Top 10 Funniest The Crown Moments

You know that picture-perfect family portrait hanging proudly in your home? Does it evoke a warm, fuzzy feeling of adoration for your relatives? Or does it trigger memories of the absolute struggle of getting everyone into position, keeping them focused, and doing it all before some kiddo throws a fit? It’s been reported that this moment might have been inspired by true events. Apparently, during the 75th commemoration of the Battle of Britain, an exasperated Prince Philip may have bluntly ordered the photographer to “just take the [enter expletive here] picture!” Chances are, you’re either amused by the royal chaos or the relatable struggle— either way, it’s regal hilarity.

In an attempt to appear more relatable, the royal family allows cameras into their home to document their day-to-day lives. As they gather to watch the footage, it’s a bit like watching old home videos with your family. Someone will complain about how they look, someone else will say, “Do I really sound like that?” and someone else will ask, “Why on earth did you film me doing that?!” Princess Anne hilariously questions the filming choices in her blunt style. Meanwhile, Princess Margaret adds her own snappy commentary too. While the documentary may not have been a smash, the amusement of the family watching it definitely hit a funny note.

Everyone has that one person you have to invite to family occasions, but you can almost guarantee they’ll make a scene. Perhaps they’ll make a show of turning up fashionably late. They’ve probably devised some elaborate eye-grabbing plan for their grand entrance. Chances are that at some point, they’ll make loud remarks that leave everyone wide-eyed and wondering why they keep getting invited. Luckily, they’re not likely to be the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, so at least it’s not a national embarrassment, even if it feels that way. The icing on the wedding cake is when a choir boy turns to tell Churchill to pipe down.

Nobody masters the art of delivering a loving yet cutting remark quite like a mother, and, as it turns out, Queen Mothers are no exception. When the young Queen worries that she looks old, her mom reassures her that’s not the case. However, that doesn’t stop her from sneakily throwing in a playful jab while the pair watch the Kennedys on television. The Queen Mother casually comments on how youthful Jackie Kennedy looks compared to her daughter, despite both being the same age. It’s funny, brutal, and a classic mom move—giving with one hand while taking away with the other. But hey, we love ’em anyway.

If anyone understands the importance of captivating a crowd, it’s the Queen. In this episode, however, she finds herself enduring a tedious sermon led by Robin Woods, Dean of Windsor. While exiting the church, she diplomatically suggests it might be time for a change. Her private secretary, Michael Adeane, is less subtle. It appears that he may have been daydreaming about his ideal replacement while the Dean was droning on. The Queen stops him short while clarifying that he’s made his thoughts loud and clear. Turns out that hiding behind that signature stiff upper lip is a tongue with plenty of sting, and we’re most certainly amused.

As is customary, the Queen invites new Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to join the family at their home in Scotland. The Iron Lady is so out of her element, and we get some good laughs from it. Whether it’s tea attire blunders or stumbling through dinner conversation, Thatcher is comically out of her depth. Her confusion during the family’s post-dinner parlor games only adds to the humor. But the height of hilarity comes when the Queen invites the Prime Minister on a stalking expedition and offers a witty lesson in the dos and don’ts of the sport. Maybe Thatcher fails the Balmoral Test, but she succeeds in keeping us entertained.

It’s an unwritten rule that parents shouldn’t have favorite children. However, according to “The Crown’s” Margaret Thatcher and Prince Philip, that’s not always the case. This revelation surprises the Queen, but Philip assures her she’s no different. He then reveals his favorite at a comically shocking speed and playfully teases the Queen, letting her in on the secret that she has a favorite, too, but refusing to spill the beans on who it is. So, the Queen dons her detective’s tiara and decides to investigate with each of her four kids. She asks her private secretary to gather intel first, but we guess that’s just parenting with a royal twist.

In this episode, Britain experiences nationwide blackouts due to failed negotiations between the government and coal union leaders. In a surprisingly powerful moment, the typically stoic Queen confronts Prime Minister Edward Heath over his government’s failures. She presses her button to dismiss him in what should’ve been an epic mic drop moment, but you know… there’s no electricity. So she turns to her backup bell, bringing a comical twist to the otherwise serious tone. Rest assured, when that button does work, though, no one presses it but the Queen— not even her sister. If you’ve got a sibling, you’ll totally relate to the hilarity of that moment.

The Queen grows envious when she hears glowing reviews of Margaret’s vacation in the U.S. She seemingly gets more resentful when she asks her sister to attend a dinner at the White House for diplomatic reasons, and she’s a hit. While Margaret’s antics are amusing, the real comedy gold comes from the exchange between the Queen and Prime Minister Harold Wilson. While we wouldn’t want to be in the Prime Minister’s shoes, his evident discomfort while recounting Margaret’s less-than-diplomatic behavior and “off-color” limericks is a riot. It’s even funnier when the Queen urges him to keep going. Her brief “bravo” at the end punctuates the hilarity perfectly.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Who’s Billy Jo-El?, “Avalanche”
Thanks, Ma’am, “For the Longest Time,” We Thought It Was Pronounced Billy Joel

Whatever Lascelles Drinks, “Vergangenheit”
Everyone’s Got Their Own Taste, We Guess the Prince Savors the Taste of a Sardonic Wit

Vidal Baboon, “Marionettes”
We Hear He’s Got Apeeling Style; Makes All His Clients Go Bananas!

Andrew Gets a Royal Roasting, “48:1”
Well, Someone Had to Say It

A Tug-Of-War of Determination, “48:1”
It’s a Real Constitutional Pull; Both Want to Reign Supreme

Erin Doherty’s Princess Anne stole the show in seasons three and four, thanks to her razor-sharp wit. A standout moment unfolds in season three when she’s called upon by the older family members to spill the tea on Charles and Camilla’s romance. Her grandmother urges her to stay calm and composed, sparking a sassy comeback from the Princess. Anne dishes out a neverending stream of brassy remarks, and each one is pure gold. Practically every time she opens her mouth, we’re laughing out loud. In the next season, she hilariously recounts the Diana-Charles-Camilla love triangle with unfiltered honesty. Here’s to the eternal reign of the Queen of Sass!

We’d be much obliged if one shared the moment that made one laugh the most in the comments.