calling the meeting to
order..
LORD AIRLIE
Right. It's ten o'clock. Let's make a
start. Thank you all for coming at
such notice. I think we all agree this
is an extraordinarily sensitive
occasion which presents us with
tremendous challenges logistically...
(MORE)
36.
LORD AIRLIE(cont'd)
(a beat)
...constitutionally..
(a beat)
..practically...
(a beat)
...diplomatically..
(a beat)
...procedurally...
ALASTAIR privately rolls his eyes..
ALASTAIR
Oh, Christ..
EXT. DOWNING STREET - DAY
10, Downing Street. A car pulls up. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL gets
out. Visibly in a bad mood.
INT. DOWNING STREET - DAY
TONY BLAIR is in his office, surrounded by his AIDES, working
in shirtsleeves.
TONY
"..after eighteen years of Opposition,
of frustration and despair, I am
proud, privileged, to stand before you
as the new Prime Minister..."
IDE
Labour Prime Minister..
TONY
"I want to set an ambitious course to
modernise this country. To breathe new
life into our institutions. To make
privilege something for the many, not
the few. So that we become nothing
less than a beacon to the world..."
`Thump', the door opens, ALASTAIR CAMPBELL enters, clutching
the day's newspapers..
A
LASTAIR
Bloody hell! You think the Royals are
nutters! You should meet their
flunkeys! Two and a half-hours on
whether she should be carried in a
hearse or a gun-carriage.
(taps head, "Nuts")
Anyway, raves in the press.
ALASTAIR dumps the papers on the desk..
37.
ALASTAIR
This lot call you "The Nation's
Mourner in Chief", this lot say you're
"The only person who has correctly
judged the mood of the country". Even
the "Mail"..
(disdainfully holding the
paper between finger and
thumb)
..was impressed.
ALASTAIR drops the papers on TONY's desk.
LASTAIR
"People's Princess", mate. You owe me.
LASTAIR goes. TONY watches, then jumps up, opens the door.
His AIDE calls after him, covering the phone..
AIDE
Gordon for you.
TONY
Tell him to hang on.
INT. DOWNING STREET - CORRIDOR - DAY
TONY follows ALASTAIR out, calls after him..
TONY (cont'd)
So it's decided? It's going to be a
public funeral.
LASTAIR
Yes. On Saturday. A whopper. The
Abbey. The works.
TONY
Good. Has anyone told the Queen yet?
LASTAIR
Dunno. No doubt some flunkey will be
despatched. Grovelling on all fours.
TONY smiles imagining the prospect, goes back into his
office.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - DAY
`Knock', a knock on the door, and ROBIN JANVRIN enters
carrying a large file. He bows first to the QUEEN..
JANVRIN
Good morning, Ma'am.
38.
..then to the QUEEN MOTHER..
J
ANVRIN
..Ma'am.
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
What can we do for you, Robin?
JANVRIN braces himself. This is not going to be easy...
JANVRIN
Ma'am, there was a meeting at the
Palace this morning.
ELIZABETH
About the funeral arrangements, yes.
JANVRIN
The Lord Chamberlain faxed over these
plans for you to consider.
JANVRIN puts a large file on her desk..
JANVRIN
There is now general agreement, Ma'am,
that a public funeral would be more
appropriate.
ELIZABETH
I see.
he QUEEN perceptibly bristles..
ELIZABETH
nd what form will it take?
JANVRIN
At the moment, they're suggesting..
(clears throat)
And of course these are early days..
JANVRIN braces himself. Shoots a nervous look at the QUEEN
MOTHER..
JANVRIN (cont'd)
...basing it on Tay Bridge.
The QUEEN MOTHER looks up. Horrified.
QUEEN MOTHER
Tay Bridge..?
ELIZABETH
What..?
39.
A stunned silence..
QUEEN MOTHER
B-but that's the code name for my
funeral? J
ANVRIN
ndeed, Ma'am.
(a beat)
But it would be for practical reasons
only.
JANVRIN is dying.
ANVRIN
It's the only one which has been..
(treads delicately)
..`rehearsed'. The only one that could
be put together..in time.
The QUEEN MOTHER needs to sit down..
QUEEN MOTHER
But I supervised those plans myself.
JANVRIN
Indeed, and the Lord Chamberlain was
at pains to stress the spirit of the
occasion will be quite different.
a beat)
For example, in place of four hundred
soldiers marching behind the coffin,
the suggestion is that four hundred
representatives from the Princess's
various charities march behind the
coffin.
ELIZABETH
I see..
The QUEEN MOTHER's eyes widen..
JANVRIN
And that instead of foreign Heads of
State and Crown heads of Europe, the
guests would include a sprinkling of
actors of stage and screen, fashion
designers and other..
(clears throat)
...celebrities..
QUEEN MOTHER
Celebrities..?
ELIZABETH
Oh.
40.
The QUEEN looks ashen. The QUEEN MOTHER is pouring herself a
drink..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Wa..was there anything else?
JANVRIN
o, Ma'am.
JANVRIN bows, and leaves. Then stops, remembering..
JANVRIN
Oh, yes. One other thing. The Police
Commissioner was keen that you
consider the idea of a condolence
book.
(a beat)
It would give the growing crowds
something to do. Make marshalling them
easier.
ELIZABETH
(distracted)
Yes, of course..
ANVRIN reaches the door..
JANVRIN
Oh, and the flowers.
he QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
W
hat flowers?
JANVRIN (cont'd)
The flowers that have been left
outside Buckingham palace. Currently
they're blocking the path through the
main gate, and will make things
difficult for the Changing of the
Guard.
ELIZABETH
Fine. Then move them away.
ANVRIN flinches slightly in anticipation..
JANVRIN
Actually, the Lord Chamberlain was
wondering whether we shouldn't leave
the flowers, and send the Guards
through the North Gate.
The QUEEN looks thrown..
41.
ELIZABETH
Ye-es. Of course.
chastened)
Quite right.
INT. TONY'S OFFICE - DAY
`Rrrrinng', the phone rings. TONY is sitting at his desk with
one AIDE. A knock on the door. Another AIDE enters..
AIDE
tephen Lamport on one.
TONY looks up. Irritated at being disturbed..
TONY
Who?
AIDE
The Prince of Wales's private
secretary. In Balmoral.
covering phone)
He said it was urgent.
TONY rolls his eyes, then picks up the phone.
TONY
ood afternoon.
LAMPORT (V.O.)
Good afternoon, Prime Minister.
S
INT. BALMORAL - CHARLES'S STUDY - DAY
TEPHEN LAMPORT, Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales,
sits at a desk. CHARLES is also present, listening..
LAMPORT
The Prince of Wales wanted me to thank
you again for your kind words
yesterday.
TONY
Not at all.
AMPORT
He feels you and he...are modern
men...of similar mind...
(a beat)
...who could work well together at
this difficult time.
TONY shoots a quizzical look..
42.
TONY
Well, please thank his Highness, and
assure him that he can count on my
full support. At all times.
(a beat)
Was that it?
LAMPORT
Yes.
TONY hangs up. He turns to his AIDE..
TONY (cont'd)
Bizarre. Why is Charles doing this?
AIDE
What?
TONY
Creeping up to me like this. He did it
at the airport when he asked me to
`deal' with his mother.
AIDE #2
ecause he knows that if the Queen
continues to get it wrong over Diana,
it won't be long before the Royals
become public enemy no 1.
(
a beat)
Terrified of being shot, apparently.
TONY
Who, Charles?
AIDE
His people have already been onto us
asking for extra protection.
IDE #2
He probably thinks if he's seen to be
on our side, the Queen will be the one
left in the firing line, not him.
TONY
What? So it's OK for his mother to
take the bullet, not him?
shakes head)
What a family.
EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - COURTYARD - DAY
The QUEEN, in tatty old Barbour, head-scarf, Wellington
boots, loads Corgis and picnic hampers into the back of an
old Land Rover.
43.
She climbs into an old, muddy Jeep, and starts the oily,
smoky diesel engine. As she begins to drive out, she turns a
corner, and passes CHARLES who is climbing into his much
smarter, luxury, leather-upholstered jeep..
CHARLES
Wait! Where are they?
ELIZABETH
Up at Craigghead.
CHARLES
I'll come with you.
CHARLES climbs in. The QUEEN notices how extravagantly
dressed he is. A kilt and tailored hunting jacket..
CHARLES (cont'd)
Want me to drive?
ELIZABETH
Certainly not.
HARLES shudders at the rough interior of the car, the mud-
spattered windows, the hard, uncomfortable ride..
CHARLES
I thought you were going to get a new
E
one of these?
ELIZABETH
What for? It's perfectly all right.
The engine splutters as she changes gear. The car lurches
forward.
INT/EXT. JEEP - BALMORAL ESTATE - DAY
he QUEEN drives hard through woods, dust kicking up in the
old Land Rover's wake. It's a bone-shaking ride.
HARLES stares out of the window, lost in thought..
CHARLES
I was thinking last night what Diana
might have done had it been me that
died in the tunnel in Paris.
The QUEEN privately rolls her eyes..
CHARLES
She would certainly have taken the
boys to Paris. I rather regret not
doing that now.
44.
ELIZABETH
What? And expose them to the media? It
would have been a dreadful thing to
do. They're much better off here.
CHARLES
Look, whatever else you may have
thought of Diana - she was a wonderful
mother.
a beat)
She adored those boys. And never let
them forget it.
a beat)
Always warm.
he QUEEN's hands tighten on the steering wheel..
CHARLES
And physical.
a beat)
Never afraid to show her feelings.
ELIZABETH
Especially whenever a photographer was
in sight.
CHARLES
Yes, she MAY have encouraged all that,
but still..
CHARLES looks out of the window. His eyes mist over..
CHARLES (cont'd)
That was always the extraordinary
thing about her. Her weaknesses and
transgressions only seemed to make the
public love her MORE. Yet ours only
make them hate us. Why is that?
CHARLES looks up..
CHARLES (cont'd)
Why do they hate us so much?
The QUEEN mutters under her breath...
ELIZABETH
Not `us', dear.
CHARLES
(not having heard)
What?
The QUEEN salutes GAME-KEEPERS who remove their hats as the
QUEEN roars past.
45.
CHARLES
Yesterday, when we drove the coffin
back into London, there was a noise. A
bang. I don't mind telling you I
thought it was a gun.
CHARLES's hands wring in anxiety..
CHARLES (cont'd)
I thought someone had taken a shot at
me.
he QUEEN hits the brakes, and pulls up. Visibly irritated by
her son's weakness. She opens the door, and steps out..
E
ELIZABETH
Why don't you go on without me? I'm
going to walk back..
CHARLES
Are you sure?
ELIZABETH
Yes. It looks like rain..
(the DOGS jump out)
And I'm not in the mood for stalking
anyway.
CHARLES knows better than to contradict his mother. He gets
into the driving seat, puts on the safety belt, and drives
off.
The Land Rover disappears in a cloud of dust.
The QUEEN straightens, then notices her shoe-laces are
undone. The DOGS bark excitedly.
ELIZABETH
Wait! My shoe-lace is undone. You
don't want me to trip and hurt myself,
do you?
a beat)
You wouldn't get any proper walks
then.
The QUEEN blissfully chatters away to the DOGS. So much
easier than people...
ELIZABETH
Right. Done. Now who knows the way
home?
he DOGS yap excitedly, immediately scamper off in the
direction of the castle..
ELIZABETH
You clever things!
46.
EXT. SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - DAY
HARLES's Land Rover drives up into the hills, into
spectacular landscape. A mile or two ahead, above the tree-
line, PHILIP, the two PRINCES and STALKERS carrying guns,
crawl on their bellies in pursuit of their quarry..
A hundred years ahead of them, the STAG, unaware of the
danger, imperiously, grazes on the grass..
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
The QUEEN, granite-faced, still smarting from her row with
CHARLES, is in her bedroom. A nightcap martini is on her
bedside table. She is writing her diary.
PHILIP emerges from the bathroom, appears in the doorway..
ELIZABETH
I spoke to Charles this afternoon.
flicker of coldness behind her eyes..
ELIZABETH
Who was good enough to share with me
his views on motherhood.
PRINCE PHILIP
What did he say?
A
TV plays in the corner. DIANA, starved thin, panda-eyes,
the infamous Martin Bashir `PANORAMA' interview..
ELIZABETH
How wonderful Diana was.
RINCE PHILIP
That's changing his tune.
ELIZABETH
What a natural.
IANA (ON TV)
..I think..they see me as a threat of
some kind..
PRINCE PHILIP sees what's on television, then grimaces..
PRINCE PHILIP
(puckers face)
Oh, for God's sake..
47.
ELIZABETH
Maybe he's got a point. Maybe we are
partly to blame.
PHILIP goes over to the television..
PRINCE PHILIP
I can't watch this.
ELIZABETH
No, wait. Leave it.
PHILIP stares at the screen..
DIANA (ON TV)
"Every strong woman in history has had
to walk down a similar path.."
ELIZABETH
We encouraged the match. And signed
off on it. Both of us.
a beat)
You were very enthusiastic, remember.
RINCE PHILIP
She was a nice girl. Then.
DIANA (ON TV)
"And I think it's this strength that
causes the confusion and the fear."
PRINCE PHILIP shakes his head..
PRINCE PHILIP
And I was sure he'd give the other one
up. Or, at least make sure his wife
towed the line.
(a gesture)
Isn't that what everyone does?
A flicker behind the QUEEN's eyes.
ELIZABETH
Is it?
Her knuckles momentarily whiten. Unaware, PHILIP stares at
the television..
DIANA (ON TV)
"Why is she strong? Where is she
getting it from? Where is she going to
take it? How is she going to use it?"
He rolls his eyes in disbelief..
48.
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
I can't bear it any more. If you're
watching, I'll sleep in here. Early
start tomorrow..
(kisses her on the
forehead)
See you in the morning.
PHILIP goes, leaving the QUEEN staring. Still stinging from
his remark about adultery.
ZAP', she angrily hits the remote. The picture goes black.
INT. DOWNING STREET - BLAIR'S HOME - NIGHT
TONY BLAIR and CHERIE at home, watching television. It's 10
o'clock. The KIDS are in bed, but their TOYS are still strewn
around the sitting-room. TONY is tidying them up into boxes..
ON SCREEN: British historian DAVID STARKEY is lambasting
CHARLES. TONY and CHERIE sit on the sofa, watching
television, eating pasta on their knees. STARKEY defends the
QUEEN. Part of an older generation. She knows no better.
CHERIE (cont'd)
How much of all this could be the
first stirrings of..
TONY
W
hat?
HERIE
..I don't know...something more
interesting. Maybe this time people
have finally seen them for what they
are.
TONY
Which is?
CHERIE
A bunch of freeloading, emotionally
retarded...nutters.
TONY
(rolls eyes)
That's just absurd.
CHERIE
Why? They exist in a ludicrous cocoon
of privilege and wealth. They don't
pay tax.
TONY
Yes, they do.
49.
CHERIE
The Queen alone costs us what? Thirty,
forty million a year..
TONY reaches the door, and turns..
TONY
ot you, too. Look...if you want to
have a serious conversation about
this..
CHERIE
I do..
TONY
..about the Constitution..
CHERIE
e don't HAVE one..
TONY
...or about ways in which we as a
Government could begin to phase out
hereditary privileges, then fine.
HERIE
(indicating plates)
If you're going, take the dishes..
TONY comes back to take the dirty plates..
TONY
But spare me the whole.."off with
their heads" thing.
CHERIE
Why?
TONY
Because it insults your intelligence.
CHERIE
"The case for reform is simple and
obvious. It is in principle wrong and
absurd that people should wield power
on the basis of birth, not merit or
election."
(a beat)
YOUR words, not mine.
TONY is momentarily thrown..
TONY
Well, maybe now I've grown up.
a beat)
It's unimaginable this country being a
republic. Certainly in her lifetime.
50.
CHERIE
Why?
TONY
Because...no would would wear it.
(can't help laughing at
the idea)
No one WANTS it.
(gestures)
It's just...daft.
TONY heads for the door..
HERIE
It's not a mother thing, is it?
TONY turns..
CHERIE
Think about it. If she were still
alive, wouldn't Hazel be exactly the
same age? Whenever you talk about your
mother, you mention her stoicism. Her
frugality. Her sense of duty. The fact
she was brought up in the way. Well
c'mon..?
(a beat)
Who does THAT sound like?
TONY smiles.
TONY
I'm going to do the washing-up. F
ADE TO BLACK
INT. DOWNING STREET - CORRIDOR - DAY
ALASTAIR and TONY walk through the labyrinthine corridors and
busy offices..
ALASTAIR
All right, the good news is that the
Palace has agreed to video screens in
the Royal Parks.
TONY
And the bad news?
ALASTAIR
Crash barriers.
TONY
What about them?
51.
ALASTAIR
hey're now predicting more than two
million people will descend on London,
and there aren't enough barriers to
line the route. So we've gone cap in
hand to the French for theirs. And
there's something else I think you
should see.
ALASTAIR leads TONY into..
INT. DOWNING STREET - MONITORING ROOM - DAY
T
TONY follows ALASTAIR into an office where a television plays
in the corner. Several young AIDES and INTERNS are watching,
recording, making notes. Shirtsleeves, feet on desks.
Informal.
ALASTAIR
Can we run that piece again? You're
going to love this.
An INTERN puts in a video, hits the `play' button. ON SCREEN:
several members of the public complain about the royals. TONY
watches for a moment, then..
TONY
Look, I know all this..
ALASTAIR
There!
ne member of the public complains about the flag..
TONY
Don't tell me. There isn't a flag
flying at half mast above Buckingham
Palace.
TONY rolls his eyes to himself.
TONY
God. Will someone save these people
from themselves..
(irritated)
F
ine. I'll call Balmoral...
TONY turns away, walks towards the door.
ALASTAIR
`Planet Zog'?
TONY
Because as Prime Minister of this
country, I've really got nothing
better to do..
52.
TONY walks out..
EXT. BALMORAL ESTATE - DAY
The ROYAL FAMILY is gathered for a bar-be-cue lunch. At a
distance, the BOYS, are in the river, being taught fishing by
a GHI