The Queen's Rival
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - MORNING
Queen Elizabeth II (early 40s) sits at her desk, reading the morning newspapers. She sips her tea and scans the headlines.
INSERT - NEWSPAPER HEADLINE
"Lady Margaret: England's True Queen?"
BACK TO SCENE
Queen Elizabeth narrows her eyes and sets the newspaper aside, revealing a stack of political documents.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (early 50s), strides through the corridor. He slows down as one of the Queen's secretaries, MARTIN (30s), hurries past.
PHILIP
(under his breath)
Not another Lady Margaret article.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - CONTINUOUS
Philip enters and closes the door behind him. The Queen glances up from her desk.
PHILIP
(smiling)
Well, at least this one doesn't suggest that you and Lady Margaret switch places.
ELIZABETH
(rolls her eyes)
Hardly an improvement. They're more concerned with gossip than the state of the nation.
PHILIP
(sits down)
Speaking of which, I noticed some memos Ed received from the Prime Minister.
ELIZABETH
Yes, it seems they plan to repeal the tax on tea.
PHILIP
(laughs)
Finally, some good news. When is your meeting with him?
ELIZABETH
This afternoon.
PHILIP
Do keep me informed, dear.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S AUDIENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON
Queen Elizabeth sits in her chair, waiting. The door opens and Prime Minister HAROLD (60s) walks in, looking tired and tense.
ELIZABETH
Harold, how are you holding up?
HAROLD
(steps forward)
Your Majesty, I do my best for Crown and country.
ELIZABETH
(chuckles)
As we all do. Now, tell me about this proposed tax repeal. Is it wise given the strained economy?
HAROLD
We believe that it would help boost the morale of the working class, Your Majesty. Though we are facing economic challenges, this would demonstrate that the government can still prioritize its people.
ELIZABETH
(leaning back)
Very well. I trust your judgment, Harold.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DINING HALL - NIGHT
The Queen, Philip, and the royal family share a meal. The atmosphere is tense with unspoken thoughts.
ELIZABETH
(clears throat)
Anne, how was your riding lesson?
PRINCESS ANNE
(teenager, distracted)
Oh, it was fine, thank you, Mother.
PHILIP
(to Charles)
Charles, have you had a chance to look through the military academy brochures I gave you?
PRINCE CHARLES
(teenager, hesitates)
I... yes, Father, I have. I'm just not sure if it's really for me.
PHILIP
(nods)
Well, do give it some serious thought. The time will come when you must choose your path.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Unseen Monarch
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S PRIVATE STUDY - DAY
As the sun breaks through the clouds, QUEEN ELIZABETH II, late 50s, sits at her desk, sipping tea and sifting through paperwork. Her Private Secretary, Martin Charteris, enters the room.
MARTIN CHARTERIS
Your Majesty, Prime Minister Thatcher is here to discuss the matter of the Falklands conflict.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Very well, Charteris. Show her in.
As Martin exits, the Queen takes a deep breath, mentally preparing for the meeting.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - AUDIENCE ROOM - DAY
MARGARET THATCHER, stern and determined, sits on the edge of her seat as QUEEN ELIZABETH enters. They share a nod of acknowledgement.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Margaret, an urgent meeting suggests troubling news.
MARGARET THATCHER
Your Majesty, I'm afraid so. The Argentinians show no signs of backing down - it seems they intend to fight for the Falklands.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
And how do you propose we respond?
MARGARET THATCHER
With strength and resolve, Your Majesty. I have ordered a task force to assemble and engage, should diplomacy fail.
The Queen appears uneasy but maintains composure.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
I pray that it doesn't come to that.
The scene transitions to CHARLES and DIANA, mid-20s, at the Kensington Palace.
INT. KENSINGTON PALACE - DRAWING ROOM - DAY
PRINCESS DIANA enters the room, followed by PRINCE CHARLES, who seems distant and preoccupied.
PRINCESS DIANA
Charles, is everything alright between us? You seem... distant of late.
PRINCE CHARLES
We're expecting our first child, Diana. There are pressures and commitments beyond our marriage at stake.
Diana attempts to lighten the mood.
PRINCESS DIANA
When you put it that way, I'm looking forward to this baby more than ever. It's quite an adventure, don't you think?
Charles fakes a smile as the weight of the monarchy strains their relationship.
PRINCE CHARLES
Yes, an adventure indeed.
The scene transitions to the Queen and Lord Chamberlain at the Buckingham Palace.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - DAY
LORD CHAMBERLAIN anxiously paces the room, awaiting QUEEN ELIZABETH.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Lord Chamberlain, do you have news?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN
I'm afraid it concerns Prince Charles, Your Majesty. There are whispers among the staff that the strain of the coming child has soured the relationship between him and the Princess.
The Queen is visibly upset, but she remains collected.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
There is much on our plate, both within our family and for the country. We must maintain our strength for the future, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Fading Crown
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
A beautiful, sunny day at Buckingham Palace. The camera moves through the gardens, stopping at a YOUNG GIRL, age 8, fascinated by a butterfly.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - WINDSOR SUITE - DAY
QUEEN ELIZABETH stands near the window, admiring the girl and the butterfly. PRIME MINISTER HAROLD WILSON enters the room.
HAROLD WILSON
Your Majesty.
ELIZABETH
Ah, Prime Minister, come in. Isn't it a lovely day?
HAROLD WILSON
Indeed it is, Your Majesty.
ELIZABETH
What brings you here today, Mr. Wilson?
HAROLD WILSON
Your Majesty, I come bearing news of grave importance. The people have spoken, and a vote has been cast.
Elizabeth's demeanor changes, aware of the gravity of Wilson's words.
ELIZABETH
Go on.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CHOIR ROOM - DAY
PRINCESS MARGARET and ANTONY ARMSTRONG-JONES (LORD SNOWDON) are rehearsing for an upcoming charity concert with choirmaster SIR DAVID LLOYD.
PRINCESS MARGARET
Sir David, do you truly believe my voice is adequate for the performance?
SIR DAVID LLOYD
Absolutely, Your Royal Highness. Your voice brings life to choral music.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - WINDSOR SUITE - DAY
Continuation of Queen Elizabeth and Harold Wilson's conversation.
HAROLD WILSON
The people have voted for Britain's exit from the European Economic Community.
ELIZABETH
Brexit, as it's called?
HAROLD WILSON
Yes, Your Majesty. The decision is expected to have profound ramifications, and the people are divided.
Elizabeth regains her composure.
ELIZABETH
We shall face this challenge as we have always done in the past. With unity, determination, and grace.
A KNOCK at the door, a FOOTMAN enters.
FOOTMAN
Your Majesty, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, wishes to speak with you.
ELIZABETH
Thank you. Send him in, please.
HAROLD WILSON
I'll take my leave, Your Majesty.
ELIZABETH
Not at all, Prime Minister. I believe this might be urgent.
Prince Philip enters. His demeanor is somber.
PRINCE PHILIP
Forgive me for interrupting, Your Majesty, Prime Minister. It's about Charles.
Elizabeth and Harold exchange concerned glances.
ELIZABETH
Proceed, Philip. Whatever the matter, we shall discuss it openly.
Philip hesitates.
PRINCE PHILIP
Charles has made a rather controversial decision that concerns not only his personal life but the future of the monarchy.
Harold and Elizabeth are now visibly anxious.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Crown: A Royal Dilemma
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
A beautiful, sunny day at Buckingham Palace. The ROYAL GUARDS are changing, attracting the attention of TOURISTS.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S OFFICE - DAY
QUEEN ELIZABETH II is at her desk, going through piles of paperwork with private secretary MARTIN CHARTERIS.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(turning the page)
Martin, isn't there anything else we can do about this?
MARTIN CHARTERIS
(confident)
Your Majesty, we've looked at every option for the Mountbatten issue. The best course of action is to remain neutral.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(sighing)
Very well, then. Bring in the Prime Minister.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - HALLWAY - DAY
Prime Minister HAROLD WILSON is waiting, looking impatient. He senses someone coming and straightens his tie.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II (O.S.)
Send him in, please.
The door opens, and HAROLD WILSON enters.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S OFFICE - DAY
QUEEN ELIZABETH II and HAROLD WILSON sit down for their weekly meeting. MARTIN CHARTERIS leaves discreetly.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(formal)
Prime Minister, we have much to discuss.
HAROLD WILSON
(nodding)
Indeed, Your Majesty.
INT. CLARENCE HOUSE - PRINCESS MARGARET'S SUITE - DAY
Princess MARGARET pours herself a drink and talks to her husband, ANTONY ARMSTRONG-JONES (LORD SNOWDON).
PRINCESS MARGARET
I received the most disturbing letter.
LORD SNOWDON
(looking curious)
From whom?
PRINCESS MARGARET
Who else? Our dear sister, the Queen. It seems… she wants to remove us from the line of succession.
LORD SNOWDON
(angry)
Exactly how far does her paranoia go? She would willingly sacrifice her own family for the sake of control.
PRINCESS MARGARET
(tearing up, shaking her head)
No, Tony, I don't think it's that. It's about the Mountbatten issue. I doubt there is anything we can do.
LORD SNOWDON
(kissing her forehead)
We'll fight this, Margaret. Together.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN MOTHER'S SUITE - DAY
The QUEEN MOTHER, ELIZABETH BOWES-LYON, gazes out the window. QUEEN ELIZABETH II enters the room carrying a cup of tea.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Mother, how do we protect the family if we have to make decisions that could cause us harm?
QUEEN MOTHER
(sighing)
My dear, we've weathered many storms. Our duty is to the people and the crown, sometimes even above our own family. Follow your heart, Lilibet.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(teary-eyed)
Thank you, Mother.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Crown: A Moment of Silence
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Queen Elizabeth II wakes up, stretches, and gets out of bed.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Another day, another duty.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - BREAKFAST ROOM - DAY
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, and other members of the royal family are gathered around the breakfast table, newspapers in hand.
PRINCESS MARGARET
Did you see the headlines? Yet another scandal for us to deal with.
PRINCE PHILIP
One can't help but wonder if we'll ever escape this relentless scrutiny.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
We must lead by example, remain steadfast and committed to our role for the people.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S PRIVATE OFFICE - DAY
Queen Elizabeth II is in a meeting with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. They discuss matters of national importance.
HAROLD MACMILLAN
Your Majesty, I'm afraid the situation in the Commonwealth has become rather delicate. It's time we show our undying support to our allies.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Proceed cautiously, Prime Minister. We don't want to make matters worse.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
Queen Elizabeth II takes her Corgis for a walk. She's deep in thought.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
The royal family gathers for a portrait. Tensions are high - everyone's on edge.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Your Majesty, could you nudge just a little closer to the Prince? A united front makes for a stronger image.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Very well.
INT. PALACE CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Princess Margaret storms out of a hushed argument with Queen Elizabeth II.
PRINCESS MARGARET
(whispers angrily)
You've always had the weight of the crown, but you never think how your decisions affect the rest of us.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(fighting back)
I have a duty to our country and our dynasty, even if it sometimes comes at a personal cost.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - BALCONY - NIGHT
Queen Elizabeth II stands alone on the balcony, gazing at the city below.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S PRIVATE OFFICE - DAY
A phone RINGS. Queen Elizabeth II answers.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Yes, what is it?
She listens intently, face growing pale.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
I understand. We must act swiftly and decisively.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Crown: Shadows of the Past
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN ELIZABETH'S PRIVATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
QUEEN ELIZABETH (early 60s), sits writing a letter at her desk, her face showing a hint of concern. She hears a KNOCK on the door.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Come in.
Her private secretary, MARTIN CHARTERIS, enters the room.
MARTIN CHARTERIS
Your Majesty, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is here to see you.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Very well, send her in.
Margaret Thatcher enters the room and curtsies. She is dressed in her trademark blue suit and carries a folder.
MARGARET THATCHER
Good evening, Your Majesty.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Good evening, Prime Minister. What brings you here at this time?
MARGARET THATCHER
I wanted to discuss an issue of great importance.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - THE QUEEN'S PRIVATE SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher sit across each other on the Queen's private sitting room.
MARGARET THATCHER
There is a large protest in Northern Ireland, sources say it could escalate to something worse.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Do we know what the cause of the protest is?
MARGARET THATCHER
It appears that recent austerity measures have sparked outrage among the people. We must act quickly to prevent any violence or bloodshed.
Queen Elizabeth looks deep in thought, weighing the possibilities.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
What course of action do you propose?
MARGARET THATCHER
I'd like to deploy troops to maintain order and show that we won't bend to such pressure.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
That is a dramatic step to take. Have you exhausted all other means of resolution?
MARGARET THATCHER
I am confident this is the most expedient method in addressing the situation, Your Majesty.
The Queen, sensing the tension and the weight of the decision, pauses for a moment.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Very well. But be cautious about how these troops are utilized. We don't want to create tension by using force unnecessarily.
MARGARET THATCHER
Of course, Your Majesty. I understand your concerns and will take them into account.
Margaret Thatcher exits the room.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN ELIZABETH'S PRIVATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Queen Elizabeth returns to her desk and continues writing her letter, as we hear her thoughts and feelings expressed in a voiceover.
QUEEN ELIZABETH (V.O.)
These are dark times. The balance between keeping the peace and protecting my people is more fragile than ever. The weight of the crown feels heavy, and the pressure to do what is right has never been greater.
As she writes, she looks out the window, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She stands up and walks to the window, looking out into the distance.
QUEEN ELIZABETH (V.O.)
Is there an end in sight to these troubles? Or is this merely the beginning of something far graver? Some days I wonder...is the price of the crown worth the weight it bears?
TO BE CONTINUED
The Crown: Disarray
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The majestic Buckingham Palace stands tall as a symbol of British royalty.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S LIVING AREA - DAY
QUEEN ELIZABETH, in her late 50s, impeccably dressed, is perusing the daily newspaper. SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL, the former British Prime Minister, enters the room.
CHURCHILL: Your Majesty, may I have a moment of your time?
ELIZABETH: (smiles gently) Of course, Sir Winston. What brings you here?
CHURCHILL: There's a rather delicate matter I wish to discuss, Your Majesty. There have been some... unforeseen political developments.
INSERT: The newspaper headline reveals 'GOVERNMENT IN DISARRAY: PRIME MINISTER RESIGNS.'
ELIZABETH: (sets newspaper aside) Yes, I've read about the unfortunate turn of events. What do you suggest we do in this situation?
CHURCHILL: There are no easy answers, Your Majesty. But I believe I know someone who can steer us through these troubled times.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDEN - DAY
Queen Elizabeth and Churchill walk through the picturesque gardens, continuing their discussion.
ELIZABETH: Sir Winston, do you truly think this man can unite the divided Parliament?
CHURCHILL: (nods) It won't be an easy task. But if anyone can do it, it's him. I've known him for years and trust him completely.
As they walk, PRINCESS ANNE, now a teenager, passes by, looking displeased.
PRINCESS ANNE: Mother, have you seen my new horse? I've been looking for her all morning.
ELIZABETH: Not now, Anne. We'll speak later.
Princess Anne gazes at them as they walk away, a hint of intrigue in her eyes.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S STUDY - NIGHT
Queen Elizabeth sits at her desk, writing a thoughtful letter with a quivering hand.
ELIZABETH: (voice-over) My dearest Prime Minister, I am saddened to learn of your resignation. In these trying times, the nation turns to its leaders for stability and hope. It is my hope that we'll find the strength to guide our people through this tumultuous period.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Queen Elizabeth, joined by PRINCE PHILIP, reads a response from the former Prime Minister.
PHILIP: (reading) Your Majesty, it was not a decision I took lightly. Yet, I am confident that the country's best interests shall remain a priority, even in my absence.
ELIZABETH: (sighs) It seems as though times are changing rapidly, Philip. I hope we'll find a capable leader soon.
PHILIP: Have faith, my dear. We've weathered greater storms.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S LIVING AREA - DAY
Churchill presents his candidate to Queen Elizabeth. A distinguished gentleman, LORD MOUNTBATTEN, enters the room.
CHURCHILL: Your Majesty, may I present Lord Mountbatten, the man I mentioned earlier.
ELIZABETH: (extends her hand) Welcome, Lord Mountbatten. Sir Winston here has spoken highly of you.
MOUNTBATTEN: (kisses the Queen's hand) It's an honour to serve you, Your Majesty.
ELIZABETH: Come, let us discuss the future of our great nation.
All three - Queen Elizabeth, Churchill, and Lord Mountbatten - leave the room, walking towards a certain uncertainty.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Crown: The Forgotten Baroness
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
Queen Elizabeth II (LATE 50S) is reading a letter in the ornate room, focused and serious. She is dressed in her iconic style.
Prince Philip (LATE 60S), walks in, frustrated.
PRINCE PHILIP
Another royal engagement this week.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(smiling)
You chose this life, Philip.
PRINCE PHILIP
(retorting)
No, my dear, YOU chose it for me.
Philip then becomes concerned by her serious face.
PRINCE PHILIP (CONT'D)
What is it?
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
(handling him the letter)
A message from the Prime Minister. Apparently, Lady Merkelow passed away unexpectedly.
PRINCE PHILIP
(confused)
Lady who?
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Yes, it appears she had an incredible impact on the royal family, while she was young. She was a personal confidant to my great-grandfather and her contributions to the crown were immeasurable.
Their butler, JAMES, enters with a tray containing drinks.
JAMES
Your Majesty, Her Royal Highness, the drinks you requested.
James leaves after placing the tray.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Thank you. James.
(to Philip)
The Prime Minister insists we must honour her legacy properly.
PRINCE PHILIP(skeptical)
So, why have we never heard of her before?
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
I don't know. It's puzzling.
INT. CHURCHILL'S OFFICE - DAY
Winston Churchill (OLDER) is speaking with Cabinet members at a meeting about Lady Merkelow's funeral.
CHURCHILL
We need someone to speak on her impact. But the most prominent members of the royal family seem quite ignorant about her contributions.
CABINET MEMBER #1
Her legacy has always been kept secret. It's what King George V would have wanted.
CHURCHILL
(obviously annoyed)
But it's a delicate matter now. The queen must honour her. The relations between the Crown and the government aren't at their best. This could help.
CABINET MEMBER #2
What about Elizabeth's mother? She knew Baroness Merkelow personally.
CHURCHILL
(frustrated)
She is old, frail, and might not even remember.
CABINET MEMBER #1
Then, who would you suggest?
CHURCHILL
We need someone who can revive the lost memories. It is time we gave the late baroness the recognition she deserves.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Shadow of the Past
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S OFFICE - MORNING
Queen Elizabeth II (70s) sits at her desk, looking through a file brought to her by her private secretary. She gazes at an old photograph within the file. Her face betrays a mix of nostalgia and concern.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
(to Private Secretary)
Where did you find this?
PRIVATE SECRETARY
Hidden beneath a drawer, Your Majesty. It was pure chance that we discovered it.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Bring me Sir Michael.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - HALLWAY - MORNING
Sir Michael, a senior royal advisor in his 60s, walks towards the Queen's office. He holds a leather binder and wears a suit.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S OFFICE - MORNING
Queen Elizabeth hands the photograph to Sir Michael.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
I need you to find out everything you can about this. Discreetly.
SIR MICHAEL
Of course, Your Majesty.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - PRINCESS MARGARET'S ROOM - MORNING
Princess Margaret (60s), stylishly dressed, is chatting with an old friend, Daphne (60s), also well-dressed. Daphne holds the same photograph Queen Elizabeth was looking at earlier.
DAPHNE
It's incredible how time flies, isn't it? Such memories.
PRINCESS MARGARET
(in a nostalgic tone)
Yes, those were the days. Innocence and freedom long gone.
DAPHNE
(smiling)
And a fair amount of mischief, as I recall.
Princess Margaret laughs.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - LIBRARY - AFTERNOON
Sir Michael peruses old newspapers, focused on his task. A YOUNG RESEARCHER assists, while other staff go about their business.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S OFFICE - EVENING
Queen Elizabeth is in a meeting with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (60s).
MARGARET THATCHER
The economy is showing positive signs, Your Majesty. We expect the upcoming budget to be well-received.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
(nods)
Very well, Prime Minister. We must take great care to ensure that the benefit extends to all citizens.
MARGARET THATCHER
Of course, Your Majesty.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - HALLWAY - NIGHT
The private secretary hands the Queen a note as she heads to her quarters.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
(reading the note)
Send Sir Michael to me tomorrow morning. I have urgent matters to discuss regarding his findings.
PRIVATE SECRETARY
Yes, Your Majesty.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - PRINCESS MARGARET'S ROOM - NIGHT
Princess Margaret, in her nightgown, pens a letter. The photograph is placed beside her. She hesitates, then tucks the photograph into the envelope and seals it.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S OFFICE - MORNING
Queen Elizabeth, visibly concerned, speaks to Sir Michael who presents his findings in a folder.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
This is far more serious than I imagined. I must take this matter into my own hands.
The camera pans to the folder, revealing the photograph and a headline from a newspaper: "ROYAL SCANDAL THAT NEVER WAS."
TO BE CONTINUED.
