"The Crown" Sleep, Dearie Sleep (TV Episode 2023) - Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II

Prince William : Nice speech, Granny.

Prince William : Though surprisingly short. You sure you didn't forget half of it?

Queen Elizabeth II : I don't know what you're talking about.

Prince William : What do you think?

[indicates the Just Married he's written on the back window of the honeymoon getaway car]

Prince William : It's better than the beer cans Harold wanted to tie to the bumper.

Queen Elizabeth II : [chuckles] Be kind to him. In many ways, it's harder being number two than number one. The system protects number one. Number two tends to...

Prince William : Go mad?

Queen Elizabeth II : I was going to say "need extra care and attention."

Queen Elizabeth II : I suppose one has to start these things with an introduction. For those of you who don't know me, I am the mother of the groom. Today has been a memorable day, with a single happy event bringing the whole nation together. The Grand National Steeplechase finished twenty minutes ago, and the results were as follows. Hedgehunter, the seven to one favorite, ridden by Ruby Walsh, trained by Willie Mullins, won the race by fourteen lengths. Royal Eclair finished second, Simply Gifted third. In other news, there is a small family wedding in the Windsor area, which the police are keeping their eyes on. Chief Constable Darren Dedds said he was hoping the displays of excessive exuberance would be kept to a minimum. Almost six hundred and fifty years ago, the chapel at Windsor played host to the wedding of another Prince of Wales, Edward, the Black Prince. The young Edward was widely expected to marry a European princess, but Edward had other ideas. He set his heart on a woman he had known his whole life, slightly his senior, a mother who had previously been married. What ensued was a devoted, loving marriage that would last their whole lives. Charles, I know that over the years, it hasn't been easy. Being Prince of Wales is hardly a recipe for happiness. History has taught us that. To be condemned to watch an old parent do a job one can imagine oneself doing better, for years and years. It is to your great credit that you have filled this vacuum not, like several predecessors, with idleness and excess, but with a great swell of activity and charitable endeavor.

[skips a page]

Queen Elizabeth II : And now, a word of thanks to Camilla. It can't have been easy for you either over the years. But your good cheer and warm humanity work wonderfully in your favor, both as a strength and stay for the Prince of Wales and as an addition to this family. Thank you for your patience and forbearance. So, now will you all raise your glasses to the young couple? Charles and Camilla.

Queen Elizabeth II : [crossing out lines of her wedding toast]

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : Ready?

Queen Elizabeth II : Yes, I think so.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : This um... This speech you're about to make...

Queen Elizabeth II : Yes?

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : [chuckles softly] Everyone's got their knickers in a twist about it.

Queen Elizabeth II : Have they?

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : You sure you don't want to discuss it?

Queen Elizabeth II : Quite sure. Thank you. Come on.

[exits, followed by Philip]

[last lines]

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : Well done with the speech.

Queen Elizabeth II : Thank you.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : It was funny.

Queen Elizabeth II : Don't sound so surprised.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : And, not a hint of the torment you've been going through.

Queen Elizabeth II : Was it that obvious?

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : Yes. But the right decision has been made. You will continue as queen for as long as you possibly can, for one reason.

Queen Elizabeth II : Because those are the rules.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : No. Because those that come after you are not remotely ready to take over.

Queen Elizabeth II : No, but I wasn't either, remember? I was so young.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : No. You were always ready. You were BORN ready. You are one of a kind. By contrast, this lot... Hmm? The good thing is, it's not our problem.

[points to the cathedral floor]

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : This is where we will be, you and I - right under this stone! We'll never hear the screams from inside there.

Queen Elizabeth II : [fondly] Philip!

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : What? You know I'm right. The system makes no sense anymore, to those outside it, nor to those of us inside it.

[quoting John Dryden]

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : 'All human things are subject to decay/ and when fate summons, even monarchs must obey.' We're a dying breed, you and I. Oh, I'm sure everyone will carry on, pretending all is well. But the party's over. The good news is, that while Rome burns and the temple falls, we will 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep.'

Queen Elizabeth II : Oh! You looked!

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : [chuckles] Yes. A piper's lament. Your sole musical choice. It's very you.

Queen Elizabeth II : And your coffin being driven in an old land rover is very YOU.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : Oh! You looked!

Queen Elizabeth II : I did.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : Well.

[he kisses her hand]

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh : I'll leave you to it. Say one for me?

[Philip walks out of the cathedral, leaving Elizabeth alone]