God save the Queen!
"I have sent for a Mr John Brown from Balmoral.
"Her Majesty has mentioned him as being a most devoted outdoor servant to Prince Albert
"during his last days there.
"The depths of the Queen's sorrow remain impenetrable.
"She has restricted herself to a regime of ferocious introspection. We are all at our wits' end.
"The household continues at her instruction to observe the rituals now so familiar to her
"in a vain attempt to render vivid that which can never be revived.
"Family and staff expend all their efforts
"in endeavouring to draw her out of this state of unfettered morbidity, but to no avail.
"We must hope that this Mr Brown would appeal to the Queen's view
"that all Highlanders are good for the health."
Sorry, Ma'am.
"He is arriving with the Queen's pony this afternoon,
"by which time it is hoped Her Majesty will be in a fit state to consider riding out.
"As to that decision, along with all others,
"we remain prisoners of the Queen's grief.
"Ever your devoted husband, Henry."
Windsor.
Congratulations, Your Royal Highness.
A boy, I hear. Yes.
Excellent.
Albert Victor. Eddie for short. What do you think? A fine choice, sir.
Excellent.
How many?
The Royal Family and senior members of the household, Ma'am. Just those? Yes, Ma'am.
CLOCK STRIKES TWO
We're expecting Brown this afternoon, Ma'am. Whom?
That's a very pretty shawl you're wearing, Alex. The colour suits you well.
But you're not eating enough. One must not let vanity overrule one's appetite. Yes, Ma'am.
We were due at quarter past one. You're late.
The household remains in full mourning.
No-one is permitted to raise their voice under any circumstance.
The Queen breakfasts at 9.30, lunches at 2, takes tea at 5.30 and dinner at 8.45.
No-one is allowed to leave the building while the Queen is at home.
You are to be ready to walk the pony at any time after 10.
You will clean the Queen's outdoor things and do any odd jobs required. How will I know? I'm sorry?
How will I know the Queen's wishes? You'll be sent a message. Who'll bring it? Her Highness' equerry.
Who will know where I am? It will not be difficult to find you. That's not good enough.
We'll see what can be arranged. Aye. Do.
Remember you do not speak while in Her Majesty's presence unless Her Majesty addresses you directly.
Mr Brown, Ma'am.
(Mr Brown is here, Ma'am.)
Mr Brown.
Ma'am.
You are here safely. Aye, Ma'am.
You are well? I am.
And the pony? She's well, too.
Your family sent cards.
It was much appreciated. I'm glad of it.
My husband was always very complimentary in speaking of you.
He would have approved, I'm sure, of my calling on you in this way.
I trust it does not inconvenience you too much. I have no family, only my brothers and sisters. Yes.
You have a brother in service here, do you not? I forget his name.
Archie.
Yes.
That will be company for you.
Yes.
Honest to God, I never thought to see you in such a state. You must miss him dreadfully.
You do not...
He...
Get him out! Get him out!
GET HIM OUT!
So...the day they arrive, she greets the Sultan and his family briefly, then retires to her chamber.
The Sultan's not used to state occasions without a head of state. He's waiting to be told what to do.
The court is under instructions not to talk in the corridor so NOBODY speaks to him.
So now it's dinner, everyone's standing round the table, waiting for Her Majesty.
The Sultan's getting peckish. Finally, his wee laddie breaks for the cold meats and eats a slice.
Well, the uproar when she heard, you'd have thought somebody had stolen the crown jewels. So?
There are rules. All I did was tell her how I feel, for God's sake!
You don't tell Her Majesty how you feel. I speak as I find, Archie. Not down south, you don't.
So, what did Ponsonby do when she started shouting?
I think he nearly ruptured his truss.
Prince Leopold, doesn't he sit around bleeding all day? Does his valet wring out his bandages?
It's better than shovelling horse shit.
A healthier one would have been a better promotion prospect. She's hardly a full hamper herself.
It's only grief that's made her that way. Three years is a bit long. She loved him. Come on, man!
There's love and there's...
What? You know what I mean. I don't think I do, Archie.
There's love and there's behaving like you do because there's nobody to tell you not to.
So which one of us was she flirting with? The good-looking one.
Obviously doesn't have enough to do.
You work the system right, you could ask her yourself.
Be thankful you're not working for the household. The Queen never lets them out of her sight.
Wee spats like us can slip through the net easy. I'm no' a wee spat.
Who is that?
It's Mr Brown, Ma'am. What is he doing there? He appears to be standing by his horse, Ma'am.
I made no request to go out riding today. How long has he been there? He was observed earlier, I believe.
Sir Henry, Mr Brown is standing in the courtyard. I've no wish to go riding. I'm very sorry, Ma'am.
I can't imagine... He was certainly given no instructions.
Please make sure it does not happen again. Of course, Ma'am.
What did you think you were doing? Awaiting my orders. You only report for duty if the Queen requests it.
I didn't come all this way to sit on my arse. You will await your orders like everyone else.
Unless you prefer a repeat of yesterday's little excitement? No.
I beg your pardon?
You do not leave your room until Her Majesty requests it. You tell Her Majesty from me,
if her husband was here, he'd have her out getting some air! Why am I here?
Go inside at once. Is that the Queen's request?
Yes. It most certainly is.
Mr Brown?
Yes, Ma'am?
You have been told repeatedly not to stand in the courtyard unless requested to do so.
Yes, Ma'am. Then why do you persist in doing it?
I believe Her Majesty is wrong. If ever a poor soul needed fresh air, it's her.
The Queen will ride out if and when she chooses. And I intend to be there when she's ready.
Prince Albert was going to build a bench here. He thought it one of the best views in Osborne.
Aye, it's a fine spot, Ma'am. He thought so, yes.
In everything I do and everything I say, I try to think what he would do or say if he were here now.
My private secretary wishes me to return to public duties.
If Prince Albert was here, he'd tell him a thing or two. They all wish it.
The same people who refused to grant my husband the title of king
because he was deemed of insufficient rank.
I have some letters in my saddlebag. I'd like to read them.
I cannot read them like that.
Hand them to me as I require.
BUZZ OF CONVERSATION
SUDDEN SILENCE
Mr Carter, the head butler, sits there.
Not any more, he doesn't. This is my place.
By whose authority? My own.
The order of seating at the upper servants' table is arranged personally by the Queen herself.
That's tautology. If the Queen has arranged something, there's no need to say she's done it personally.
CONVERSATIONS RESUME
You're the Queen's dresser, I believe.
Assistant, sir, yes. What's your name? Mary Taylor, sir.
Have I seen you up at Balmoral? I hope to go up next year. Tell me,
what's the Queen reading for recreation? Lord Tennyson, sir.
SILENCE AGAIN
Am I the only one eating?
Lord Clarenden arrives at eleven o'clock,
followed by a picnic to celebrate Princess Alice's birthday.
The Chancellor writes to say that he will be in Cowes this weekend.
He asks if Your Majesty might grant him an audience.
Why? He thought Your Majesty might wish to be informed of the latest developments in government.
No, I shall be out walking.
Then perhaps Your Majesty might consider it opportune if the Prince of Wales were to meet him. No.
Mamma, I really do think it's time we made ourselves a little more available.
I think we must accept that our position in the country is not entirely unrelated
to the absence of the monarchy from public life. Perhaps a small gesture... Gesture?
A dinner for our ambassadors? No dinners.
Why are you dressed for outdoors? It's so cold in here. Cold is good.
Is that not so, Doctor Jenner?
I'm sorry, Ma'am? COLD is good?
Oh, excellent, Ma'am, excellent.
But perhaps if Her Majesty were to consider accompanying her new-found physical vigour with mental...
Why am I being lectured? Forgive me.
No-one will lecture me about my responsibilities... Mother!
Least of all my son whose behaviour drove my husband to his grave.
Perhaps Her Majesty might allow the Prince of Wales...
I believe they send so many boxes to taunt me. Dr Jenner writes that my nerves are in a fragile state,
yet they continue to hound me with box after box after box.
I wish to take the princesses for a swim.
The turns I have been taking in the grounds have proved most beneficial.
Brown thinks salt water will do me good.
Don't potter, children, swim!
You could buy that lot for garden ornaments and still get change from ten guineas.
Lift your foot, woman!
Walk on.
'This nation is fortunate in so much as it is not governed by force,'
but by a chain of traditions that have been cherished from generation to generation.
Hear! Hear!
In our traditions are embodied all the laws
that have enabled us to create the greatest empire of modern time. ROARS OF APPROVAL
But even though we have amassed great capital
and even though we have established an industry with no parallel in the world,
yet all these mighty creations are as nothing,
compared to the invisible customs which shape our lives.
To those honourable gentlemen, the Opposition,
that seek to destroy the essential elements of this country,
I say, let them remember, England cannot begin again!
LOUD CHEERING
Have you seen this?
< Order! Order!
Should we take it seriously?
The cartoon or the Queen's absence? Well, both.
The question is, do we need her? Surely you're not suggesting we dispense with the constitution?
My dear Stanley, a prime minister with only a handful of friends must respect public opinion.
Gossip counts. Lord Aberdeen was right. This country is not governed by wisdom, but by talk.
We could winkle the old girl out of mourning,
but if public opinion is against her, it doesn't do to appear too close. So?
We'll see which way the wind blows.
EXUBERANT CRIES
My heart's in the Highlands!
My heart is not here!
My heart's in the Highlands chasing the deer!
One box of biscuits, one box of drop tablets, one box of pralines, 16 chocolate sponges.
It's the same order every week. No-one bothers to check it.
The woman's going to Balmoral tomorrow without the one wee luxury she enjoys. Someone will send it on.
Will they? It's not your problem what she eats.
The woman's surrounded by fools.
She's supposed to be ready tomorrow morning, half past seven.
She won't even be dressed by eight.
She's got an army of people to help her. But I'm the only one she trusts.
She'll blow hot and cold on you, John. She always does. Be careful.
I get £90 a year, plus another 70 for a pile of old tartan that I'd be wearing anyway.
That's what a page of the back stairs gets - and they're toffs.
Aye, I'm Her Majesty's HIGHLAND SERVANT,
indoors and out.
There's no stopping me now.
BAGPIPES ARE PLAYING
Oh, God! The pipes.
What are those? What?
Over there. Craobhan-geanmchno-fhiadhaich.
Craobhan... I can't say that with a straight face!
I'm thinking of publishing my Highland journals.
Are they worth reading? I'm told so. By whom? Sir Henry Ponsonby tells me they're charming.
What does he know about the Highlands? He attends at Balmoral.
That hardly makes him an expert!
His remarks were directed at the quality of writing.
I groom a horse to keep it clean, not to have it admired by others.
I do not do it for others, but Ponsonby thinks they're good. You should say what YOU think.
I always say what I think. Well, if it's a good opinion you want, he's the very man to oblige you.
Mr Ponsonby appreciates their literary merit,
a skill not intimately associated with a knowledge of grooming.
Literary appreciation does not begin and end with Tennyson.
I mention you in them.
In particular, the occasion when Albert was alive.
The Royal carriage overturned during a storm and you demonstrated such loyal service,
in returning the Queen and princesses safely to Balmoral.
For friendship.
She'll be gone between 8 o'clock and 6 o'clock on Friday, visiting the Grant family.
In order to make the journey there and back in one day, she must have no distractions the night before.
She will retire early. She'll need to sign dispatches. That can wait.
It's important. It can wait!
Are you sure Her Majesty is up to such a long journey?
If I didn't think she was up to it, I wouldn't let her go, would I?
The gentlemen should decide when to stop. It is a disgusting habit. Isn't midnight a little excessive?
It is quite late enough. That room has been a smoking room ever since Father built...
Brown has too much to do during the day without having to stay up all night, waiting for you to go to bed.
The smoking room will be closed and the lights put out at 12 o'clock. Mamma! That is my last word on this.
It's intolerable that the gentlemen of the house are dictated to by a servant. It's the Queen's decision.
Beg your pardon! ..Mamma!
I think you should go now. You've tired your mother enough.
FIRE HISSES There's really no need for this.
I'll not have her seeing it like it is. It's the last thing she expects.
I wish she'd warned us. She knows if she warned you you'd be throwing water on the fire, hiding knitting.
You can't stop a wife from being houseproud.
All right, show her in.
Fine.
They're ready for you now, Ma'am. I hope they didn't go to any trouble, John. Ah, well.
Ma'am...
Mr Grant, how good it is to see you.
Your Majesty. Mrs Grant. How's your knee?
Not so bad, Ma'am. Good.
Oh, and here are Douglas and John!
Haven't you grown?!
Growing all the time, Ma'am.
Would you care to sit, Ma'am? Thank you.
I know that.
That's Cairn Lochan.
We picnicked there once, John, did we not? Aye, we did indeed, Ma'am.
HUM OF CONVERSATION
Thank you.
Ah, the greasy pole! Don't be facetious, dear. Remember your position.
It's my position I'm thinking of.
I see the Prince of Wales is here. I hope he has Mamma's permission.
Ah, Lord Salisbury!
Why is the Queen penny wise and pound foolish?
Because she looks after the Browns and lets the sovereigns take care of themselves!
- In your opinion, IS she foolish? - Well, I mean to say, it's hardly right, is it?
What?
Well, the Queen and...Mr Brown.
La superstition met le monde entier en flammes.
I beg your pardon?
- Has anyone seen this Mr Brown? - He is her personal servant, I believe.
- He follows her wherever she goes. - That IS the duty of a personal servant.
Excuse me.
It's not my best china. I mean, it is my best china now.
The family set got stolen. I'm sorry.
It was no-one on the estate. More likely a lad out from Braemar.
Or further, even.
I'll fetch the salt.
Mr Disraeli. ..Ma'am. Your Royal Highness. What a pleasure to see you here.
Have you met Mr Lyle? He's in sugar.
I haven't had that pleasure.
Mr Lyle. The fascinating thing...
You've heard the rumours? I take no account of gossip, Your Highness.
My concern is the reputation of the monarchy. Of course.
I fear the influence he has on her. The man's word is not to be credited.
He's an arriviste of the very lowest water.
You know, she's having a bust cast of him in Nero Marquino marble!
I'd talked to her myself, but she won't listen to me.
She must be persuaded by someone she respects to abandon this ridiculous favouritism before...
a "situation" develops.
A situation?
Look, the fact that we are not members of the republican clubs,
should not blind us to the significance of their existence.
The Tory party has always been OUR party. I'm flattered you think so.
If we don't stick together on this, you could find yourself... the first president's opposition,
du Royaume Uni. Oh, quite!
I really don't think we can overstate the seriousness of this.
What did he want? To know when he'll be King.
Grant and I are riding on Lochnagar on the worst imaginable night.
The rain is coming down in sheets. We want to get home for a wee drink.
Suddenly, through the gloom, Grant sees a couple of poachers, gives me the shout, and we were off,
galloping down the hill after them. He got there first, leaps off his horse like a man possessed,
grabs the two unfortunate men by the throat. He was shouting, he was swearing at the top of his voice.
He looks into the eyes of the smallest one and says, "Why are you poaching on Royal land?"
The poor wee man looks up at him, and says, "Because we've come up in the world!"
Oh, dearie me!
Your Majesty, thank goodness you're safe. I'll have a bath prepared immediately.
I recommend Macdonald's African embrocation. The woman's fine, man.
We stayed longer than expected. It was most agreeable.
We expected you to return by six. And now I'm back. And we had a wee nip of whisky. To keep out the cold.
Aye.
Thank you, John.
She's drunk.
A distinct flushing around the cheeks. She was drunk, I tell you!
No, she wasn't.
Surely not. Don't even think it.
MERRY FIDDLE MUSIC IS PLAYING
MUSIC ENDS WITH A FLOURISH
Pandora's box.
SNORING
PIPERS PLAY A SLOW MARCH
Which one is he? The TALL one.
Got him?
Aye. >
What is it? John?
I won't be long.
Where did he go to? I've lost him.
Don't know if there's much worth writing about. Hard to tell.
Is this close enough for you, boys?
Go on! Get out of it!
On your way! Back where you belong!
Filthy scavengers!
Leave her alone! Do you hear?
If I catch the miserable by-blow who told those people the Queen's whereaboots,
I'll cut his balls off and hing them oot to dry.
What happens to John Brown is his business,
but the Queen's security will NEVER be compromised.
What action...? YOU'LL TALK...when I'm finished.
That kind of disloyalty will not be tolerated in this house. Is that clear?
IS THAT CLEAR? Yes, Mr Brown.
"Court circular, Balmoral. On Tuesday,
"Mr John Brown attended a display of sheep-dipping by local farmers.
"On Wednesday, he attended a seance where he was pleased to listen to a recital of Auld Lang Syne
"by Mr Robert Burns himself.
"On Thursday, Mr John Brown walked on the slopes, accompanied by family and friend."
"At tea, he partook of haggis. Later, he attended a recital of bagpipe music through the ages.
"After a light supper, Mr John Brown retired early."
If I find you had ANYTHING to do with this, I'll have you sacked.
That decision is Her Majesty's. I could persuade her.
I don't doubt the Queen was highly amused. This is a slur on her good name.
You must accept that the public has a right to its interest in you. NOBODY has rights over me.
We are all of us subject to forces beyond our control, Mr Brown...
even you.
You'll regret saying that.
HUBBUB IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
Order!
Order! Order!
Order!
The result of the vote to the motion to disestablish the Irish Church...
Order!
Ayes to the right, 330.
Nos to the left, 265. ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING
Order! Order! >
UPROAR CONTINUES
Mr Speaker!
I table a motion in furtherance of the bill to disestablish the monarchy!
SHOUTING IS EVEN LOUDER
We're going to lose.
Gladstone's got his party facing the same way for the first time in years.
We need help. Where is the old girl?
Who? Mrs Brown.
There's nothing to gain there. She's never been less popular.
In the press, perhaps, but she sold more copies of her Highland Journal in three months
than Punch sells in a year. It's time to wheel her out. She's refusing to leave Balmoral.
What's the excuse this time? Princess Louise is too ill to move.
Frankly, the Queen is rather upset about the recent spate of bad publicity. You're smiling.
I'm trying to imagine "rather upset".
Forgive me, gentlemen, I'm late.
Not at all, Dean. I came as quickly as I could.
You've seen the latest cartoon in Punch? I beg your pardon?
There has been a call for the disestablishment of the monarchy.
Good Lord! I'm sure it won't come to that.
It is now a matter for each man's conscience.
It is vital that the nation should feel the visible influence of the sovereign as a reminder
that Parliament depends on the will of the Queen.
I couldn't agree with you more, but I am only Dean of Windsor.
I don't understand what... We hear from Balmoral that Mr Brown has been interesting Her Majesty
in some of the forms of worship associated with...
low church presbyterian.
What can we do?
Oh, several things.
Read it. Again?
READ IT.
"The Times wishes to join the rest of Her Majesty's loyal subjects
"in expressing its joy at the news that the Queen is soon to come out of mourning." Who told them that?
I have no idea. Why not? I am no wiser than yourself.
It is not for any of the Queen's subjects to tell Her Majesty when she should come out of mourning.
It is the Queen's sorrow that keeps her secluded.
It is her overwhelming amount of work and responsibility that is wearing her out. Your Majesty...
Not only is she uncheered and unguided, she also has to suffer these malicious rumours.
I am not a fool. I know there are those too afraid to attack me so they attack my dearest friends.
Sometimes...
I feel Brown is all I have left of Albert.
And now they attack Brown, too.
I will NOT give him up to them.
I wish to see my mother. She's busy. Then convey her a message. Talk to her at Windsor tomorrow.
Tell her I wish to speak with her urgently concerning the press. Are you deaf as well as stupid?
What did you say?
I said... "Are you deaf as well as stupid?"
Do you know who you address, sir?
WHOM you address. Get out of my way!
WHY DON'T YOU JUST LEAVE US ALONE?
You boy, what's your business here? Under porter, sir. Well, don't stand where you shouldn't.
Eh, Barney!
Mr Brown, sir. It's a cold one out there tonight, Barney.
Have you had a look at this hoof? I think there might be a stone in it. Yeah, I d-did.
Good. And she's all right? Yeah.
Good.
She's a good girl, aren't you?
You know the Queen's riding her tomorrow? Yeah. You all right?
Oh, aye?
Come on, you!
Come on!
THEY LAUGH
DOOR OPENS
Well?
Mr Brown is unable to attend today.
Why?
I believe he is unwell, Ma'am. Unwell?
I understand he was in a fight.
Has he been hurt? I believe not, Ma'am.
I understand... he'd had rather too much to drink.
You may go.
And she's sent no word?
They said you were drunk.
Why don't you tell her the truth?
She'll think it's her fault for keeping me.
What the hell are you doing? I'm getting dressed.
You've got three broken ribs, man. I've got my duties to attend to. You're not fit to go anywhere.
She'll be worried about me. She'll get over it.
I can't let her down now. And when was the last time she put herself out for you?
Look, John, whatever she says to you now, in the end, you're a servant. I am MUCH more than that.
The woman can tell you anything. Watch your tongue!
I'm telling you what you already know. You know nothing about her.
When are you going to see it, John? She doesn't give a damn about you.
From the Queen.
"My lips may give a message better of Christmas love than e'en this letter.
"To my best friend, JB. From his best friend, VR."
"BEST friend." Aye.
She means it!
She'll drop you.
When she's done with you, she'll drop you. Get out.
Get out! GET OUT!
OUT!
..then a visit from Lady Bridport. She is keen to secure a place for her niece as maid of honour.
I'm tired.
Um...there is one other matter.
What is it?
I have a letter, Ma'am. From whom?
From Princess Helena and other members of the Royal family.
My family is quite capable of communicating with the Queen in person.
What do they want?
They are demanding the dismissal of Mr Brown on grounds of drunkenness.
You wished to see me, Ma'am?
My husband tried always to make me think more subtly.
Of course, he taught me so much.
And I can never repay my debt to him,
or the love I feel even now.
But, in truth...
I think I am someone...
..who can only feel things...
..when they are alive to me.
And for that reason, I know I do not have a subtle mind.
I know that.
But I work hard and I...
try to do my duty.
However...
..I have noticed of late...
..that...
my feelings of grief...
..are not so strong.
And I find myself leaning...
..more on the comfort of living friends.
Friends close to me now.
Your Majesty, a settled resignation...
..is more lasting proof of affection than active grief.
If the good Lord sees fit to bring one into contact with congenial fellow beings,
one need not analyse one's reaction too deeply.
To allow oneself to be comforted by someone else
need not imply disloyalty
to the memory of the loved one.
Sir Henry.
Please tell the Princess and other signatories to this letter
that the Queen will NOT be dictated to or made to alter in any way
what she has found to answer for her comfort.
Do I make myself clear? Ma'am.
You may go.
I would like to get down.
I was told you were in a fight. Yes, Ma'am.
Has someone seen to those bruises? Yes, Ma'am.
Ma'am...having considered my position here in court,
I have come to the conclusion that in Your Majesty's best interests, I should resign.
I do not accept. I had foreseen that you would not.
But Your Majesty should understand that I will not be changed in this. I leave for Deeside...
The Queen forbids it.
I cannot allow it
because I cannot live without you.
Without you, I cannot find the strength to be who I must be.
Please.
Promise me you won't let them send me back.
I promise.
DISRAELI: Yesterday, Gladstone talked for three hours on the Irish Church bill.
I am as guilty as the rest of underestimating his reforming zeal.
Tory days may be numbered,
but I fancy there yet remains one last hope of deliverance.
Wheresoever the blame lies,
we must now close ranks and defend Mrs Brown's England.
As for my interminable journey to the land of Calvin, oatcakes and sulphur,
no prime minister made greater sacrifice
than attempting to run the country 600 miles north of civilisation.
# A Highland lad my love was born
# The Lowland laws he held in scorn
# But he still was faithful to his clan
# My gallant braw John Highlandman
# Sing hey, my braw John Highlandman Sing ho, my braw John Highlandman
# There's no' a lad in all the land
# Was match with my John Highlandman
# They banished him beyond the sea But ere the bud was on the tree
# Adown my cheek the pearlies ran Embracing... #
How DARE the Irish break with the Anglicans?!
If Albert were alive, he would not have allowed it.
The Irish must be told very firmly to stay exactly where they are.
It's the thin end of the wedge, Mr Disraeli.
Next, you will say that the Crown no longer governs this nation.
Your Majesty remains at the very epicentre of governance.
Look no further the sales of your Highland Journals
to see in what affection the nation holds their queen.
Why, you sold even more copies than Mr Dickens.
But I lack your prose, Mr Disraeli.
Of course, I understand your concern. You miss your people and they miss you.
Then they may read about me. Indeed. And for that, they are grateful.
Is that not enough? In SO many ways.
And yet...
it is your presence they crave.
A figurehead.
I never thought to be bullied by you, Mr Disraeli. You I thought understood a widow's grief.
Forgive me, Ma'am. I cannot speak for the nation, only for myself.
As Prime Minister, I confess I miss your presence.
But that is an expression of my own selfish desires and I should not burden you with it.
I stay here because I am happy.
Is that such a terrible crime?
No, Ma'am.
Time for your walk.
This is my good John Brown.
Yes. He will show you a little of Highland life while you're at Balmoral.
What brings you here? A man can refuse only so many invitations from his queen.
It was remiss of me not to come earlier. What do you know of the Highlands? I am a blank sheet.
Do you hunt? Occasionally.
I dare say we could have you taught. To shoot, perhaps, but not to kill. If you hunt, you hunt to kill.
Well, then, I'll do my best.
Remember, keep it very tight to your shoulder, absorb the kick with your body,
aim for the head, bang!
Imagine it's Gladstone. Quite.
No, thank you.
Back door, west wing. Checked and locked, sir.
Front door, west wing. Checked and locked, sir.
Side door, east wing. Checked and locked, sir.
Kitchen, lower house. Checked and locked...sir.
Back and upper corridors. Checked and locked, sir.
Front door...
checked and locked.
Did you see any Irish assassins today, Mr Brown? OTHERS LAUGH
We heard the ponies were Fenian sympathisers.
Or was it the stag?
There's not a soul in here cares about that wee woman's safety except me.
She'd be dead in a ditch...if I wasnae here to look out for her.
Do you hear that?
Oh!
What's this?
It's a diary.
Be careful who sees it.
What do you take me for?
You should have someone look at you. I'm all right.
I just need to rest up a wee while.
You don't need to stay.
The place is a mess.
I can't move to tidy. That's what the maids are for.
I don't need some prattler going through my things.
Give yourself a rest, John.
She's other people to look out for her.
She needs me, Archie.
Can't do it without me. Told me to my face.
How can I stop now?
JOHN IS BREATHLESS
You sent for me?
I've been called back to London.
My last day, I thought I might take a walk up Lochnagar.
"Princes and lords are but the breath of kings
"An honest man's the noblest work of God."
You must... miss such magnificent views.
I don't think about it.
Oh, forgive me. I've called you out and you should have been resting.
I'm fine. You are injured. It's nothing.
Someone must attend to it. Your wife should not have let you out.
I'm not married.
Oh.
This is the top.
TAKES A DEEP BREATH
I confess, I sometimes feel as if I'm not married myself. I see my wife so little.
But I'm forgetting the rewards, the look on their faces, when one walks into a room.
It gives one a ridiculous thrill. Well, I wouldn't know. Oh, surely!
What I do, I do for my queen. Was there never ambition?
Maybe...once.
Oh, I envy you.
Why?
To have achieved one's ambition, or to have reconciled oneself to its limits.
It's a lifetime's work. I do what I do. For Her Majesty. Aye.
But yourself, what about John Brown?
I told you.
I serve my queen.
And no other aspiration?
To see her safe.
You will not be unaware of the threat now posed by republicanism.
Why d'you think I've kept her here? Ah, but therein lies the paradox.
It is her very isolation that encourages the malcontents.
The longer she is away, the stronger they become and who, honestly, can provide security against that?
However many doors you lock, someone will always get in, even here.
So?
The truth is the Queen would be safer doing her duty and returning south to her public.
John Bull loves her and John Bull is her best defence.
Her mind is set. You'll never change it now.
She trusts you, John.
They don't see it.
See what?
The danger. I keep telling them, but they don't see it.
They're not as watchful as you. Too busy thinking about themselves.
The greasy pole. No loyalty.
No...
love.
I promised to protect her... from people like you.
For once in my life, I am not the issue!
She'll never understand it.
Oh, in time, she will.
She'll think I've betrayed her.
But others will know that you acted for the greater good.
I received a letter today from Mr Disraeli.
Parliament are calling for my return to public duties.
He insists the country expects me to preside over the opening of the new session.
I refuse to offer sustenance to enable his weakening grip.
Besides, you know how much I would hate it.
It frightens me.
John?
We can't always have what we wish.
You talk about DUTY? When duty and safety are served by the same ends, I do. How can you say this?
I relied on you!! Have I ever let you down? After all you promised me.
I've broken no promise! You're forcing me to do what I fear most. I'm trying to see you safe, woman!
You've broken the promise you made me!
When I took you out riding, come rain or shine, got the bairns off your back to give you peace,
saw you safe from home to home when you didnae even know if I was there,
all I ever thought about was you! Why send me back to them? I have to.
Will you no' listen to me, woman?
Do not presume to talk to your queen in that manner.
Dr Jenner, I feel unwell.
I shall retire to my chamber.
Please attend me presently. Ma'am.
Ma'am.
May I say how glad I am to see Your Majesty so much recovered.
Where is my son?
Prince Albert is at Windsor, Ma'am.
Why is he not here?
He is sick, Ma'am.
Then why are you not with him?
You ordered all members of the Royal Family to attend you at Balmoral.
What's the matter with him?
He has typhoid fever, Ma'am.
No, you are mistaken.
Prince Albert, my husband, had typhoid fever. I asked what was wrong with my son.
The same, Your Majesty.
Why was I not informed?
I did not consider it wise in the circumstances to tax your nerves.
How ill is he?
Alex?
He is not well, Ma'am.
I must go to him. We must leave at once.
'As quickly as you can.'
Better.
If the good Lord should see fit to spare my son, I will order a mass to be celebrated at St George's.
The people must share with their Queen her prayers and hopes for their future King.
The Queen will be riding to St George's on the fifth.
I recommend Her Majesty use a covered carriage and a horse guard.
I will ride in an open carriage. It is time the Queen was seen by her public.
CROWD IS CHEERING
NO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O!
And so there is Arthur O'Connor, all seven stone of the man, paddling madly towards us,
waving what looked rather like a pen.
I thought it was of Mother's ardent readership in search of the royal indenture!
I believe I saw him first. I alerted Brown, not convinced that he wasn't taking a snooze on top of the steps!
Anyway, so we had our man pinned down and I must say that Brown acquitted himself admirably.
The gun turned out to be a fake, but nonetheless, it was...well done.
OTHERS AGREE
I intend Brown to be rewarded with a special medal cast in gold.
It will be called the Devoted Service Medal.
A toast.
Victoria Regina.
ALL: Victoria Regina!
I saw your face there as well, Sir Henry. I think you were sneaking behind the character.
LAUGHTER
DISRAELI: The people of England have expressed in a manner which cannot be mistaken
that they will uphold the ancient monarchy of England.
Go to your homes, teach them these truths...
A land of liberty, of prosperity...
of power...
and of glory!
SHOUTS OF APPROVAL
'We should not live in expectation of contentment.
'Fifteen years of vigilance will not guarantee peace of mind.
'Yesterday, intruders were again reported in the south wing.
'I believe my prompt arrival may have averted any crisis, but it was a timely reminder.
'It is a great comfort to me
'that my efforts in securing the Queen's safety over the years have not been in vain.
'Her Majesty sends me no word that she is dissatisfied.
'I feel sure that, if she were unhappy, she would have found the occasion to speak to me in person,
'as she has so often done in the past.'
LOUD KNOCKING What is it? North Wood, sir.
God save the Queen!
How long has he been this sick? A few days, Ma'am.
Why was I not told earlier?
KNOCK AT DOOR
You should never have gone out in such foul weather.
SOMEONE has to look after you.
It could have been someone.
It was before.
Yes. Yes, it was.
My ministers are as impertinent as ever.
Dispatches so numerous they come in a trunk. Sometimes I do believe they will never stop.
Endless letters.
I know I've not always been the loyal friend that you deserved, John.
And even now I'm feeling desperate with the thought of losing you.
Don't be silly, woman.
Not too near.
Cause of death was pneumonia. Not too protracted, I hope.
A few days.
When he heard, the Prince of Wales threw the bust over the wall of the North Tower.
Took four hours to gather the fragments.
The Queen wishes to publish an account of him. Dear-oh-dear.
We think she can be dissuaded.
Have you had a glance at the diary?
Yes.
Quite.
I think I'd best take it back. Oh, of course.
Where did you find it, by the way?
Oh, some young page was boasting about having seen it. ..Lucky.
Well, no rest for the wicked, Henry!
No...indeed.
Subtitles by Dorothy Moore BBC - 1997
E-mail us at subtitling@bbc.co.uk