1 00:00:11,760 --> 00:00:14,680 Queen's critic is at it again! 2 00:00:14,760 --> 00:00:16,280 Peer attacks the Queen! 3 00:00:16,360 --> 00:00:17,280 Thank you. 4 00:00:17,360 --> 00:00:18,920 Queen's critic! 5 00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:22,640 Queen's critic is at it again! 6 00:00:22,720 --> 00:00:24,400 Good morning, Jack. Good morning, sir. 7 00:00:25,040 --> 00:00:26,920 I'll take one of each this morning, please. 8 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:30,000 And the Sunday as well. Oh, a bit of light reading, eh? 9 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:31,640 That's right. 10 00:00:32,680 --> 00:00:36,880 Queen's critic is at it again! Peer attacks the Queen! 11 00:00:52,600 --> 00:00:54,560 No, I shan't have anything. 12 00:00:55,480 --> 00:00:56,360 Sorry, dear. 13 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:25,160 I think he's right. Do you? 14 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:28,840 Yeah. Now I think about it, she is a bit priggish. 15 00:01:54,440 --> 00:01:55,920 Here he comes, here he comes. 16 00:01:56,480 --> 00:01:57,760 There he is. 17 00:01:57,840 --> 00:02:00,560 Please, gentlemen. Don't push. 18 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:02,920 Lord Altrincham? Yes. 19 00:02:06,680 --> 00:02:07,960 You traitor! 20 00:02:42,920 --> 00:02:43,760 Really? 21 00:02:46,320 --> 00:02:47,160 Really? 22 00:02:50,600 --> 00:02:51,880 Really? 23 00:02:52,800 --> 00:02:57,920 Well, I shall certainly let Her Majesty know. Thank you. 24 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:03,160 Time and tide, Mr. Conservator. 25 00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:05,880 Wait for no man, Private Secretary. 26 00:03:05,960 --> 00:03:08,720 Good afternoon to you. Good afternoon, sir. 27 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:21,440 What is it now? 28 00:03:22,920 --> 00:03:26,120 Lord Altrincham has been struck. 29 00:03:28,840 --> 00:03:29,880 Dumb, I hope. 30 00:03:30,480 --> 00:03:31,800 Better than that, ma'am. 31 00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:33,600 In the face. 32 00:03:34,480 --> 00:03:36,200 Quite forcefully, I'm told. 33 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:41,400 By whom? Which gallant and chivalrous individual? 34 00:03:41,480 --> 00:03:44,280 Afraid we don't have those details yet, ma'am. 35 00:03:45,040 --> 00:03:48,600 The incident occurred outside the television studios, 36 00:03:49,160 --> 00:03:53,080 and the perpetrator is now on his way to the Bow Street Police Station, 37 00:03:53,520 --> 00:03:56,320 where we expect him to be released without charge. 38 00:03:57,780 --> 00:03:59,220 How very gratifying. 39 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:01,920 Yes. Very. 40 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:03,640 Which television studios? 41 00:04:04,240 --> 00:04:06,920 The Independent Television Network Studios, ma'am, 42 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:10,440 where Altrincham had just recorded an interview. 43 00:04:11,320 --> 00:04:12,600 For what? 44 00:04:13,033 --> 00:04:16,753 A program appropriately called Impact. 45 00:04:16,913 --> 00:04:17,913 When will it air? 46 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:21,560 Tonight, ma'am. Nine o'clock. 47 00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:43,000 Tell the people. Tell them on television. 48 00:04:43,080 --> 00:04:47,200 Questions in the public mind, answered by people in the public eye. 49 00:04:48,200 --> 00:04:51,440 This is Impact, the program that examines 50 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:54,000 the most important matters of the moment 51 00:04:54,080 --> 00:04:57,040 and brings the debate to you at home. Sorry I'm late. 52 00:04:57,120 --> 00:04:58,960 Robin Day puts the questions. 53 00:04:59,040 --> 00:05:00,000 It's just starting. 54 00:05:01,440 --> 00:05:04,920 Tonight, we have a man who, because of press activity in recent days, 55 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:08,040 probably needs no introduction, Lord Altrincham. 56 00:05:08,120 --> 00:05:09,440 In the space of just a few days, 57 00:05:09,520 --> 00:05:12,320 his inflammatory and deeply personal attacks on the Queen 58 00:05:12,345 --> 00:05:14,825 in a periodical of which he is also publisher, 59 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:17,120 have become the most pressing issue of the day 60 00:05:17,200 --> 00:05:19,960 and caused something of a constitutional crisis. 61 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:24,280 So, I'd like to begin by asking Lord Altrincham a simple question. 62 00:05:24,360 --> 00:05:26,120 She's our head of state, 63 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:28,920 loved, respected and admired throughout the world, 64 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:31,920 so why do you hate her so very much? 65 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:52,880 National and English Review, two shillings! 66 00:06:52,960 --> 00:06:55,160 Your National and English Review! 67 00:06:55,240 --> 00:06:56,720 Morning, Fred! Good morning, sir. 68 00:06:57,520 --> 00:07:00,320 National and English Review, two shillings! 69 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:01,720 far too long. 70 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:04,720 People are beginning to notice, and that is why the... 71 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:10,640 And that is why the ending of doctrinal tests 72 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:14,000 and the introduction of women priests is the only viable solution 73 00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:15,560 for saving the Church of England, 74 00:07:16,080 --> 00:07:17,400 an institution that is becoming 75 00:07:17,480 --> 00:07:20,680 increasingly outdated and irrelevant hour by hour. 76 00:07:21,440 --> 00:07:23,120 Who's got a thousand words for me on that? 77 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:26,440 Hello, Patricia. Would anyone like some toffee? 78 00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:29,040 Bring it over here, Patricia darling. 79 00:07:34,080 --> 00:07:37,680 Oh, divine. Much like Patricia herself. 80 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:40,120 Come, come, my dear. Be seated. 81 00:07:42,560 --> 00:07:46,320 Right. If no one's keen on the church story, 82 00:07:46,400 --> 00:07:47,560 I can knock something up. 83 00:07:47,960 --> 00:07:50,400 Now, a piece on reforming the House of Lords. 84 00:07:50,480 --> 00:07:52,640 Dermot, you were going to look at that, weren't you? 85 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:56,040 Something nutty about it? Mm, molasses. 86 00:07:56,120 --> 00:07:59,320 And Europe, we need to work out our official stance. 87 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:02,800 Are we for or against a single European market? 88 00:08:05,520 --> 00:08:06,600 Are we in or out? 89 00:08:09,120 --> 00:08:12,080 Toffee, John? Oh, you must try some, John. 90 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:14,640 I'm afraid I have a thing against toffee. 91 00:08:17,480 --> 00:08:18,920 Why didn't I know that? 92 00:08:20,360 --> 00:08:22,000 You can't know everything about me. 93 00:08:24,720 --> 00:08:27,360 It's not the taste I object to so much. 94 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:30,280 I just have... painful memories. 95 00:08:31,880 --> 00:08:36,360 As a child, I was sitting in a dentist's chair 96 00:08:36,440 --> 00:08:38,000 because of a piece of toffee I ate. 97 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:41,880 Mm. 98 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:44,120 Oh, Lord. 99 00:08:45,560 --> 00:08:46,440 Not again. 100 00:08:47,520 --> 00:08:48,360 Sorry. 101 00:08:49,520 --> 00:08:50,640 I've... 102 00:08:51,880 --> 00:08:54,120 "Perhaps you don't understand 103 00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:57,960 that on your steadfastness and ability to withstand 104 00:08:58,040 --> 00:09:01,280 the fatigue of dull, repetitive work, 105 00:09:01,360 --> 00:09:06,840 and your great courage in meeting constant small adversities, 106 00:09:07,440 --> 00:09:10,720 depend, in great measure, the happiness and prosperity 107 00:09:11,360 --> 00:09:14,720 of the community... as a whole. 108 00:09:19,120 --> 00:09:22,160 The upward course of a nation's history 109 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:26,000 is due, in the long run, to the soundness of heart 110 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:28,760 of its average men and women." 111 00:09:29,680 --> 00:09:30,800 Um... 112 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:34,840 Working men and women? 113 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:39,800 It has a touch more dignity, uh... 114 00:09:45,880 --> 00:09:47,520 No, I think "average" is fine. 115 00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:03,520 Thought you might be interested to see this. 116 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:07,720 It's a draft of the speech the Queen's going to give in a week's time. 117 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:11,720 I don't mind telling you I felt a bit uneasy about it. 118 00:10:15,640 --> 00:10:16,480 Sir. 119 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:27,720 Yes? 120 00:10:28,680 --> 00:10:31,280 Sir, forgive me if I'm interfering beyond my station... 121 00:10:38,440 --> 00:10:40,080 Tommy. Martin. 122 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:44,000 You were about to interfere beyond your station. 123 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:48,091 Uh, it's concerning the speech 124 00:10:48,116 --> 00:10:50,024 the Queen is due to give next week 125 00:10:50,600 --> 00:10:52,320 at the Jaguar car factory. 126 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:55,800 What about it? I was just... wondering 127 00:10:55,825 --> 00:10:57,145 if you were happy with it. 128 00:11:00,440 --> 00:11:02,480 Well, obviously I'm happy with it, 129 00:11:02,560 --> 00:11:04,800 or I wouldn't have shown it to Her Majesty 130 00:11:04,880 --> 00:11:08,240 for the approval which she immediately gave. 131 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:11,920 Did the Queen read it? She didn't need to. 132 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:16,160 She merely asked if I was happy. I replied in the affirmative. 133 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:21,280 That was good enough for Her Majesty. Hm. 134 00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:25,920 But I can see that the really important question is, 135 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:29,800 is it good enough for Colonel Charteris? 136 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:34,680 You don't think it strikes the wrong tone? 137 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:36,680 In which sense? 138 00:11:37,280 --> 00:11:40,440 In its... uh, paternalism. 139 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:43,520 May I? 140 00:11:46,280 --> 00:11:47,120 Thank you. 141 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:51,240 I suppose if I had a concern... 142 00:11:52,640 --> 00:11:56,480 it would be that, post-Suez, in this new climate... 143 00:11:57,600 --> 00:11:58,840 in this new Britain... 144 00:12:00,320 --> 00:12:04,360 the tone of the speech is... somewhat... 145 00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:06,040 Somewhat what? 146 00:12:09,560 --> 00:12:10,720 Old-fashioned. 147 00:12:13,040 --> 00:12:14,800 And would leave her open to attack. 148 00:12:14,880 --> 00:12:16,920 From whom? The newspapers. 149 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:19,840 People. 150 00:12:19,920 --> 00:12:23,040 If I had a shilling for every time someone of a progressive 151 00:12:23,120 --> 00:12:27,040 or liberal disposition had warned needlessly of a popular attack 152 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:29,400 against the Crown, I'd be a rich man. 153 00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:31,680 The British people adore their sovereign. 154 00:12:31,760 --> 00:12:35,800 It is what constitutes, indeed defines, being British. 155 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:39,040 No, the worst I've ever encountered is, uh, apathy, 156 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:41,440 where people simply accept the King or Queen 157 00:12:41,520 --> 00:12:43,680 as they accept the sky above their heads. 158 00:12:44,440 --> 00:12:47,320 But it's a long way from apathy to insurrection. 159 00:12:48,080 --> 00:12:51,240 Now, as regards the newspapers, the Crown can count on their support 160 00:12:51,320 --> 00:12:54,880 first, there is nothing to attack. 161 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:57,480 That's the advantage of a constitutional monarchy. 162 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:00,840 They have no power so there's nothing to complain about. 163 00:13:00,920 --> 00:13:04,160 And even if they wanted to, they'd always let us know first. 164 00:13:04,240 --> 00:13:06,440 The palace would then threaten them with a boycott 165 00:13:06,520 --> 00:13:08,360 on the next major royal event, 166 00:13:08,440 --> 00:13:11,440 causing the newspapers immediately to back down. 167 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:15,320 Because the very people you fear will hate the Queen 168 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:19,280 are the same ones who buy copies in their millions. 169 00:13:19,640 --> 00:13:22,720 Why? Because they love her. 170 00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:28,120 So I'm worrying unnecessarily? 171 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:29,207 Martin, 172 00:13:29,232 --> 00:13:34,544 I shall leave the drawing of that inescapable conclusion to you. 173 00:13:50,480 --> 00:13:52,880 I'm going to take it in a little shorter, ma'am, 174 00:13:52,960 --> 00:13:56,040 and rounder at the back. Lovely. 175 00:14:42,880 --> 00:14:46,960 Thank you. I... I... like it very much. 176 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:57,480 Ah. 177 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:00,080 Thank you. 178 00:15:09,640 --> 00:15:13,080 I thought you were hoping for more children from me. 179 00:15:15,080 --> 00:15:15,920 I am. 180 00:15:17,160 --> 00:15:20,320 Then why on earth would you do something like that to your hair? 181 00:15:20,880 --> 00:15:22,040 What's wrong with it? 182 00:15:23,280 --> 00:15:26,720 I thought it was tidy and... sensible. 183 00:15:26,800 --> 00:15:28,840 Adjectives to stir the loins. 184 00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:31,320 Apparently it's very a la mode. 185 00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:34,640 All the regimental wives are wearing their hair like this now. 186 00:15:34,720 --> 00:15:35,800 Really? Yes. 187 00:15:35,880 --> 00:15:37,640 Well, it's certainly very practical. 188 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:40,560 And should you ever feel compelled to ride a motorcycle, 189 00:15:40,640 --> 00:15:42,840 it could always double as a helmet. 190 00:15:44,440 --> 00:15:45,560 Well, I like it. 191 00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:50,840 No, I have nothing against it personally. 192 00:15:50,920 --> 00:15:51,960 Stop it. 193 00:15:52,040 --> 00:15:56,000 Sure it will provide ample protection against any falling masonry. 194 00:16:00,120 --> 00:16:03,400 But... if enlarging the family 195 00:16:03,480 --> 00:16:06,080 and enticing your husband to procreate is the goal... 196 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:07,440 It is. 197 00:16:07,520 --> 00:16:09,960 then you might take a look at Jayne Mansfield... 198 00:16:11,760 --> 00:16:12,920 or Rita Hayworth. 199 00:16:14,200 --> 00:16:16,240 Ooh, Rita Hayworth. 200 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:41,040 Sir William Lyons, Your Majesty. 201 00:16:41,120 --> 00:16:43,560 Welcome, Your Majesty. Thank you. Hello. 202 00:16:44,400 --> 00:16:45,760 How do you do? 203 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:48,000 It's very, uh, spacious. 204 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:50,200 This is our research and development area. 205 00:16:50,280 --> 00:16:51,760 Splendid. Now we're talking. 206 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:54,800 May I introduce you, ma'am, to Nigel Willoughby? 207 00:16:54,880 --> 00:16:56,320 He sketches all of our prototypes. 208 00:16:56,400 --> 00:16:59,760 You studied drawing, did you? Lovely. Very good to see it. 209 00:17:00,840 --> 00:17:02,640 And that's the chassis. It is, indeed. 210 00:17:03,360 --> 00:17:05,480 A finished MK-1, Your Majesty. 211 00:17:05,560 --> 00:17:07,440 Ah. It's lovely. 212 00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:10,640 With top speeds of over 100 miles per hour. 213 00:17:11,840 --> 00:17:12,920 Quite the thing. 214 00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:15,000 I've always been interested in the red leather. 215 00:17:15,080 --> 00:17:16,520 Is it horse or cow? 216 00:17:17,880 --> 00:17:18,720 Hello. 217 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:32,760 I wish first to express to you 218 00:17:32,840 --> 00:17:36,200 my very great pleasure at being here today. 219 00:17:37,320 --> 00:17:40,560 My husband and I have been most profoundly moved 220 00:17:40,640 --> 00:17:44,520 by your hospitable welcome and would like you to know 221 00:17:44,600 --> 00:17:46,840 how very grateful we are to you all... 222 00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:49,560 Thank you. ...for the work that you do. 223 00:17:51,320 --> 00:17:54,000 We understand that in the turbulence 224 00:17:54,080 --> 00:17:56,840 of this anxious and active world, 225 00:17:57,360 --> 00:18:01,360 many of you are leading uneventful, lonely lives... 226 00:18:02,640 --> 00:18:05,040 where dreariness is the enemy. 227 00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:11,520 Perhaps you don't understand that on your steadfastness and ability 228 00:18:11,600 --> 00:18:15,120 to withstand the fatigue of dull, repetitive work... 229 00:18:16,520 --> 00:18:19,080 depend, in great measure, the happiness 230 00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:23,600 and prosperity of the community as a whole. 231 00:18:25,080 --> 00:18:27,240 The upward course of a nation's history 232 00:18:27,320 --> 00:18:29,440 is due, in the long run, 233 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:33,960 to the soundness of heart of its average men and women. 234 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:36,720 May you be proud to remember 235 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:39,160 how much depends on you, 236 00:18:39,880 --> 00:18:42,920 and that even when your life seems most monotonous... 237 00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:49,880 what you do is always of real value and importance to your fellow... 238 00:18:57,640 --> 00:18:59,080 Lord Altrincham? 239 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:03,440 Evening edition! News Chronicle! 240 00:19:03,920 --> 00:19:05,360 Evening edition! 241 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:12,600 Ah. I need a favor, some typing. 242 00:19:12,680 --> 00:19:14,120 Oh, you're going home. 243 00:19:14,520 --> 00:19:15,960 I don't need to be. 244 00:19:19,840 --> 00:19:22,600 I've just heard a ridiculous speech by the Queen, 245 00:19:22,680 --> 00:19:24,960 and I want to write an immediate response. 246 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:27,560 No, I'll... I'll find someone else. 247 00:19:27,640 --> 00:19:29,520 No, no, it's no trouble. 248 00:19:29,600 --> 00:19:31,080 I had nothing else planned. 249 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:34,640 Thank you. 250 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:01,640 I've had another thought. Super. 251 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:04,040 A rather heretical thought. 252 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:06,560 I got the idea from something Walter Bagehot said 253 00:20:06,640 --> 00:20:09,920 about the first duty of royalty being to inspire. 254 00:21:31,240 --> 00:21:32,080 Hello. 255 00:21:32,400 --> 00:21:34,000 I trust you had a safe journey, Your Majesty. 256 00:21:34,080 --> 00:21:36,120 Yes, very lovely. Good to be back. 257 00:21:36,200 --> 00:21:38,400 Well, let's hope it brightens up later. 258 00:23:39,440 --> 00:23:40,400 Good shot, ma'am. 259 00:23:50,480 --> 00:23:53,720 National and English Review! National and English Review! 260 00:23:53,800 --> 00:23:56,240 Thank you. Two shillings for National and English Review. 261 00:23:56,320 --> 00:23:58,000 Thank you, sir. Morning. 262 00:23:58,560 --> 00:24:00,000 Thank you, madam. 263 00:24:00,080 --> 00:24:03,160 National and English Review. Two shillings, thank you very much. 264 00:24:03,240 --> 00:24:07,000 There we go, sir. Thank you very much. Two shillings. 265 00:24:29,520 --> 00:24:30,360 I see. 266 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:34,080 Right. 267 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:37,560 Well, thank you. 268 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:11,320 Sorry to disturb, Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness. 269 00:25:12,240 --> 00:25:17,400 Just to say it might be worth avoiding certain newspapers this morning. 270 00:25:18,040 --> 00:25:20,800 Why? What's your sister done now? 271 00:25:22,640 --> 00:25:25,920 Nothing to do with Princess Margaret, sir. Uh... 272 00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:29,960 It's an article written by Lord Altrincham. 273 00:25:30,040 --> 00:25:32,040 Never heard of him. You? 274 00:25:32,800 --> 00:25:35,360 Taken originally from his own publication... 275 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:38,560 The National and English Review. 276 00:25:39,120 --> 00:25:40,600 Never heard of that, either. 277 00:25:40,680 --> 00:25:45,920 Which several newspapers have chosen to run, partially or in full. 278 00:25:46,240 --> 00:25:47,760 What kind of article? 279 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:53,520 It's quite a critical article, ma'am. 280 00:25:58,600 --> 00:26:00,320 What gives him the right? 281 00:26:02,960 --> 00:26:04,800 Tell me honestly, Mommy... 282 00:26:06,200 --> 00:26:08,200 is there any part of you that agrees with him? 283 00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:11,880 Certainly not. 284 00:26:14,080 --> 00:26:16,520 And that's not just your mother saying that. 285 00:26:17,320 --> 00:26:19,560 The palace press secretary called me an hour ago to say 286 00:26:19,640 --> 00:26:22,880 the vast majority of the country not only disagrees with Altrincham 287 00:26:22,960 --> 00:26:24,880 but is disgusted by him. 288 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:27,040 It's an irrelevant article 289 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:30,200 written by an irrelevant man for an irrelevant publication... 290 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:34,160 only picked up because it's August, people are on holiday, 291 00:26:34,240 --> 00:26:37,080 government is in recess, and there's nothing to write about. 292 00:26:38,560 --> 00:26:41,200 Today, 85% of the country is against him. 293 00:26:41,280 --> 00:26:43,560 By tomorrow, it will be 95%. 294 00:26:44,280 --> 00:26:46,400 That man's going to wish he'd never been born. 295 00:26:48,640 --> 00:26:50,880 Traitor! Coward! 296 00:27:01,480 --> 00:27:02,680 Excuse me! 297 00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:04,720 Excuse me. Thank you. 298 00:27:04,800 --> 00:27:07,120 Excuse me. Excuse me. Thank you. 299 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:14,520 I asked you to come because I had a phone call an hour ago 300 00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:16,200 from a television producer, 301 00:27:16,280 --> 00:27:19,280 inviting me to record an interview this afternoon. 302 00:27:19,360 --> 00:27:20,640 Which program? 303 00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:23,280 Impact. With Robin Day. 304 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:27,280 I wish it weren't Day. 305 00:27:27,360 --> 00:27:30,000 We all wish it weren't Day, he's terrifying. 306 00:27:30,080 --> 00:27:31,640 Don't be silly. 307 00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:34,560 The fact that it's Day is what makes it valuable. 308 00:27:34,640 --> 00:27:36,640 You don't think I'm walking into a trap? 309 00:27:36,720 --> 00:27:39,320 You walked into the trap when you wrote the article. 310 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:42,800 Now you're the most unloved individual in Britain. 311 00:27:43,920 --> 00:27:47,200 Ironically, Day is the one person who could help you. 312 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:51,200 Why? You've seen how he interviews people. 313 00:27:51,760 --> 00:27:54,600 He dismembers them. Tears them to shreds. 314 00:27:54,680 --> 00:27:57,360 Yes, but keep your cool under his scrutiny... 315 00:27:58,040 --> 00:28:01,720 make your case politely, respectfully, intelligently. 316 00:28:02,840 --> 00:28:04,440 It could turn people around. 317 00:28:15,120 --> 00:28:16,520 Thank you very much. 318 00:28:22,800 --> 00:28:24,960 Lord Altrincham. How do you do? How do you do? 319 00:28:25,040 --> 00:28:26,120 Shall we? Yes. 320 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:27,720 This way. Thank you for coming. 321 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:30,200 Not at all. How long do we have until we start? 322 00:28:30,280 --> 00:28:31,773 We'll pop into makeup quickly. 323 00:28:31,798 --> 00:28:33,344 We should start in ten minutes. 324 00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:37,160 Just here, if you will. Right. 325 00:28:39,200 --> 00:28:41,000 Help yourself to water. Thank you. 326 00:28:41,080 --> 00:28:42,600 Shouldn't be too long. 327 00:28:44,320 --> 00:28:45,640 All good? All good. 328 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:50,360 He's standing by, sir. 329 00:28:50,440 --> 00:28:52,920 And he's prepared? Ready as he can be. 330 00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:56,440 Let's make a start. 331 00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:04,960 You've been told how all this works? 332 00:29:05,040 --> 00:29:07,080 Recording now, transmission tonight? 333 00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:09,000 Stand by, studio. Yes. Thank you. 334 00:29:09,080 --> 00:29:12,560 Five, four, three... 335 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:16,200 Tonight, we have a man who, 336 00:29:16,225 --> 00:29:18,184 because of press activity in recent days, 337 00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:20,800 probably needs no introduction. Lord Altrincham. 338 00:29:21,280 --> 00:29:22,560 In the space of just a few days, 339 00:29:22,640 --> 00:29:26,240 his inflammatory and deeply personal attacks on the Queen, 340 00:29:26,320 --> 00:29:28,680 in a periodical of which he is also publisher, 341 00:29:28,760 --> 00:29:30,920 have become the most pressing issue of the day 342 00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:33,760 and caused something of a constitutional crisis. 343 00:29:33,840 --> 00:29:37,680 So, I'd like to begin by asking Lord Altrincham a simple question. 344 00:29:38,520 --> 00:29:39,880 She's our head of state, 345 00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:42,320 loved, respected and admired around the world, 346 00:29:42,400 --> 00:29:45,200 so why do you hate her so very much? 347 00:29:45,280 --> 00:29:47,080 I... I don't. 348 00:29:47,160 --> 00:29:48,760 Then why criticize her like this? 349 00:29:49,840 --> 00:29:53,720 That's like asking an art critic why he criticizes art. 350 00:29:53,800 --> 00:29:55,480 I'm a passionate monarchist 351 00:29:55,560 --> 00:29:58,600 who believes constitutional monarchy is Britain's greatest invention. 352 00:29:58,680 --> 00:30:00,320 Do you, indeed? 353 00:30:00,400 --> 00:30:03,200 Yes, I do. I believe that monarchy provides clarity. 354 00:30:04,080 --> 00:30:08,520 A symbolic head of state, transcending the self-serving interests 355 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:11,680 of the egocentric and self-motivated politicians 356 00:30:11,760 --> 00:30:13,840 who go in and out of office, 357 00:30:13,920 --> 00:30:18,600 who, as King Lear wonderfully says, "ebb and flow by the moon." 358 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:20,440 But when working at its best, 359 00:30:20,520 --> 00:30:23,920 monarchy can rise above such matters and unify a society. 360 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:26,640 It can set the tone and become the embodiment of the nation, 361 00:30:26,720 --> 00:30:28,400 of national character. 362 00:30:28,480 --> 00:30:31,720 But the problem is, at the moment, it's... It's not doing that. 363 00:30:31,800 --> 00:30:34,280 It's doing very little right, as far as you're concerned. 364 00:30:34,360 --> 00:30:35,720 No, that's not true. 365 00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:39,080 You would like to see Her Majesty endowed with superhuman powers. 366 00:30:39,160 --> 00:30:41,160 It's not superhuman to be a little spontaneous. 367 00:30:41,240 --> 00:30:43,520 Judging from your article, you'd like the Queen to have 368 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:45,353 the qualities of a wit, 369 00:30:45,378 --> 00:30:49,104 you'd like her to be a better orator, a TV personality, 370 00:30:49,160 --> 00:30:50,629 in addition to being a diligent, 371 00:30:50,654 --> 00:30:53,504 dutiful and devoted monarch and a mother. 372 00:30:53,560 --> 00:30:55,960 All I'm suggesting is that, in her public speeches 373 00:30:55,985 --> 00:30:59,625 and in her appearances, she should be more, uh, natural. 374 00:31:00,480 --> 00:31:04,720 Her style of speaking is, quite frankly, a pain in the neck. 375 00:31:05,480 --> 00:31:07,000 She sounds strangled. 376 00:31:07,920 --> 00:31:10,080 I had the misfortune of hearing 377 00:31:10,160 --> 00:31:13,280 one of the Queen's speeches in a dental waiting room recently. 378 00:31:13,360 --> 00:31:14,680 I was horrified 379 00:31:14,760 --> 00:31:18,440 by the indifference and inertia with which the speech was greeted. 380 00:31:19,080 --> 00:31:20,815 But you'd accept that being Queen 381 00:31:20,840 --> 00:31:22,304 and head of the Church of England 382 00:31:22,360 --> 00:31:25,200 is not an easy job or a simple one? If you'll forgive me, 383 00:31:25,280 --> 00:31:29,600 it's arguably a harder job than editing a small periodical. 384 00:31:29,625 --> 00:31:31,098 No, I quite agree. 385 00:31:31,123 --> 00:31:33,889 Her Majesty has a seemingly impossible task. 386 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:36,273 She has to be ordinary and extraordinary, 387 00:31:36,298 --> 00:31:38,544 touched by divinity and yet one of us, 388 00:31:38,600 --> 00:31:43,880 but being ordinary doesn't have to mean bland or ineffectual. 389 00:31:44,320 --> 00:31:45,560 Or forgettable. 390 00:31:45,920 --> 00:31:49,120 And against whom do you lay the main charge? Her courtiers? 391 00:31:49,200 --> 00:31:50,933 Well, in the end, if the court is wrong, 392 00:31:50,958 --> 00:31:52,904 if the setup is wrong, 393 00:31:52,960 --> 00:31:54,760 you have no choice but to criticize the boss. 394 00:31:54,840 --> 00:31:56,160 The Queen? 395 00:31:56,240 --> 00:32:00,480 Yes, because only the boss can get rid of the bad servants. 396 00:32:00,560 --> 00:32:01,720 She hires them. 397 00:32:01,800 --> 00:32:03,720 She alone can fire them. 398 00:32:03,800 --> 00:32:07,360 Now, they may be bad, I believe some of them at the moment are. 399 00:32:07,440 --> 00:32:12,200 They're quite dreadful, but it is her responsibility, it's not theirs, 400 00:32:12,280 --> 00:32:14,280 in the sense that they are just hired hands. 401 00:32:14,360 --> 00:32:17,200 And so the personal attack on the monarch continues. 402 00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:19,400 Let me just say this. 403 00:32:19,480 --> 00:32:23,960 To criticize the monarchy, to criticize Her Majesty, personally, 404 00:32:24,040 --> 00:32:25,680 gives me no satisfaction. 405 00:32:26,120 --> 00:32:28,440 But we have to remember that, since the Second World War, 406 00:32:28,520 --> 00:32:32,160 since Suez, Britain has changed beyond recognition. 407 00:32:32,680 --> 00:32:35,360 And yet the monarchy continues its pre-war routines 408 00:32:35,440 --> 00:32:37,520 as though nothing has happened. 409 00:32:37,600 --> 00:32:40,320 I believe it would serve the Queen and her courtiers well to remember 410 00:32:40,345 --> 00:32:43,313 that until recently, monarchies were the rule 411 00:32:43,338 --> 00:32:44,889 and republics the exception, 412 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:48,800 but today, republics are the rule 413 00:32:49,360 --> 00:32:52,560 and monarchies very much the exception. 414 00:32:53,920 --> 00:32:56,200 Lord Altrincham, I have to terminate the interview. 415 00:32:56,280 --> 00:32:58,760 I'm obliged to you for answering my questions. 416 00:32:58,840 --> 00:33:02,560 Next week at the same time, there will be another edition of Impact. 417 00:33:03,000 --> 00:33:04,240 Good night. 418 00:33:05,080 --> 00:33:06,640 That went very well. 419 00:33:13,280 --> 00:33:16,440 Thank you again, Lord Altrincham. Thank you. Good day. 420 00:33:20,840 --> 00:33:21,680 Thank you. 421 00:33:24,440 --> 00:33:27,000 I thought he was even scarier in real life than I, uh... 422 00:33:27,080 --> 00:33:28,760 Lord Altrincham? Yes. 423 00:33:30,960 --> 00:33:32,120 You traitor! 424 00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:36,520 Is that him? It is, isn't it? Well done. 425 00:33:38,240 --> 00:33:41,200 Congratulations. Well done. Well done, sir. 426 00:33:41,280 --> 00:33:43,360 A glass of white? Well done. 427 00:33:43,440 --> 00:33:45,680 Or something stronger? What about a brandy? 428 00:33:45,760 --> 00:33:46,760 Why not? 429 00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:48,560 Well done. 430 00:33:50,160 --> 00:33:51,000 Humphrey. 431 00:33:52,200 --> 00:33:54,400 Well done. You looked incredibly calm. 432 00:33:54,480 --> 00:33:57,600 Really? Man of the hour. Really. 433 00:34:08,400 --> 00:34:10,840 Your Majesty. Yes, what is it, Michael? 434 00:34:11,800 --> 00:34:14,960 There have been some reactions in the newspapers 435 00:34:15,040 --> 00:34:19,160 to last night's television interview, and to the assault upon Lord Altrincham. 436 00:34:19,240 --> 00:34:22,800 I'm afraid it's not quite as we'd hoped. 437 00:34:25,400 --> 00:34:26,400 Why not? 438 00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:30,840 Uh, well, the man that struck Altrincham, it turns out, 439 00:34:30,920 --> 00:34:36,240 is a member of the extreme right League of Empire Loyalists, 440 00:34:36,720 --> 00:34:38,987 which is a pressure group that campaigns 441 00:34:39,012 --> 00:34:41,584 against the dissolution of the Empire 442 00:34:42,040 --> 00:34:45,240 and has a clear doctrine of English racial supremacy. 443 00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:47,120 Oh, dear. 444 00:34:48,040 --> 00:34:51,400 And it seems that most people have decided, 445 00:34:51,480 --> 00:34:54,160 having watched Altrincham on the television, 446 00:34:54,720 --> 00:34:58,640 that he is eminently reasonable. 447 00:34:59,680 --> 00:35:05,280 Now, almost half the country appears to agree with his sentiments, 448 00:35:05,360 --> 00:35:07,520 and there are new polls to support this. 449 00:35:08,240 --> 00:35:10,960 Letters to the Daily Mirror are running at four to one 450 00:35:11,040 --> 00:35:12,560 in Altrincham's favor... 451 00:35:13,840 --> 00:35:17,600 and even the normally conservative Daily Mail... 452 00:35:19,120 --> 00:35:20,440 changed its tune this morning. 453 00:35:22,320 --> 00:35:23,920 Um, in addition, 454 00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:27,760 and this, I believe, reflects on his growing concern 455 00:35:27,840 --> 00:35:30,640 at some of the telephone calls he has been receiving... 456 00:35:31,600 --> 00:35:34,227 the Prime Minister has suggested 457 00:35:34,252 --> 00:35:36,824 that he come up a week earlier than planned, 458 00:35:36,880 --> 00:35:40,320 in order to discuss it all with you in person. 459 00:35:40,880 --> 00:35:44,720 Goodness! A constitutional crisis. 460 00:35:45,760 --> 00:35:48,680 Well, I hope you're going to apologize to Mr. Macmillan, too. 461 00:35:48,760 --> 00:35:49,600 Ma'am? 462 00:35:49,960 --> 00:35:51,813 You're not going to deny this whole mess 463 00:35:51,838 --> 00:35:53,064 springs from a badly written speech 464 00:35:53,120 --> 00:35:55,720 which I gave, unquestioningly, because I trusted you. 465 00:35:57,800 --> 00:35:58,880 Perhaps Altrincham's right. 466 00:35:58,960 --> 00:36:01,840 Perhaps I should surround myself with younger, more dynamic people 467 00:36:01,920 --> 00:36:03,520 with one foot in the real world! 468 00:36:05,880 --> 00:36:06,880 Thank you, ma'am. 469 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:34,080 And you believe it's now a government matter? 470 00:36:34,760 --> 00:36:35,840 I do, ma'am. 471 00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:41,600 Ambassadors from all around the world have been calling me, concerned. 472 00:36:43,000 --> 00:36:46,360 Her Majesty will hardly need reminding a great many other countries 473 00:36:46,760 --> 00:36:50,320 have overthrown their monarchies and become republics in recent years. 474 00:36:51,040 --> 00:36:55,840 Egypt, Bulgaria, Italy, Tunisia only last month. 475 00:36:56,640 --> 00:37:00,360 Of course we're not at that point. Not at a red light. 476 00:37:01,280 --> 00:37:06,000 We're not even at an amber. But we'd hate it to become amber. 477 00:37:07,920 --> 00:37:10,600 And so, it is my view, the government's view, 478 00:37:10,680 --> 00:37:13,720 that it would be wise to contain this as soon as possible. 479 00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:16,120 And do what? The obvious thing. 480 00:37:17,480 --> 00:37:21,720 Altrincham is a fire which needs to be put out. 481 00:37:24,200 --> 00:37:25,440 Got you! 482 00:37:29,320 --> 00:37:31,560 Got you! 483 00:37:47,040 --> 00:37:47,920 Got you! 484 00:37:56,160 --> 00:37:58,880 The palace has offered up a chap called Charteris. 485 00:38:00,040 --> 00:38:02,880 To meet. I looked him up. 486 00:38:03,520 --> 00:38:05,840 He used to be her principal private secretary. 487 00:38:07,280 --> 00:38:11,040 Well, there you are. Before the King died. 488 00:38:12,440 --> 00:38:15,880 When she was princess. And now? 489 00:38:16,480 --> 00:38:22,440 He's assistant private secretary, so not quite a pawn, 490 00:38:22,520 --> 00:38:24,880 but certainly not a bishop or knight, either. 491 00:38:25,320 --> 00:38:26,160 Go. 492 00:38:27,280 --> 00:38:28,760 Go, in order to be fobbed off? 493 00:38:28,840 --> 00:38:31,720 Go in the spirit of openness and wanting to work together. 494 00:38:31,800 --> 00:38:32,840 If they wanted to work together, 495 00:38:32,920 --> 00:38:35,480 they would have sent someone higher up. Go. 496 00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:38,000 All right. 497 00:38:39,120 --> 00:38:42,720 And take a list of suggestions. Recommendations. 498 00:38:43,480 --> 00:38:44,720 Don't go empty-handed. 499 00:38:51,920 --> 00:38:53,200 Not yet! John! 500 00:38:53,520 --> 00:38:55,040 Your tooth! John! 501 00:38:56,080 --> 00:38:56,920 Sorry. 502 00:39:25,040 --> 00:39:26,760 Do you have a comment, sir? Sorry. 503 00:39:26,840 --> 00:39:28,040 Lord Altrincham! 504 00:39:55,720 --> 00:39:56,600 Lord Altrincham? 505 00:39:57,240 --> 00:39:59,280 Yes. This way, please. 506 00:40:26,320 --> 00:40:28,160 Good to know I'm seeing the top man. 507 00:40:32,440 --> 00:40:33,520 In one sense. 508 00:40:40,600 --> 00:40:41,960 Here we are, Lord Altrincham. 509 00:40:42,040 --> 00:40:44,200 Colonel Charteris will be with you shortly. 510 00:40:47,040 --> 00:40:48,320 Thank you. Sir. 511 00:41:11,560 --> 00:41:15,000 I see we have something in common. 512 00:41:16,680 --> 00:41:18,160 And what would that be? 513 00:41:23,720 --> 00:41:24,800 Your Majesty. 514 00:41:28,280 --> 00:41:33,080 I was referring to the photos of Eton and Sandhurst. 515 00:41:33,160 --> 00:41:36,120 Hm. Which you attended too, I gather. 516 00:41:36,680 --> 00:41:37,640 Yes. 517 00:41:38,080 --> 00:41:39,800 Going on to become an Officer of the Guards 518 00:41:39,880 --> 00:41:43,560 at both St James's Palace and Windsor Castle. 519 00:41:44,280 --> 00:41:47,360 It doesn't quite fit the profile of a revolutionary. 520 00:41:48,680 --> 00:41:50,800 It's the assumption everyone has made. 521 00:41:50,880 --> 00:41:54,600 Because I dare offer an opinion, I must be trying to burn the temple down. 522 00:41:55,720 --> 00:41:58,680 On the contrary, I'm trying to make sure it survives. 523 00:41:59,480 --> 00:42:02,160 Well, those of us in the temple are very much looking forward 524 00:42:02,240 --> 00:42:05,960 to hearing what it is we must do in order to survive. 525 00:42:06,800 --> 00:42:07,760 Shall we begin? 526 00:42:11,320 --> 00:42:15,440 Is my voice all right? You can understand me? 527 00:42:16,560 --> 00:42:18,840 Yes. Not too strangled? 528 00:42:19,400 --> 00:42:21,280 Not too much a pain in the neck? 529 00:42:21,920 --> 00:42:23,680 No. Good. 530 00:42:25,440 --> 00:42:28,840 So, what is it that you'd have me change? 531 00:42:29,440 --> 00:42:31,600 It's not so much what I'd have you change, 532 00:42:32,080 --> 00:42:34,960 just an acknowledgment that it has changed. 533 00:42:35,520 --> 00:42:38,040 What? Everything. 534 00:42:39,520 --> 00:42:44,200 And to prepare yourself for the fact we now live in a time where... 535 00:42:45,800 --> 00:42:46,640 people like me... 536 00:42:46,720 --> 00:42:49,760 Can say exactly what they think. Yes. 537 00:42:49,840 --> 00:42:52,640 In any way they want. Yes. 538 00:42:52,720 --> 00:42:56,960 And, remind me, why is that, exactly? 539 00:42:58,200 --> 00:43:00,760 Because the age of deference is over. 540 00:43:02,480 --> 00:43:04,920 And what is left without deference? 541 00:43:06,080 --> 00:43:07,320 Anarchy? 542 00:43:07,880 --> 00:43:08,720 Equality. 543 00:43:09,440 --> 00:43:12,040 How can it be equality when I cannot return the fire? 544 00:43:12,120 --> 00:43:13,440 You can. 545 00:43:13,520 --> 00:43:16,360 But I struggle to think of a moment in history where it has worked 546 00:43:16,440 --> 00:43:20,520 to a monarch's advantage to return fire on their own people. 547 00:43:20,600 --> 00:43:24,080 But you have managed to think of how this monarch 548 00:43:24,160 --> 00:43:26,520 might do something to her advantage. 549 00:43:26,600 --> 00:43:27,440 I have. 550 00:43:27,520 --> 00:43:31,040 And that same monarch is sitting before, forgive me... 551 00:43:32,600 --> 00:43:37,160 a failed politician and an unrecognized journalist... 552 00:43:38,120 --> 00:43:40,960 and taking his advice on how to do her job. 553 00:43:42,520 --> 00:43:45,800 The situation is as baffling to me as it is to you, Your Majesty. 554 00:44:00,120 --> 00:44:03,640 Ah. You've got a list. I do. 555 00:44:04,040 --> 00:44:08,760 As you might know from my article, I made a series of observations, 556 00:44:09,040 --> 00:44:11,387 recommendations of things to change, but 557 00:44:11,412 --> 00:44:13,064 for the purposes of this meeting, 558 00:44:13,120 --> 00:44:17,160 I chose to limit those recommendations to, um, six. 559 00:44:18,200 --> 00:44:19,200 Six? 560 00:44:20,120 --> 00:44:23,760 Three things to start and three things to stop. 561 00:44:23,840 --> 00:44:28,120 Well, let's start with the "stops." Very well. 562 00:44:28,880 --> 00:44:33,240 Ah, yes. Putting an end to the debutantes' ball. 563 00:44:34,880 --> 00:44:39,080 The idea that young women of a certain class are presented to the sovereign, 564 00:44:39,160 --> 00:44:41,960 and women who are not of that class are not presented to the sovereign 565 00:44:42,040 --> 00:44:43,680 and somehow not acceptable. 566 00:44:44,840 --> 00:44:47,040 This is the sort of inequity that should have died out 567 00:44:47,120 --> 00:44:50,880 with our grandparents' generation, certainly after the war. 568 00:44:55,400 --> 00:44:56,406 Next. 569 00:44:59,040 --> 00:44:59,967 Uh... 570 00:45:01,480 --> 00:45:06,120 Allow divorced people to move more freely in royal circles. 571 00:45:07,320 --> 00:45:08,160 Why? 572 00:45:09,440 --> 00:45:11,400 The sovereign is head of the Church of England, 573 00:45:11,480 --> 00:45:14,160 and the Church does not recognize divorced persons. 574 00:45:14,240 --> 00:45:17,520 It's unkind. Discriminatory. 575 00:45:17,600 --> 00:45:19,560 Quite possibly unlawful. 576 00:45:22,280 --> 00:45:23,120 Next. 577 00:45:24,520 --> 00:45:25,360 Uh... 578 00:45:26,520 --> 00:45:30,240 I would recommend getting rid of an entire generation of courtier. 579 00:45:30,800 --> 00:45:33,200 The old school, stuck in the past. 580 00:45:34,040 --> 00:45:37,480 Ostriches with their heads buried in the sand. 581 00:45:37,560 --> 00:45:41,040 They're stopping the palace evolve in keeping with the rest of the world. 582 00:45:41,120 --> 00:45:46,080 Those "ostriches" provide an indispensable function of monarchy: 583 00:45:46,400 --> 00:45:48,040 the preservation of tradition. 584 00:45:51,400 --> 00:45:54,080 You asked for my recommendations, ma'am. 585 00:45:55,120 --> 00:45:56,720 I'm respectfully passing them on. 586 00:46:01,360 --> 00:46:02,720 What would you have me start? 587 00:46:04,200 --> 00:46:05,880 Open up, ma'am. 588 00:46:07,160 --> 00:46:08,400 Lower the drawbridge. 589 00:46:09,640 --> 00:46:10,840 Let people get to know you. 590 00:46:10,920 --> 00:46:12,600 I don't wish to be known. 591 00:46:14,400 --> 00:46:16,920 Televise the Christmas speech. 592 00:46:17,920 --> 00:46:21,160 Become more transparent, accessible. 593 00:46:24,000 --> 00:46:25,800 And finally... Oh, finally. 594 00:46:25,880 --> 00:46:27,920 spend time with normal people. 595 00:46:29,160 --> 00:46:30,920 Not just courtiers or the great and the good, 596 00:46:31,000 --> 00:46:33,560 but real people, average people. 597 00:46:34,800 --> 00:46:36,080 Working people. 598 00:46:37,280 --> 00:46:38,600 Open the doors. 599 00:46:39,640 --> 00:46:42,720 Make it more inclusive and egalitarian. 600 00:46:44,600 --> 00:46:47,720 Let normal people get to know you, too. 601 00:47:00,280 --> 00:47:02,520 Would you mind stepping out into the corridor for a moment? 602 00:47:02,840 --> 00:47:04,880 Not at all. 603 00:47:12,200 --> 00:47:14,600 And would you ask my private secretary to come in? 604 00:47:15,600 --> 00:47:16,600 Of course. 605 00:47:23,240 --> 00:47:24,240 Your Majesty. 606 00:47:37,440 --> 00:47:38,960 Colonel Charteris? 607 00:47:47,560 --> 00:47:48,760 Your Majesty. 608 00:48:03,840 --> 00:48:05,840 Lord Altrincham. Please. 609 00:48:18,800 --> 00:48:22,240 When I went back into the room, she was gone. 610 00:48:23,840 --> 00:48:25,960 Vanished into thin air. 611 00:48:26,040 --> 00:48:27,160 Do sit down. 612 00:48:28,440 --> 00:48:30,240 Charteris then went on to tell me that 613 00:48:30,320 --> 00:48:33,080 no one can ever know that I met the Queen, 614 00:48:33,160 --> 00:48:36,960 and that should I ever claim that I did, the palace would robustly deny it. 615 00:48:38,400 --> 00:48:40,920 They will, however, concede that I had an appointment 616 00:48:41,000 --> 00:48:43,400 with Her Majesty's assistant private secretary, 617 00:48:44,120 --> 00:48:49,523 and that concessions might be made to one or two of my recommendations. 618 00:48:50,560 --> 00:48:52,040 May I ask which ones? 619 00:48:59,000 --> 00:49:02,240 Let's get these lights in. Quickly. Easy with that camera. 620 00:49:02,320 --> 00:49:03,160 Right-o. 621 00:49:03,840 --> 00:49:05,140 This one next. 622 00:49:05,165 --> 00:49:08,064 Well done. Now, let's have the rest of the cables. 623 00:49:18,960 --> 00:49:20,200 I feel like an actress. 624 00:49:21,480 --> 00:49:22,920 A common little showgirl. 625 00:49:23,160 --> 00:49:24,240 Don't be silly. 626 00:49:26,000 --> 00:49:27,360 In what way am I different? 627 00:49:28,360 --> 00:49:33,160 Memorizing lines and remembering angles, wearing makeup? 628 00:49:33,800 --> 00:49:36,360 Well, you're the Queen of the United Kingdom for one thing. 629 00:49:36,440 --> 00:49:38,360 Yes, who's memorizing lines 630 00:49:38,440 --> 00:49:40,440 and remembering angles and wearing makeup. 631 00:49:50,920 --> 00:49:52,120 Your Majesty. 632 00:49:53,280 --> 00:49:54,120 Right. 633 00:49:55,880 --> 00:49:58,400 Where do you want me? This way, please, ma'am. 634 00:50:32,520 --> 00:50:33,400 Ma'am. 635 00:51:14,440 --> 00:51:17,400 Five, four, three... 636 00:51:21,240 --> 00:51:22,400 Happy Christmas. 637 00:51:25,800 --> 00:51:28,920 Twenty-five years ago, my grandfather broadcast 638 00:51:29,000 --> 00:51:31,080 the first of these Christmas messages. 639 00:51:33,240 --> 00:51:35,520 Today is another landmark, 640 00:51:35,600 --> 00:51:37,853 because television has made it possible 641 00:51:37,878 --> 00:51:40,344 for many of you to see me in your homes 642 00:51:40,400 --> 00:51:42,080 on Christmas Day. 643 00:51:43,360 --> 00:51:47,120 My own family often gather round to watch the television, 644 00:51:47,200 --> 00:51:51,400 as they are at this moment, and that is how I think of you all now. 645 00:51:52,160 --> 00:51:56,600 I very much hope that this new medium will make my Christmas message 646 00:51:56,680 --> 00:51:58,720 more personal and direct. 647 00:52:02,040 --> 00:52:03,547 It is inevitable 648 00:52:03,572 --> 00:52:07,464 that I should seem a rather remote figure to many of you, 649 00:52:08,000 --> 00:52:11,040 a successor to the kings and queens of history, 650 00:52:11,800 --> 00:52:16,520 someone whose face may be familiar in newspapers and films 651 00:52:16,600 --> 00:52:19,680 but who never really touches your personal lives. 652 00:52:21,320 --> 00:52:24,040 But now, at least for a few minutes, 653 00:52:24,520 --> 00:52:28,320 I welcome you into the peace of my own home. 654 00:52:32,440 --> 00:52:36,160 That it is possible for some of you to see me today 655 00:52:36,800 --> 00:52:40,360 is just another example of the speed at which things are changing 656 00:52:40,960 --> 00:52:42,080 all around us. 657 00:52:46,640 --> 00:52:50,760 I would like to read a few lines from Pilgrim's Progress. 658 00:52:58,520 --> 00:53:01,880 '"And though, with great difficulty, I am got hither, 659 00:53:02,560 --> 00:53:05,880 yet now I do repent me of all the trouble I have been at 660 00:53:05,960 --> 00:53:07,600 to arrive where I am. 661 00:53:08,840 --> 00:53:13,440 My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage 662 00:53:14,680 --> 00:53:18,320 and my courage and skill to him that can get it. 663 00:53:20,200 --> 00:53:23,680 My marks and scars I carry with me 664 00:53:24,800 --> 00:53:29,480 to be a witness for me that I have fought his battles 665 00:53:29,560 --> 00:53:31,800 who now will be my rewarder." 666 00:53:38,480 --> 00:53:43,600 I hope that 1958 may bring you God's blessings 667 00:53:43,680 --> 00:53:45,480 and all the things that you long for. 668 00:53:47,760 --> 00:53:52,880 And so I wish you all, young and old, wherever you may be, 669 00:53:53,440 --> 00:53:56,840 all the fun and enjoyment and peace 670 00:53:57,360 --> 00:53:59,240 of a very happy Christmas. 671 00:54:01,360 --> 00:54:02,640 And we're off air. 672 00:54:16,480 --> 00:54:17,800 Congratulations, ma'am. 673 00:54:57,480 --> 00:54:59,080 Ah, hello. My, my. 674 00:55:00,800 --> 00:55:03,160 You look pretty. I like the dress. 675 00:55:03,240 --> 00:55:05,000 Thank you. And the hair. 676 00:55:05,080 --> 00:55:06,400 Very unregimental. Mm, yes. 677 00:55:06,480 --> 00:55:08,287 Tony knew the top person, of course. 678 00:55:08,312 --> 00:55:10,304 The only stylist who could be trusted. 679 00:55:11,080 --> 00:55:13,000 Does he have a name, this stylist? 680 00:55:13,920 --> 00:55:16,160 I want to say Victor Gabon, but that's not quite right. 681 00:55:16,240 --> 00:55:17,160 Um... 682 00:55:18,240 --> 00:55:19,080 Vidal Baboon? 683 00:55:19,160 --> 00:55:20,760 Vidal Baboon? Yes, I think. 684 00:55:20,840 --> 00:55:23,880 Well, anyway, he talked endlessly about hair as a geometric art form. 685 00:55:23,960 --> 00:55:25,480 It looks jolly pretty. Thank you. 686 00:55:25,505 --> 00:55:27,453 If you happen to have a number for this Baboon, 687 00:55:27,478 --> 00:55:29,289 I might pass it on to my wife. 688 00:55:30,440 --> 00:55:32,880 Is that appropriate, by the way, that a red-blooded man 689 00:55:32,960 --> 00:55:34,720 should know the correct hairdresser for a woman? 690 00:55:34,800 --> 00:55:37,400 There's almost nothing that's appropriate about Tony, 691 00:55:37,480 --> 00:55:40,360 but he's made it his mission in life to improve me. 692 00:55:40,440 --> 00:55:41,320 Mm. 693 00:55:42,120 --> 00:55:44,800 Your very own little Altrincham. Yes. 694 00:55:44,880 --> 00:55:46,760 Just rather better in bed, I suspect. 695 00:55:50,480 --> 00:55:52,880 Oh, dear God. Look at them. 696 00:55:57,720 --> 00:55:59,640 There it is. Thank you very much. 697 00:56:02,240 --> 00:56:03,480 Who do you suppose that is? 698 00:56:04,040 --> 00:56:06,760 It could be Mr. David Smith, a car dealer. 699 00:56:10,280 --> 00:56:12,520 And that? I believe... 700 00:56:12,600 --> 00:56:16,640 that is Harry "The Hammer" Jones. 701 00:56:17,320 --> 00:56:19,480 A boxer from the Old Kent Road. 702 00:56:22,560 --> 00:56:25,920 Rounding up the numbers, we have a local restaurateur, 703 00:56:26,000 --> 00:56:27,320 a bus driver, 704 00:56:27,400 --> 00:56:29,240 a bank clerk... 705 00:56:30,240 --> 00:56:32,120 and a woman policeman. 706 00:56:34,320 --> 00:56:35,640 All to open things up. 707 00:56:35,720 --> 00:56:36,560 Yes. 708 00:56:36,640 --> 00:56:39,760 Bring us more in line with the real world. Democratize us. 709 00:56:41,920 --> 00:56:43,240 And so it goes. 710 00:56:45,040 --> 00:56:48,800 The stings and bites we suffer as it slips away. 711 00:56:50,080 --> 00:56:52,560 Bit by bit, piece by piece. 712 00:56:54,040 --> 00:56:59,680 Our authority, our absolutism, our divine rights. 713 00:57:02,600 --> 00:57:04,160 Ma'am? 714 00:57:07,800 --> 00:57:10,000 The history of the monarchy in this country 715 00:57:10,080 --> 00:57:13,160 is a one-way street of humiliation, sacrifices and concessions 716 00:57:13,240 --> 00:57:14,640 in order to survive. 717 00:57:15,280 --> 00:57:18,400 First, the barons came for us, then the merchants, now the journalists. 718 00:57:18,425 --> 00:57:20,500 Small wonder we make such a fuss about curtsies, 719 00:57:20,525 --> 00:57:22,129 protocol and precedent. 720 00:57:22,240 --> 00:57:23,520 It's all we have left. 721 00:57:23,600 --> 00:57:28,400 The last scraps of armor as we go from ruling to reigning to... 722 00:57:30,240 --> 00:57:32,280 To what? To being nothing at all. 723 00:57:36,040 --> 00:57:37,360 Marionettes. 724 00:57:43,760 --> 00:57:46,720 Right, gloves on. Ah. 725 00:57:49,440 --> 00:57:53,000 I told the master of the household to rotate the guests between courses, 726 00:57:53,080 --> 00:57:56,560 so if you get a dud, don't worry, it'll be 15 minutes at worst. 727 00:58:17,760 --> 00:58:18,800 Mr. and Mrs. David Smith. 728 00:58:18,880 --> 00:58:20,920 Ah, David. Lovely to meet you. Ma'am. 729 00:58:21,040 --> 00:58:22,720 Hello. Very nice to meet you. 730 00:58:22,800 --> 00:58:24,800 Mr. and Mrs. Patel. Hello there. 731 00:58:24,880 --> 00:58:26,240 Thank you for coming. 732 00:58:26,320 --> 00:58:27,648 Mr. Harry "The Hammer." 733 00:58:27,673 --> 00:58:29,344 I've heard so much about you. 734 00:58:29,400 --> 00:58:31,840 Thank you for coming. You look absolutely beautiful. 735 00:58:31,920 --> 00:58:32,920 Mr. Martin Jones. 736 00:58:36,720 --> 00:58:38,720 Sergeant Ethel Danmyer. Ah, hello there. 737 00:58:39,160 --> 00:58:41,240 Such a pleasure to have you here. 738 00:58:41,320 --> 00:58:44,080 Oh, here they come, dog-dogs. There they go.