Hail To The Queen
Given her powerhouse performance as Queen Elizabeth II in the acclaimed second season of The Crown, it really is no surprise that Claire Foy managed to walk away with the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama series. While she is set to be replaced by older yet equally dazzling actress Olivia Coleman in the show’s third season, what better time to look back on her most astounding moments from the show’s first season?
#5: Churchill Deceives the Queen
“Scientia Potentia Estâ€
Although Churchill is dedicated to the crown, he’s also determined to preserve his place in government. After suffering a stroke, he hides his health from Elizabeth at the risk of being replaced. Carrying out his duties from bed, Churchill keeps her in the dark for a while, but the cat inevitably comes out of the bag. This builds to a powerful meeting where the young Queen gives her aging Prime Minister a stern lecture regarding loyalty, betrayal, and the wedge that’s been driven between them. The most poignant moment of all occurs as Churchill confesses that his days in office are likely numbered. That’s okay, however, as Elizabeth has come so far since her coronation.
#4: The Only Person I Have Ever Loved Is You
“Assassinsâ€
Throughout the first season, it’s occasionally implied that Prince Philip wasn’t entirely faithful to Elizabeth during her early reign. Regardless, Philip grows increasingly jealous when his wife starts spending more time with Lord Porchester, aka Porchie. As the tension reaches its boiling point, Elizabeth lays all of her cards on the table with the camera zooming in on her face. In a moment that finds the Queen simultaneously at her most domineering and her most vulnerable, she admits that a life with Porchie might’ve been easier. There’s just one problem: Philip is the only person she has ever loved. While they eventually reconcile, the distance between Elizabeth and Philip has never been more apparent.
#3: God Save the Queen
“Smoke and Mirrorsâ€
Season 1’s midpoint begins with a flashback to May 1937, a mere day before King George’s coronation. A little Elizabeth sees the pressure her father is under as she helps him prepare for the big day. Then in one of the show’s most effective edits, we jump ahead almost fifteen years to a grownup Elizabeth trying on the crown. This opening perfectly complements the episode’s conclusion, as the Queen is finally crowned at Westminster Abbey. Draped in royal attire, Elizabeth has the appearance of a goddess. Underneath it all, though, is an ordinary young woman. Something similar could be said about Elizabeth’s father, who was a modest man behind all the smoke and mirrors.
#2: Margaret & Peter Pulled Apart
“Geligniteâ€
Elizabeth and Margaret are kind of like Frozen’s Elsa and Anna… minus the ice powers. One’s very restrained and even cold at times. The other is an outgoing princess eager to get married. Since Peter Townsend is a divorcee, his union with Margaret would go against the Church of England, putting the Queen in a difficult position. Elizabeth initially promises to support the marriage after Margaret turns 25, but she’s unable to keep her word. Watching Elizabeth deliver the news is nothing short of heartbreaking, as Margaret not only loses the man she loves, but her sister as well. Shattered over Elizabeth’s decision, Margaret is unable to let it go.
#1: I Beg You Make an Exception
“Smoke and Mirrorsâ€
Though there’s no denying who wears the crown, Elizabeth and Philip frequently butt heads over who wears the pants in the family. Their power struggle hits an all-time high with Elizabeth’s coronation on the horizon. Philip feels that he shouldn’t have to kneel before his wife at the ceremony, leading to a confrontation that’s as intense as it is understated. The Duke of Edinburgh insists that Elizabeth make an exception for him, to which she responds with one word: “No.†Putting her roles into perspective, Elizabeth makes it clear that she might be Philip’s wife, but she’s also the bloody Queen. In short, Philip’s position in life will always be a step below hers.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Facts The Crown Got Right.
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