(PEOPLE CHEERING)
REPORTER 1 ON TV: After weeks of campaigning on the road,
Tony Blair and his family finally strolled
the few hundred yards to the polling station
this election day morning.
Amongst the Labour faithful, up and down the country,
there is an enormous sense of pride in Mr. Blair's achievements,
and the confidence
that he is about to become the youngest prime minister this century.
- Have you voted yet, Mr. Crawford? - CRAWFORD: Yes, ma'am.
I was there when they opened. First in line. 7:00.
I don't mind telling you,
it wasn't for Mr. Blair.
- You're not a modernizer, then? - Certainly not.
We're in danger of losing too much that is good about this country as it is.
REPORTER 2 ON TV: There is a growing sense of excitement.
This really could be the beginning of a new...
I envy you being able to vote.
Not the actual ticking of the box, although it would be...
Well, it would be nice to experience that once.
But the sheer joy of being partial.
Yes. Of course, one forgets that, as sovereign,
-you're not entitled to vote. - No.
Still, you won't catch me feeling sorry for you.
You might not be allowed to vote, ma'am,
(CHUCKLING)
But it is your government.
Yes.
I suppose that is some consolation.
(BAGPIPE PLAYING)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Good morning.
- Shall I draw the curtains? - Yes, please.
THE QUEEN: So, did you stay up all night?
Yes, ma'am.
And was it as expected?
Yes, ma'am. Mr. Blair,
by a landslide.
Oh, I see.
DIMBLEBY ON TV: They've stopped the traffic completely
for Tony Blair's first day of power in London.
You've got the ceremonial, the tourists, the official,
and you've got a lovely summer's day.
Tony Blair waving to the crowds, people waving to them there.
I guess most of them do know it's the Prime Minister in waiting.
Lining the streets there.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
The Prime Minister's on his way, ma'am.
To be, Robin. Prime Minister to be.
I haven't asked him yet.
He's a hard one to read, isn't he?
Yes. On the one hand, his background is quite Establishment.
Father a Conservative, educated at Fettes
where he was tutored by the same man as the Prince of Wales.
Well, we'll try not to hold that against him.
On the other, his manifesto promises the most radical modernization
and shake up of the constitution in 300 years.
Do you think he's going to try and modernize us?
Well, I wouldn't put it past him.
He's married to a woman with known anti-monarchist sympathies.
You may remember her curtsy the first time you met.
It could best be described as "shallow."
(CHUCKLES)
I don't measure the depth of a curtsy, Robin. I leave that to my sister.
And the atmosphere at Downing Street is expected to be very informal.
Everyone on first name terms at the Prime Minister's insistence.
- What, as in, "Call me Tony"? - Yes, ma'am.
Oh, I don't like that.
Have we sent him a protocol sheet?
Funny, I'm actually rather nervous.
Why? You've met her often enough before.
I know, but never one-to-one, and never as Prime Minister.
Well, just remember,
you're a man that's just been elected by the whole nation.
But she's still, you know, the Queen.
The audience room is upstairs.
When we reach the audience room, I will knock.
We will not wait to be called, we shall go straight inside.
Standing by the door, we bow from the neck.
I will introduce you, the Queen will extend her hand.
You go to her, bow again, then shake her hand.
Couple of other things.
It's "ma'am" as in "ham." Not "ma'am" as in "farm."
And when you're in the presence, at no point must you show your back.
- The "presence"? - Yes, sir.
That's what it's called when you're in Her Majesty's company.
Would you like to sit there, Mrs. Blair?
EQUERRY: Mr. Blair, Your Majesty.
How nice to see you again, Mr. Blair.
- And congratulations. - Thank you, ma'am.
- Your children must be very proud. - I hope so.
- You've three, haven't you? - That's right.
Oh, how lovely. Such a blessing, children. Please, do sit down.
Thank you, ma'am.
Have we shown you how to start a nuclear war yet?
No.
Oh, first thing we do, apparently.
Then we take away your passport
and spend the rest of the time sending you around the world.
You obviously know my job better than I do.
Yes, well, you are my tenth prime minister, Mr. Blair.
My first, of course, was Winston Churchill.
He sat in your chair in frock coat and top hat.
He was kind enough to give a shy young girl like me quite an education.
I can imagine.
With time, one has hopefully added experience to that education,
and a little wisdom
Better enabling us to execute our constitutional responsibility.
To advise, guide, and warn the government of the day.
Advice which I look forward to receiving.
Yes, well, we'll save that for our weekly meetings.
If there's nothing else, I believe we have some business to attend to.
Of course.
Your Majesty, my party has won the election,
and so I come now to ask your permission to form a government.
No, Mr. Blair. Mr. Blair, I ask the question.
The duty falls upon me, as your sovereign,
to invite you to become Prime Minister and to form a government in my name.
And if you agree, the custom is to say, "Yes".
Yes.
Mrs. Blair, how lovely to see you again.
And congratulations. You must be very proud.
- Yes. - And exhausted, I imagine.
Where will you be spending the summer?
- France. - Oh, lovely.
You'll be in Balmoral, I expect.
Yes. Yes, I can't wait. It's a wonderful place.
You know, my great, great-grandmother Victoria said of it,
"In Balmoral, all seems to breathe freedom and peace
"and make one forget the world and its sad turmoils."
- Your Majesty. - Oh, excuse me.
There's some breaking news, Your Majesty.
Oh, really?
- Yes, we need to know how to respond. - Oh, yes, of course.
I'm so sorry, we're going to have to leave it there.
Not too short, was it? Fifteen minutes. One doesn't want to be rude.
No, ma'am.
Morning, sir.
"Thank you very much for coming. Now fuck off."
- I know. What was all that about? - God knows. Diana.
Whatever it is, it'll be something to do with Diana.
SOMERVILLE ON TV: Princess Diana embroiled in more controversy
as she pulls out of a meeting with MPs.
Princess Diana moved today
to patch up her relations with the former royal nanny.
Princess Diana flew to Milan today for the memorial service
for the murdered Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace.
REPORTER ON TV: Where, tonight, another royal controversy sparkles.
After finding herself embroiled in her second controversy this week.
I am not a political figure.
Princess Diana sailed out into the Mediterranean
in one of Mr. Mohamed Al Fayed's yachts today...
...with his son.
...quarter of a million pounds for the photographs,
which appear to show the couple embracing.
Once again, her judgment's under scrutiny.
(REPORTING IN GERMAN)
Earlier today, they visited a local jewelry shop.
(REPORTING IN FRENCH)
(ENGINES REVVING)
(PHONE RINGING)
Robin Janvrin.
What?
- Tell Sir Guy I want everyone in, ASAP. - Sir.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Ma'am?
Yes?
- Ma'am, Mr. Janvrin is here to see you. - What?
What the...
Good evening, ma'am. I'm sorry to disturb,
but I've just had a call from our embassy in Paris.
It's the Princess of Wales.
Why? What's she done now?
I see. Who are we speaking to there?
Right. Well, keep me updated.
It's Diana. She's been in a car accident in Paris.
Is it serious?
Apparently Dodi Fayed is dead.
Let's just recap on the details of those injuries, Maxine.
Yes, Nick. What they're saying is that
the Princess is in the intensive care unit of a southeast Paris hospital.
She has concussion, a broken arm and...
What was she doing in Paris?
I thought she was supposed to be in London.
Oh, you know what she's like.
Charles, isn't this awful?
The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has been awakened and is being...
What are you going to do about the boys?
- Let them sleep until we know more. - Yes, that's sensible.
I should go to Paris. I told my people to start organizing a jet.
- What, a private one? - Yes.
But isn't that precisely
the sort of extravagance they always attack us for?
How else am I supposed to get to Paris at this time of night?
The airport at Aberdeen will be closed.
Charles. Charles, dear. Use the Royal Flight.
They keep one plane on permanent standby
in case I should kick the bucket.
No, Mummy. That's out of the question. This isn't a matter of state.
What are you talking about?
Diana is no longer a member of the Royal Family.
She's not an HRH. This is a private matter.
She's mother to your grandchildren.
- What is happening now? - I don't know. I can't hear.
Everyone's shouting.
- Thanks for coming in. - The ambassador in Paris.
Good evening, sir.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Yes?
. . . the Princess's bodyguard is said to be badly injured.
I have just spoken to our ambassador in Paris, ma'am.
I'm afraid it's not good news.
No!
No.
No, no, no, no.
Diana, Princess of Wales, has died after a car crash in Paris.
The French Government announced her death
just before 5:00 this morning.
What have I got on this week?
You're writing your maiden conference speech as Prime Minister.
Well, let's cancel everything else.
This is going to be massive.
REPORTER ON TV: Her death was confirmed
by the French interior minister...
I'd better make a statement in the morning.
Well, you'll be pleased to know I've already started coming up with ideas.
God, she's only been dead an hour.
Or would you prefer I didn't do my job?
CHARLES: At some point later on today, I shall have to go to Paris.
You try and be very, very brave, Wills, all right?
Because it's what mummy would have wanted.
They're going to go back to sleep.
Try, anyway-.
My private secretary's office have
found a travel agency open in New York that will
sell me a flight to Paris with an hour's stopover in Manchester.
Perhaps now you might like to consider whether it's still an extravagance
to bring back the mother of the future King of England
in one of our planes?
All right. Of course.
(DOOR CLOSING)
John, I don't want the boys to see the news and get upset.
First thing in the morning, I want the radio taken out of the bedroom
and the television taken out of the nursery.
Yes, ma'am.
- Well, well, well. - Yes.
Are you all right?
Your sister called from Tuscany.
Well, I hope you told her to come back, cut her holiday short.
I did.
I can't imagine she was pleased.
That's putting it mildly.
- What did she say? - Something about
Diana managing to be even more annoying dead than alive.
Just make sure you never let the boys hear you talk like that.
Of course.
Something to help you go down.
No, I think I'll write my diary a little longer.
Fine. I'm going to bed.
EWART ON TV: We've heard nothing official from the Palace yet.
We still don't know when we're going to get
any further statements from inside the Palace
or, of course, when the Royal Family are due back.
And that's how she will remain in our minds, our hearts
forever.
Okay? Got it.
CAMPBELL: Well, where Will you do it?
We'll do it at the church
- on the way in. - All right. I'll organize it.
MURNAGHAN ON TV: Viscount Althorp,
Diana's brother, had this to say...
Hang on. I want to watch this.
EARL: This is not a time for recriminations, but for sadness.
However, I would say that I always believed
the press would kill her in the end.
But not even I could imagine
that they would take such a direct hand in her death
as seems to be the case.
it would appear that every proprietor and editor of every publication
that has paid for intrusive and exploitative photographs of her
has blood on his hands today.
Not the press, mate. You've got the wrong villain.
Tony.
Got to go.
You about to speak to the Queen?
Yeah.
Ask her if she greased the brakes.
Now, now.
Thanks.
Hello?
OPERATOR: Putting you through, Prime Minister.
- Oh, right. Okay. - Please hold.
ls the Prince of Wales with the boys?
- Yes, ma'am. - Good. And he's going to Paris?
Yes.
I'm sorry to disturb, ma'am. Ma'am.
But I've the Prime Minister for you from his constituency.
Lucky you.
Thank you, Robin. I'll take it in the study.
- Good morning, Your Majesty. - Prime Minister.
May I say right away how very sorry I am
and that the thoughts and prayers of my family are with you
at this terrible time.
And with the princes, in particular.
Thank you.
Is it your intention to make some kind of appearance or statement?
No. No, certainly not.
No member of the Royal Family will speak publicly about this.
This is a private matter.
We would all appreciate it if it could be respected as such.
I see.
I don't suppose anyone's had time to think about the funeral yet?
Well, we've spoken with the Spencer family
and it is their wish, it is their express wish,
that this should be a private funeral
with a memorial service to follow in a month or so.
Right.
And given that Diana was no longer a member of the Royal Family
we have no other choice but to respect their wishes.
I see.
You don't feel that, in view of her high profile and popularity,
it might be an idea to pay tribute to her life and achievements?
Or even just to her as a mother?
Well, as I said, it's her family's wish.
And the public, ma'am? The British people?
You don't think a private funeral might be denying them a chance...
A chance to what?
To share in the grief?
This is a family funeral, Mr. Blair, not a fairground attraction.
I think the Princess has already paid a high enough price for exposure
to the press, don't you?
Now, if there's nothing else, I must get on.
The children have to be looked after.
Of course. Well, goodbye, Your Majesty.
(PHONE HANGING UP)
Her instinct is to do nothing. Say nothing,
-and give her a private funeral. - CHERIE: Are you surprised?
She hated her guts.
Well, I think it's a mistake.
They screwed up her life. Let's hope they don't screw up her death.
Where can I get a black tie?
Oh, the chaplain called.
He wanted to know whether we should make any changes in the service.
Any special mention of Diana.
What did you say?
- Well, I told him not to change a thing. - Quite right.
I think the less attention one draws to it, the better.
- For the boys. - Yes.
But I think maybe we should find some company for them,
some young people-
I'll take them for a long walk this afternoon.
- Up Craggy Head. - Yes, but no guns, Philip. It is Sunday.
And we're going... We're going, in fact, I believe to Sedgefield,
the Prime Minister's constituency,
where he is about to make a statement.
Yes, the Prime Minister, coming now with his wife, Cherie.
Yeah, well, apart from that...
He's on. Alastair, he's on. Come on.
TONY: ...her own life was often, sadly, touched by tragedy.
She touched the lives of so many others
in Britain, throughout the world,
with joy and with comfort.
TONY: The people everywhere,
not just here in Britain, everywhere.
They kept faith with Princess Diana.
They liked her. They loved her.
They regarded her as one of the people.
She was the people's princess.
And that's how she will stay, how she will remain,
in our hearts and in our memories, forever.
Bit over the top, don't you think?
REPORTER: The Prime Minister paying his own tribute
to the Princess of Wales.
"The people of Britain," he said, "kept faith with Princess Diana.
"They loved her. She was the people's princess."
Did we remember the Royal Standard?
Yes, sir.
- And flowers? - Yes, sir.
Good, because if we leave it to the royal undertakers,
they'll bring her back in a wooden crate.
(BELL CHIMING)
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
- Hello? - This is Lord Airlie.
May I speak with the Prime Minister, please?
One moment, please. Lord Airlie.
The Lord Chamberlain in charge of the funeral.
You're meeting him at the airport.
Lord Airlie.
Good afternoon, Prime Minister.
It's my job to organize all the ceremonial events.
There is simply no precedent for the funeral of an ex-HRH.
Perhaps we should plan for any contingency.
Yes, I propose a meeting at 10:00 tomorrow morning
at Buckingham Palace.
Officials from all three palaces,
representatives from the Spencer family, the emergency services.
And would you send some of your people?
Absolutely. Of course.
"Precedent"? Where do they find these people'?
Thank you, Airlie.
Brigadier Sir Charles Wilton, Household Division.
Air Commodore Wessex, Queen's Flight.
Prime Minister.
I'm so sorry, sir.
And if there's anything I or my government can do...
They stood up as we drove past in cafes, in restaurants,
removed their hats.
This was Paris,
one of the busiest cities in the world and you could hear a pin drop.
I imagine it will be the same here.
The Palace would still prefer to see this as a private funeral.
What are your feelings on that?
I...
I think that'll present us with difficulties.
So do I.
My mother, the Queen, comes from a generation not best equipped.
She grew up in the war.
I think what we need, what this country needs,
is a more modern perspective, if you follow?
Balmoral is...
I think I understand.
EWART ON TV: An aircraft of the Queen's Flight
brought the Princess's body home this evening,
where the Prime Minister, Tony Blair,
had gathered with members of his government.
A single black hearse crossed the tarmac
and a Royal Air Force Guard of Honour moved slowly forward.
Has anyone heard from the Spencers yet?
Have they made up their minds when the funeral will be?
The Prince of Wales had accompanied the body back from...
Oh, I don't know. Nobody tells me anything.
REPORTER 1: President Clinton was with his wife
when he heard the news last night.
We liked her very much.
We admired her work for children, for people with AIDS,
for the cause of ending the scourge of landmines in the world...
On our walk today, one of the ghillies said he'd seen a large stag
up Craggy Head.
CLINTON: This is a very difficult time...
He reckoned 14 points.
We haven't had one as big as that on the estate for years.
No. Quite.
And I was tremendously impressed...
Anyway, I thought it might be a good distraction
-for the boys. - What? Stalking?
You don't think that's a bit soon, do you?
I think anything that gets them outside is a good idea.
REPORTER 2: ...in 1981 brought glamourto the Royal Family.
But as their relationship deteriorated,
she became an increasingly unhappy figure.
The couple divorced in August of last year.
(CROWD ROARING ON TV)
It was the love story that brought crowds onto the streets.
They came to see the Queen, of course, and the Prince,
but most of all they came to see Diana.
I'm going to bed.
But the seemingly perfect fairy tale was destined not to...
I'll ring the Lord Chamberlain's office.
Say we're going to send representatives
to the meeting tomorrow morning at 10:00.
Thank you, Stephen.
She gave us so much.
Why couldn't we have given her a little something and left her alone?
It just hurts me so much.
I've never experienced anything like this. I can't...
I think I'm... i keep waiting to wake up like it's a bad dream.
Right, it's 10:00. Let's get started, shall we?
And thank you all for coming at such short notice.
I think we all agree that this is an extraordinarily sensitive occasion
which presents us with tremendous challenges: logistically,
constitutionally, practically,
diplomatically, and procedurally.
Oh, Christ!
After 18 years of opposition, I am proud to stand before you
as the new Prime Minister of our country...
Labour Prime Minister.
I want to set an ambitious course to modernize this country,
to breathe new life into old institutions.
To make privilege something for the many, not the few.
CAMPBELL: Flipping heck!
You think the Royals are nutters? You should meet their flunkies.
Two and a half hours on whether she should be carried in a hearse
or a gun carriage.
Anyway, you got raves in the press.
This lot call you, "The nation's mourner in chief."
(PHONE RINGING)
This lot says you're the only person
who's correctly judged the mood of the country.
Hello?
Even the Mail was impressed.
"People's princess," mate. You owe me.
- Gordon, for you. - Tell him to hang on.
Alastair.
So have they come to their senses? Is it gonna be a public funeral?
Yeah. Saturday. It's a Whopper.
- The Abbey, the works. - Great.
Has anyone told the Queen yet?
I don't know. No doubt some flunky will be dispatched
groveling on all fours.
(CHUCKLING)
Are you game?
Do you think it's wise for the boys to go stalking so soon?
QUEEN MOTHER: Anything that gets them into the fresh air is a good thing.
Maybe they shouldn't take their guns.
I mean, if a photographer were to see them,
it might send out the wrong signal.
If there is a photographer out there
he could be the first kill of the day.
I see Mr. Fayed was buried last night.
At midnight. No cameras, no fuss.
Very dignified.
Why do they do that?
Why do they bury their bodies so soon after the death?
Islamic tradition.
Something to do with the heat.
Stops the body decomposing.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Yes, come in.
Good morning, ma'am. Ma'am.
Yes, Robin. What can we do for you?
Ma'am, there was a meeting at the Palace this morning.
THE QUEEN: About the funeral arrangements, yes.
The Lord Chamberlain faxed over these plans for you to consider.
There is now general agreement, ma'am,
that a public funeral would be more appropriate.
I see.
And what form will this funeral take?
At the moment, they're suggesting,
and, of course, these are early days, basing it on Tay Bridge.
- Tay Bridge? - What?
Tay Bridge is the codename for my funeral.
Indeed, ma'am.
But it would be for practical reasons only.
It's the only one which has been rehearsed.
The only one that could be put together in time.
But I supervised those plans myself.
Indeed, and the Lord Chamberlain was at pains to stress
that the spirit of the occasion will be quite different.
For example, the suggestion is that instead of 400 soldiers,
400 representatives of the Princess's various charities
march behind the coffin.
And instead of foreign heads of state and crown heads of Europe,
the guests would include a sprinkling of actors of stage and screen,
fashion designers, and other celebrities.
Celebrities?
Was there, was there anything else?
No, ma'am.
Oh, yes, one other thing.
The Police Commissioner was keen that you consider
the idea of a condolence book.
It would give the growing crowds something to do,
make marshaling them easier.
Oh, yes. Yes, of course.
(STAMMERING) Oh, and the flowers.
What flowers?
The flowers outside Buckingham Palace.
At the moment they're blocking the path through the main gate
and it will make things difficult for the Changing of the Guard.
Oh, fine. Then just move them away.
Actually, the Lord Chamberlain was wondering
whether we shouldn't leave the flowers
and send the Guards through the North Gate.
Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Yes, quite right.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Stephen Lamport on one.
Who?
The Prince of Wales's private secretary. Balmoral.
He says it's urgent.
It's all right.
TONY: Good morning.
STEPHEN: Good morning, Prime Minister.
The Prince of Wales has asked me
to thank you again for your kind words yesterday.
Not at all.
The Prince feels that
You and he are both modern men
of similar mind
Who could work well together at this difficult time.
Well, please thank His Highness,
and assure him he can count on my full support at all times.
Was that it?
Yes.
Goodbye.
Bizarre.
- Why is Charles doing this? - WOMAN: What?
Creeping up to me like this?
Banging on about being modern.
He did it at the airport when he asked me to deal with his mother.
Because he knows that if the Queen continues to get it wrong over Diana,
then the Royals will become public enemy number one.
And he's terrified of being shot, apparently.
Who, Charles?
His people have already been on to us to ask for extra protection.
Well, he probably thinks that if he's seen to be on our side,
then that'll leave the Queen in the firing line.
What? So it's okay for his mother to take the bullet and not him?
What a family.
- Wait. Where are they? - They're up at Craggy Head.
Come on. Yes.
I'll come with you.
- Go on. In you go. - Do you want me to drive?
No. Certainly not.
I thought you were going to get a new one of these.
What for? It's perfectly all right.
I was thinking last night what Diana might have done
had it been me that died in the tunnel in Paris.
She would certainly have taken the boys to Paris.
I rather regret not doing that now.
And expose them to the media?
No, that would have been a dreadful thing to do.
No, they're much better off here. It's private, they're protected.
Whatever else you may have thought of Diana, she was a wonderful mother.
She adored those boys, and never let them forget it.
Always warm and physical.
Never afraid to show her feelings.
Especially whenever a photographer was in sight.
Yes, she may have encouraged all that, but, still,
that was always the extraordinary thing about her.
Her weaknesses and transgressions only made the public love her more.
Yet ours only make them hate us. Why is that?
Why do they hate us so much?
- Not us, dear. - What?
Yesterday, when we brought the coffin back, there was a noise, a bang.
I don't mind telling you, I thought it was a gun.
I thought someone had taken a shot at me.
Think I'm going to walk back.
I don't feel like stalking.
- Are you sure? - I'll take the dogs.
Walkies? Yes!
(BARKING)
Who knows the way home? Come on.
BASHIR: Do you think you will ever be Queen?
No, I don't. No.
Why do you think that?
I'd like to be a queen of people's hearts, in people's hearts.
But I don't see myself being Queen of this country.
I don't think many people would want me to be Queen, actually.
When I say many people, I mean the Establishment that I'm married into,
because they've decided that I'm a non-starter.
But by the time...
Charles and I had a talk in the car today.
He was good enough to share with me his thoughts on motherhood.
What did he say?
How wonderful Diana was.
That's changing his tune.
What a natural.
That's precluded you, effectively, from becoming Queen.
They see me as a threat of some kind.
Oh, for God's sake!
Maybe he's got a point. Maybe we are partly to blame.
Oh, I can't watch this.
No, no. Wait, please. No, leave it.
...because I don't go by a rule book.
Because I lead from the heart, not the head.
And albeit that's got me into trouble in my work, I understand that...
We encouraged the match.
We signed off on it, both of us.
You were very enthusiastic, remember?
She was a nice girl,
then.
And I was sure he'd give the other one up.
Or at least make sure his wife toed the line.
Isn't that what everyone does?
Is it?
BASHIR: Do you think Mrs. Parker Bowles was a factor
in the breakdown of your marriage?
Well, there were three of us in this marriage. So it was a bit crowded.
Four months later...
I can't bear it anymore. If you're watching, I'll sleep next door.
Early start tomorrow.
- Any luck with your stag? - No.
But close. A couple of hundred yards at one point.
One of the boys even got a shot off.
We'll get him tomorrow.
See you in the morning.
Not to worry.
Night-night.
BASHIR: And her struggle with the eating disorder, bulimia.
And of her obsession with the belief
that Charles continued to love a woman he'd fallen for years before,
Camilla...
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING ON TV)
The good news is that the Palace has agreed
-to video screens in the Royal Parks. - And the bad news?
- Crash barriers. - What about them?
Well, they're now predicting
more than two million people will descend on London
and there aren't enough barriers to line the route.
So, we've gone cap in hand to the French for theirs.
And there's something else I think you should see.
- Can we run that piece again? - Of course.
You're gonna love this.
I find their behavior very disgraceful.
What do you think, madam?
I think it's disgusting that they've not appeared or said a word
relating to all this.
- Look, I know all this. - Wait for it.
WOMAN: ...not to have a flag up.
I think it's a disgrace on the whole Royal Family.
Okay, the Queen's not in residence today, but where the hell is the flag?
You see what I'm saying about the Establishment?
Don't tell me there isn't a flag flying at half mast over Buckingham Palace?
She was their King and Queen. Dodi, them two were together.
- It was a fairy tale come true. - TONY: God!
Will someone please save these people from themselves?
- Fine, I'll call Balmoral. - Planet Zog.
Because as Prime Minister, I've really got nothing better to do.
Come on, dogs. Come on.
Those firelighters all right? Bit damp?
Oh, well, I brought some stew just in case.
I think it's lamb. We could always have that cold.
No, we'll be all right.
Stay.
Robin had a call from the Prime Minister
who expressed his concern.
About what?
About the flag above Buckingham Palace.
He thinks it should be flying at half mast.
And I hope Robin told him there isn't a flag above Buckingham Palace.
There's the Royal Standard, which flies for one reason only,
to denote the presence of the monarch.
Since you're here the flagpole is bare, which is as it should be.
Isn't it possible that, for some people, the Royal Standard is just a flag?
And that the flagpole being bare sends out the wrong signal?
No, that's not the point.
The point is, it's more than 400 years old.
It's never been lowered for anyone.
Your grandfather didn't get the flag at half mast when he died.
And if your mother died tomorrow, she wouldn't either.
Yes, Granny, but sometimes, in a situation like this,
one has to be flexible.
It is just a flag.
"What about the Union Jack?" was Mr. Blair's next suggestion.
- For Heaven's sake. - The next thing he'll be suggesting
you change your name to Hilda and mine to Hector!
Who does he think he's talking to?
You're the Sovereign, the Head of State.
You don't get dictated to.
You've conceded the idea of a public funeral.
You've opened up the Parks. That's enough!
The boys.
You wait. In 48 hours, this will all have calmed down.
(BARKING)
Well, in one sense it's comforting.
For the first time, my parents can see
what it's been like for me all these years,
being up against her popularity.
But they're still making the mistake of thinking the Diana they knew
from living and dealing with her
will eventually be the one seen by the public, but it won't.
The two Diana's, the public's and ours, bear no relation to one another at all.
I've been thinking,
the flag of Saint George's is at half mast over Highgrove?
Yes, sir.
Well, make sure we get a picture of that in the papers, will you?
I'll get on to the tabloids. Call in a few favors.
What about a statement of gratitude to the crowds?
Something heartfelt from myself and the boys,
thanking people for all the flowers and so on.
Right.
Di was wonderful because she stood up to the Establishment.
We have no one doing that now.
She said, you're detached, elitist people,
we are paying millions of pounds to be better than us,
and you've gotta get out there amongst the people.
We have a wonderful new Prime Minister in England, Tony Blair.
A compassionate young man
who, after 18 years of Establishment Tory rule,
it's such a breath of fresh air.
And I feel he will do something about this in England, I really do.
CHERIE: I bet you this'll be the first stirrings of...
What?
I don't know. Something more interesting.
You know, maybe this time people will finally have seen them
for what they actually are.
Which is?
A bunch of freeloading, emotionally retarded nutters.
- That's just absurd. - Why?
They live in a ludicrous cocoon of privilege and wealth.
- And they don't pay tax. - Yes, they do.
Not on all their income. The Queen alone costs us what,
thirty, forty million a year?
Look, if you want to have a serious conversation about this...
- I do. - About the constitution.
- We don't have one. - About ways in which we,
as a government,
could phase out hereditary privileges, then fine.
If you're gonna leave, will you take the plate?
But, you know, spare me the whole "off with their heads" thing.
- Why? - Because it insults your intelligence.
The Queen cannot be expected to change.
It's unimaginable, this country being a republic.
- Certainly in her lifetime. - Why?
Because no one would wear it. No one wants it.
It's just
daft.
- It's not a mother thing, is it? - What?
Well, if she were alive now,
your mother would be exactly the same age.
I mean, you were always saying how stoical she was.
Old fashioned, uncomplaining, lived through the war.
Oh, come on. Who does that sound like'?
I'm gonna do the washing up.
That's the stalking party off.
Right. We'd better have a look at those papers.
"Show us there's a heart in the House of Windsor," says The Sun.
"It's proof the Royals are not like us," the Mirror.
"Time to change the old guard at Buckingham Palace," Express.
"One can't help wondering whose advice they are taking
"for it's clearly the wrong advice."
I'll try not to take that personally.
"People have been yearning for a change in this country." Good.
"The result is a quiet revolution now taking place,
"led by the real modernizers, the British people."
Revolution? Who wrote this?
Where does this come from?
Where does it come from?
You just won a huge landslide majority.
And people want to see a change.
Why? What did you think it meant?
Hurry up, dear. Your tea's getting cold.
- Is that it? - Yes, ma'am.
Just the letter of condolence to the widow of the ambassador to Brazil.
Good. Thank you.
Tea! Oh, good.
Mr. Janvrin, the Prime Minister wishes to speak to Her Majesty.
Ma'am.
Apparently, the Prime Minister is on the phone for you.
Tell him to call back.
No, no, it's all right. I'll take it.
Prime Minister?
Good morning, Your Majesty. Sorry to disturb.
But I was just wondering whether you'd seen any of today's papers?
We've managed to look at one or two, yes.
In which case, my next question would be
whether you felt
some kind of response might be necessary?
No.
I believe a few over-eager editors are doing their best to sell newspapers,
and it would be a mistake to dance to their tune.
Under normal circumstances, I would agree.
But, well, my advisers have been
taking the temperature among people on the streets,
and, well, the information I'm getting is that the mood
is quite delicate.
So, what would you suggest, Prime Minister?
Some kind of a statement?
No, ma'am.
I believe the moment for statements has passed.
I would suggest flying the flag at half mast above Buckingham Palace.
And
coming down to London at the earliest opportunity.
It would be a great comfort to your people
and would help them with their grief.
Their grief?
If you imagine I'm going to drop everything
and come down to London before I attend to my grandchildren
who've just lost their mother,
then you're mistaken.
I doubt there is anyone
who knows the British people more than I do, Mr. Blair,
nor who has greater faith in their wisdom and judgment.
And it is my belief that they will, any moment, reject this...
This mood which is being stirred up by the press,
in favor of a period of restrained grief and sober private mourning.
That's the way we do things in this country.
Quietly. With dignity.
That's what the rest of the world has always admired us for.
If that's your decision, ma'am, of course the government will support it.
Let's keep in touch.
Yes. Let's.
Bloody fool. And now your tea's gone cold.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Tony. Robin Janvrin on one.
He was listening in.
Robin.
I understand how difficult her behavior must seem to you.
How unhelpful.
But try and see it from her perspective.
She's been brought up to believe it's God's will,
she is who she is.
I think we should leave God out of it. It's just not helpful.
She just won't have seen anything like this since the abdication.
And I cannot emphasize enough what effect that had on her.
Unexpectedly becoming King as good as killed her father.
I'm afraid she's in a state of shock.
This public reaction has completely thrown her.
All right.
But first we have to deal with these terrible headlines.
I'll see what I can do with the press.
I'm most grateful, Prime Minister.
But I can't promise anything. It's not me they want to see.
Ask Alastair to come and see me, would you?
Okay.
And cancel what I'm doing tonight.
- Good morning. - Your Majesty.
- Morning, ma'am. - Morning, ma'am.
- Thomas, where have they gone today? - Up to Aberganny Reach, ma'am.
All that way. Remind me, that's right at the fork?
That's right, ma'am.
You follow the track for about a mile, past Glen Horach,
-and then you come to... - The river.
One of the lads will drive you.
No, no, that's all right, I'll manage, thank you. Thank you.
- Ma'am. - Ma'am.
Bugger it!
(GROANS)
Stupid!
(PHONE RINGING)
- THE QUEEN: Hello, Thomas? - Hello, ma'am.
I'm afraid I've done something rather foolish.
I've broken the prop shaft crossing the river.
Are you sure, ma'am?
Yes, of course I'm sure.
It's the front one, not the rear. Lost the four-wheel drive.
Don't forget, I used to be a mechanic during the war.
And are you all right?
No, no, I'm perfectly all right.
- We'll come out straight away. - Oh, would you?
Thank you. Thank you very much. Yes, I'll wait by the car.
You are kind. Bye.
(SNIFFLES)
(CRYING)
Oh, you're a beauty.
(GUN FIRES)
(SHOOS)
Go on.
Go on!
(DOG BARKING)
(CHUCKLING)
I've just been told there's news crews outside.
Waiting for you to come and speak to the people.
- Yes. - What's all that about?
I told the Queen's private secretary I'd do what I could
to help with the press.
Why?
Don't you think she deserves it? Sitting up there on her 40,000 acres.
Yes, but allowing her to hang herself
might not be in our best interests either.
Besides, I think there's something ugly
about the way everyone's started to bully her.
The first thing that you obviously think about
is the rest of your family. And I think...
REPORTER 1: When is she coming to London, Mr. Blair?
- Well... - REPORTER 2: She is our figure head.
- She is our head of this nation. - She is,
and her thoughts are with us all.
She wanted me to pass on to the people here, crowding around us...
BRUNSON: With a moment to spare, the Prime Minister
went down Downing Street to have a word with some of the ordinary...
- How are the boys? - Not so good tonight.
A lot of slamming doors. I think they saw the papers.
Oh, no.
I'll take them out early again tomorrow morning.
Let them take it out on the stag.
REPORTER 3: What do you think of the way
the Royal Family has behaved?
- They've made a serious mistake. - Pardon?
They've made a serious mistake.
Why, what do you mean?
Well, they should've came... They should've...
The family should have come down
to Buckingham Palace on Sunday afternoon. All of them.
That girl has been left on her own, she's on her own up there,
and the place is empty.
Oh, please.
Sleeping in the streets and pulling out their hair
for someone they never knew?
And they think we're mad?
Have you seen the latest funeral guest list?
No.
I suggest you keep it that way.
A chorus line of soap stars and homosexuals.
Apparently, Elton John is going to be singing.
That'll be a first for Westminster Abbey.
Condolence books are now being signed in our embassies
in every major city in the world.
And in London alone, the number has reached 40.
It reminds me of one of those films.
A few of us in a fort. Hordes of Zulus outside.
So it's vital you hold firm. Stick to your guns.
You wait, they will come to their senses soon. They have to.
Come on, move over, cabbage.
SMITH: Good morning. It's 6:00 on Thursday
the 4th of September, I'm Penny Smith.
And I'm Matthew Lorenzo.
As the first people start camping out
on the route of Princess Diana's funeral cortege,
questions are being asked about why the Queen
hasn't addressed her subjects at this time of national grief.
HOLMES ON TV: And this is what the newspapers are saying this morning.
The Sun, "Where is our Queen? Where is her flag?"
The Express, "Show us you care," picture of a grumpy Queen.
The Mail, "Let the flag fly at half mast."
And inside, "The Queen should be here to show her respects."
But the flip side is, "Blair more popular now than Churchill. Shock."
But did any of them pick up on our statement of support?
Well, just the one.
Statements of support don't sell papers.
Right.
Ma'am? Ma'am?
The Prime Minister for you, ma'am.
I'm afraid he's rather insisting.
I'll take it in the kitchen.
(DOGS BARKING)
Good morning, I'm so sorry to disturb you.
I'm just expecting a phone call to be put through here. Out!
(PHONE RINGING)
There it is..
Thank you kindly.
- Good morning, Prime Minister. - Good morning, ma'am.
You've seen today's headlines?
Yes, I have.
Then I'm sure you'll agree the situation has become
quite critical.
Ma'am, a poll
that's to be published in tomorrow's papers
suggests that 70% of people believe
that your actions have damaged the Monarchy.
And that one in four
are now in favor of abolishing the Monarchy altogether.
As your Prime Minister,
I believe it is my constitutional responsibility to advise
the following.
ls Queen Elizabeth up yet?
(KNOCKING)
Mummy?
One. Fly the flag at half mast above Buckingham Palace
and all other Royal residences.
Two. Leave Balmoral and fly down to London at the earliest opportunity.
Three.
Pay respects, in person, at Diana's coffin.
And, four. Make a statement via live television
to my people and the world.
Swift prosecution of these matters might, he felt,
just might avert disaster.
You will have to talk to the Lord Chamberlain about all this.
I have, and to Robert Fellowes, and it seems they both agree with Mr. Blair.
I see.
Something has happened. There's been a change.
Some shift in values.
When you no longer understand your people, Mummy,
maybe it is time to hand it over to the next generation.
Don't you be ridiculous. Remember the vow you took?
"I declare that my whole life, whether it be long or short,
"shall be devoted to your service."
Your whole life.
That is a commitment to God as well as your people.
But what if my actions are damaging the Crown?
Damaging it?
You're the greatest asset this institution has.
One of the greatest it has ever had.
No, no.
The problem will come when you leave.
But you mustn't think about that now,
-and certainly not today. - Oh, Mummy.
You must show more strength.
Reassert your authority.
You sit on the most powerful throne in Europe.
Head of an unbroken line that goes back more than a thousand years.
Do you think any of your predecessors would have dropped everything
and gone up to London
because a bunch of hysterics carrying candles needed help with their grief?
(SCOFFS)
As for that silly Mr. Blair, with his Cheshire cat grin...
Mr. Janvrin on the phone for you, sir.
Yes?
What?
I can't hear!
Well, that's madness. The whole thing!
Bloody madness!
I've just been told.
You've decided we're to follow the Prime Minister's advice.
I just want to say I
admire...
I think it's the right decision.
Let's hope we haven't left it too late.
(CAMERAS CLICKING)
SNOW ON TV: These are historic shots that we're witnessing.
Clearly the Queen has had a change of heart.
She's clearly responding to the need to feel that the Royal Family
is somehow engaged.
These are flowers that have been brought to the gates of Balmoral
so that she can actually see
some token of what's been expressed down here in London.
CHERIE: Fish fingers, do you want any?
Be right there.
Thank God for that!
I'm afraid they're a bit burnt.
(MOTORCYCLE BACKFIRES)
REPORTER: From CNN International
This is World News, with Ralitsa Vassileva from CNN Center.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth will deliver a televised address Friday.
The Royal Family has been accused of not showing enough remorse
over Princess Diana's death.
Where are the boys? Have they already left?
Yes.
They left for London after breakfast, with Charles.
It's not right, you know.
No, but further discussion is no longer helpful either.
Oh, Well.
I suppose it does give the ghillies time to find another stag for the boys,
-now theirs has been shot. - What?
Haven't you heard?
He wandered over to one of the neighboring estates
where one of the commercial guests got him.
Really?
Which estate?
Here's your box.
There's some policy unit stuff here that's important.
And have you seen the papers?
No, I thought I'd give them the miss today. Of course I've seen the papers.
Not bad, eh?
"Your Majesty, come down to London."
(IMITATING THE QUEEN) "Who says so?" "Tony Blair."
Mr. Father of the Nation.
Ma'am.
- Good morning, ma'am. - Morning.
Is it His Lordship you've come to see?
No, no, no, please don't disturb him.
No, I've come on another matter. I hope you don't mind.
MAN: There he is.
He's a beauty, isn't he?
An imperial, ma'am.
Fourteen pointer.
- He was wounded. - Yes.
MAN: We got our guest in very close, had him lined up perfect.
And, Still...
An investment banker, ma'am, from London.
I'm afraid the stalkers had to follow him for miles to finish him off.
Let's hope he didn't suffer too much.
Please pass my congratulations to your guest.
I will, ma'am.
- God bless you, ma'am. - Thank you.
ROBIN: Ma'am.
Yes, Robin?
I've done a draft of your television address.
Thank you.
Was there anything else?
No, ma'am.
Landing in 15 minutes.
I've got the Queen's speech.
REPORTER 1 ON TV: ...all sorts of things could've gone wrong.
- Should I give Tony a copy? - No, let me have a look at it first.
Okay. He's next door.
REPORTER 2 ON TV: ...these scenes that began last night,
beginning to atone for the hurt of the previous week.
And the anger, as somebody said earlier,
perhaps was just that people grieving need
to target their anger at somebody.
And Royal protocol might have been the thing, it got in the way.
But Royal protocol is being swept aside en masse today.
WOMAN: God bless Diana!
...looked very serious, Her Majesty and the Duke.
Normally it is a happy occasion when they arrive here,
and normally when they're out at the front here.
It's days like Trooping the Colour or VE Day or VJ Day.
This is a tragic occasion.
JENNIE: It looks as though the Queen is about to...
She is. She's getting out of the car, Wes, and is going to talk to people.
WES: It's extremely unusual, this is almost unprecedented.
I think perhaps the last time
the Queen was among her people outside the Palace
was the day that war in Europe ended.
JENNIE: It's really, isn't it, as if the public
and the Royal Family, the Monarchy,
have had a quarrel this week and now it's being healed in some measure.
Like a family spat. Not unlike
the family spats that they could acknowledge with Diana.
I mean, dear Jennie is quite right to say that whatever the
professional ups and downs between the Queen and the Princess...
They sent a copy of the Queen's speech.
Might want to scrape the frost off it first.
...and I think the Queen is very generous in recognizing that
her eldest son wasn't always the easiest chap to be married to.
I phoned them with a couple of suggestions
to make it sound like it came from a human being.
Yeah, all right, Alastair.
...she was indifferent...
Well, at least the old bat has finally agreed to visit Diana's coffin.
You know, when you get it wrong, you really get it wrong.
That woman has given her whole life in service to her people.
Fifty years doing a job she never wanted.
A job she watched kill her father.
She's executed it with honor, dignity, and as far as I can tell,
without a single blemish, and now we're all baying for her blood!
All because she's struggling to lead the world in mourning for someone
who threw everything she offered back in her face.
And who, for the last few years, seemed committed 24/7
to destroying everything she holds most dear!
Hello. Would you like me to place those for you?
No.
These are for you.
For me?
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Ma'am.
There's been a last minute addition from Downing Street.
They're suggesting adding "and as a grandmother," here.
Right.
"So what I say to you now as your Queen, and as a grandmother,
"I say from my heart."
You think you can say it?
Do I have a choice?
They're ready for you, Your Majesty.
Just to confirm. This is going out live.
Fine.
And you'll be at the front of the 6:00 news on all the channels.
Yes.
Thank you.
DIRECTOR: Okay, nice and quiet. MAN: Ten seconds, everyone.
SUCHET: We cross now live to Buckingham Palace
for the Queen's tribute to Princess Diana.
Since last Sunday's dreadful news
we have seen, throughout Britain and around the world,
an overwhelming expression of sadness at Diana's death.
We have all been trying in our different ways to cope.
It is not easy to express a sense of loss
since the initial shock
is often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings:
disbelief, incomprehension, anger,
and concern for those who remain.
We have all felt those emotions in these last few days,
so what I say to you now, as your Queen, and as a grandmother,
I say from my heart.
Heart? What heart? She doesn't mean a word of this.
That's not the point. What she's doing is extraordinary.
In good times and bad she never lost
-her capacity to smile and laugh. - That's how to survive.
Listen to you.
A week ago you were the great modernizer
making speeches about the "people's princess."
Now you've gone weak at the knees.
...and especially for her devotion to her two boys...
You know, I don't know why I'm so surprised.
At the end of the day, all Labour Prime Ministers go ga-ga for the Queen.
What?
...millions of others who never met her, but felt they knew her,
will remember her.
I for one, believe that there are lessons to be drawn from her life
and from the extraordinary and moving reaction to her death.
I share in your determination to cherish her memory.
I hope that tomorrow, we can all, wherever we are,
join in expressing our grief at Diana's loss
and gratitude for her all too short life.
May those who died rest in peace,
and may we, each and every one of us,
thank God for someone who made many, many people happy.
REPORTER: Diana's coffin, now on the move
the short distance from St. James's Palace
to her home at Kensington Palace
for the final night before her burial tomorrow.
It's incredible, less than a week.
Who could have imagined such scenes?
EARL: Diana was the very essence of compassion, of duty,
of style, of beauty.
A very British girl who transcended nationality.
Someone with a natural nobility, who was classless,
and who proved, in the last year, that she needed no Royal title
to continue to generate her particular brand of magic.
I would like to end by thanking God for the small mercies
he's shown us at this dreadful time,
for taking Diana at her most beautiful and radiant
and when she had joy in her private life.
Above all, we give thanks for the life of a woman
I'm so proud to be able to call my sister,
the unique
the complex, the extraordinary, and irreplaceable Diana.
Whose beauty, both internal and external,
will never be extinguished from our minds.
So, off to see your girlfriend?
Now, now.
You know, I hope she shows you some respect this time.
It's quite a debt of gratitude she owes you.
Mr. Savior of the Monarchy.
I doubt she'll see it that way.
- Robin, good to see you. - Prime Minister.
Tony, please.
The Prime Minister, Your Majesty.
- Do sit down. - Thank you.
It's good to see you again
after what's been quite a summer.
I'm referring to your visit to India and Pakistan
where your comments on ending historic disagreements
went down very well.
And the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting...
I spoke to the Prime Minister of Malawi
and he was saying how much he appreciated
your tough stance on Nigeria.
I meant to tell you at the time,
but you were being monopolized rather.
I imagine those occasions must be quite difficult.
Twenty-four heads of government, each clamoring for a private audience.
Also, we haven't had a chance to speak since that week.
And I wanted to offer my apologies.
Whatever for?
In case you felt manhandled or managed in any way.
No. Not at all.
I don't think I shall ever understand what happened this summer.
Well, the circumstances were exceptional, ma'am.
And in the end you showed great personal strength,
courage, and humility.
You're confusing humility with humiliation.
That's not true.
You didn't read the cards
On the flowers outside the Palace that Friday.
I actually think history will show it was a good week for you.
And an even better one for you, Mr. Blair.
But there are 52 weeks in the year, ma'am,
and 2,500 in the time since you've been Queen.
And when people come to assess your legacy,
they won't remember those few days.
Oh, really?
You don't think that what affection people once had for,
for this institution has been diminished?
No. Not at all.
You're more respected now than ever.
I gather some of your closest advisers were less fulsome in their support.
One or two.
But as a leader, I could never have added my voice to that chorus.
Because you saw those headlines
and you thought, "One day, that might happen to me."
(STUTTERING)
And it will, Mr. Blair.
Quite suddenly and without warning.
So, shall we get on with the business in hand?
Oh, look.
Oh, I do love this time of clay. Shall we walk while there's still light?
You know the clocks go back next week, it'll be dark before 5:00.
I do hope you're a walker.
- I am. - Good.
I always think these meetings have a far greater chance of success
if the Prime Minister is a walker.
As a matter of fact it's how I think best, on my feet.
You know, I've never been one for sitting around endlessly.
A good walk and fresh air sorts everything out.
One in four, you said, wanted to get rid of me?
For about half an hour.
But then you came down to London and all that went away.
I've never been hated like that before.
And that must have been difficult.
Yes.
Very.
Nowadays, people want glamour and tears, the grand performance.
I'm not very good at that. I never have been.
I prefer to keep my feelings to myself.
And, foolishly, I believed that was what the people wanted from their Queen.
Not to make a fuss, nor wear one's heart on one's sleeve.
Duty first, self second.
That's how I was brought up.
That's all I've ever known.
You were so young when you became Queen.
Well...
Yes.
Yes, a girl.
But I can see that the world has changed,
and one must modernize.
- Well, perhaps that's where I can help. - Oh, no.
Don't get ahead of yourself, Prime Minister.
Remember, I'm the one supposed to be advising you.
(CHUCKLING)
Come on, dogs.
So, tell me, Mr. Blair, what might we expect from your first parliament?
Well, ma'am, top of the list is education reform.
We want to radically reduce classroom sizes.
Oh, yes. Yes, we must.
Create a much lower teacher-pupil ratio.
Yes, it will be difficult to achieve...
(CHATTERING)