All language subtitles for The Young Victoria 2009 720p BigJ0554

Guard! Royal salute! Present arms!

BOOTS STOMP

'Some people are born
more fortunate than others.

'Such was the case with me.

'But as a child, I was convinced
of quite the opposite.

'What little girl does not dream
of growing up as a princess?

'But some palaces
are not at all what you'd think.

'Even a palace can be a prison.

'Mama never explained why she would
have someone taste my food,

'why I couldn't attend school
with other children

'or read popular books.

'When my father died,

'Mama and her adviser,
Sir John Conroy, created rules.

'He said they were
for my protection,

'and he called it
the Kensington System.

'I could not sleep in a room
without Mama

'or even walk downstairs without
holding the hand of an adult.

'I learned the reason for all this
when I was 11.

'My Uncle William
was the King of England.

'Yet he and his three brothers
could boast only one living child.

'And that was me.

'Sir John's dream
was that the King would die

'and there would be a Regency,

'where my mother would rule England
and he would rule my mother.

'So I began to dream of the day
when my life would change...

'and I might be free.

'And I prayed for the strength
to meet my destiny.'

WHISPERS: I will be good.

MUSIC: "Zadok the Priest"
by George Frideric Handel

ALL: God save the Queen!

God save the Queen!
God save the Queen!

BELL TOLLS

Sign it!

Are you sure
that we're doing the right thing?

We've waited long enough.

Now, for the last time,
you WILL sign this order.

I will not sign it.

I say you will!

And I say I will NOT!
How dare you, you...! Sir John.

We were just...

It's time
for the Princess's medicine.

Shall I...? I'll do it.

Well, if you're sure.

Good night, mein Liebling.

Good night, Mama.

How are you?

I've received a letter from England.

My sister says Victoria won't sign
the order for her Regency.

And why would she sign it?

The Princess is nearly 18. Why
would she sign away her own powers?

Because she is an ignorant baby.

Because she needs guidance and time
to prepare for her role as Queen.

Until then, my sister
will take her place as Regent.

Sir John Conroy would be Regent.

Unfortunately, the Duchess
is controlled by her controller.

It may be
in Your Majesty's interests

to consider abandoning Conroy and
your sister before it's too late,

and support
the future Queen instead.

Of course,
the Duchess won't like it.

Baron, I was born
the younger son of a penniless duke.

Now I'm King of the Belgians.

Such journeys are not managed
without hard decisions.

Besides,
who controls a young girl most?

Now go to Germany
and finish my nephew's training.

Albert!

I suppose you want
to walk with me this afternoon.

Really? Just the two of us alone?

What would Mama say?

SHE CHUCKLES

Hold still
or I'll never get your nose right.

DOG WHINES

Oh, I give up! I give up.

You are impossible. You are
impossible. You are impossible.

Victoria, your mother's waiting.

Come on!

Dash!

Where is the Duchess?

In the drawing room,
Your Royal Highness.

It will take them three days
to arrive by coach from Coburg.

Dashy! How did you come downstairs?

I walked.

Not alone? No, not alone.
Lehzen was with me.

She held your hand? She did.
Though why she still has to is...

Because not everyone in England
wishes you well.

Put the book down, please.

England is the key
to peace in Europe.

Your uncle's throne is six years old
and born of civil war.

He only took the crown of Belgium
because England pledged her support.

And if he's to survive, he must have
English force at his disposal.

Favourite novels.

IN GERMAN:

Sie hat nicht viele Romane gelesen.

English. Always English.

She has not read many novels.
They were forbidden until last year.

But she did like...?

The Bride of Lammermoor. By?
Sir Walter Scott.

Other recreations?

Drawing. The famous dolls, of
course.

Piano. Music, generally.

It's hard to believe she knows
so little Schubert.

Never mind Schubert.
She likes modern composers.

Is she permitted the theatre?

Only the opera and ballet.

Which opera does she like best?

Norma?

I Puritani!

HE SINGS AN ARIA

'In order to maintain control
over Princess Victoria,

'Sir John and the Duchess keep her
away from King William's court.

'Thus when she does make
a public appearance,

'her mere presence
causes quite a stir.'

'You must win her favour
before anyone else has the chance.'

You still don't look well.

Maybe we should go away for August.
No, Mama.

What do you mean, "No"?

We missed the Queen's birthday.
We will not miss the King's.

We have accepted. We're going.

Really, Victoria,
don't issue orders to me.

I'm not a servant.

Well, you've already disobeyed about
the extra rooms. That's enough.

Are we to live like rabbits,
crammed in a hutch?

We do live in a palace, Mama.

We're a lot better off
than most people.

The rooms which I took were empty.

Keeping us out of them was...

almost immoral.

So Sir John says.
I knew he'd have a part in it.

My dearest child,
he only wants what's best for you.

I wish you could believe that.

I've invited the Coburg brothers
to come and stay.

You ought to know them
better than you do. Why?

Because you should.

Uncle Leopold
thinks it's a good idea.

You stick one more pin in me,
I swear I will call the guard.

Your first visit
will be the most important.

We cannot have any mistakes.

And always remember,
you're first a Coburg.

The King of the Belgians
is a Coburg.

The King of Portugal is a Coburg,
so is the Queen of England's mother.

And you are the next piece
in the game!

'Now go to England
and make her smile.'

Is this all the luggage?

What if she wants to dance?

It's your first visit.
She won't.

Your Serene Highnesses,
welcome to England. Thank you.

I'm Sir John Conroy, controller
of the Duchess's household.

This way, please.

The Duchess is in the drawing room.

Ah! May I present her Royal...

Hello.

I am Ernst, ma'am.
This is my brother, Albert.

I hope we haven't
interrupted your studies.

No, not at all.

How was your journey?
Long, but not too bad.

We had books to keep us busy.

As matter of fact, I passed the time
reading The Bride of Lammermoor.

By Sir Walter...Scott.

Yes.

Do you want to come and meet Mama?

Of the modern composers, I suppose
Vincenzo Bellini is my favourite.

What a coincidence! So is mine.

Oh, which of his operas
do you enjoy most?

No, wait, let me guess. I Puritani?

As a matter of fact, yes.

I used to like it too.
Now I prefer Norma.

DASH BARKS

Dashy! Go fetch it! Fetch it, Dash!

Aye, aye, aye, aye.

Have I offended you in some way?

No.

And Schubert.

I like Schubert.

I think...
I think perhaps you don't...

but I do.

I don't mind Schubert.

Good.

Do you ever feel
like a chess piece yourself?

In a game being played
against your will?

Do you?

Constantly.

I see them leaning in
and moving me around the board.

The Duchess and Sir John?

Not just them.

Uncle Leopold.

The King.
I'm sure half the politicians

are ready to seize hold
of my skirts

and drag me from square to square.
SHE LAUGHS

Then you had better master
the rules of the game

until you play it better
than they can.

You don't recommend I find a husband
to play it for me?

I should find one
to play it with you, not for you.

Why don't we ring for some music?
And then we could dance.

I've recently discovered the waltz
and I am quite in love with it.

Waltzing is not really my forte.

Oh, dear.

What a shame.

You know the King wants me to marry
my cousin, George?

Hm.

What's he like at chess?

SHE LAUGHS

Victoria.

It's all right, Lehzen,
Albert can take me up.

You'll have to hold my hand.
Mama insists. I hope you don't mind.

Not in the least.

What did you want to say?

Only that I understand more
than you think of what your life is.

Do you?

My childhood wasn't easy either.
I lost my mother when I was a boy.

I know. She died.

No, er... That is,
she did die eventually, but...

She was sent away long before that.

There was some difficulty.

It was all hushed up and...
no-one talks of it now.

But I know what it is to live alone
inside your head,

while never giving a clue
as to your real feelings.

Did Uncle Leopold
ask you to tell me that?

No. Er, he actually told me
never to mention it.

SHE LAUGHS

Well, how little he knows me.

Hm.

May I write to you?

VICTORIA HUMS

I expect you'll miss the princes
when they're gone, ma'am.

Don't be impertinent.

VICTORIA GIGGLES

Those boys pester you.
Oh, please, Lehzen.

You don't think I've come this far

to walk straight into another jail,
do you?

You must marry one day.

Well, I don't see why.

And if I do, I shall please myself,

not Mama or Uncle Leopold or
the King or anyone else. Trust me.

SHE HUMS

Must I? Yes, you must.

Be on your guard.

We are going to Windsor
for my uncle's birthday party.

In the castle of the enemy.
YOUR enemy, Sir John, not mine.

Agree to nothing.
What should I say about the rooms?

You needed the space.

Appeal to the Queen.
It's ridiculous.

I wish you were coming with us.

You're very intent, Baroness.
Are you making a study of me?

Someone should.

Present Prime Minister? Melbourne.

LORD Melbourne.

Liberal leader who'll probably be
in power when the Princess succeeds.

He may be troublesome. Why?

Because he puts the interests of
England above those of Europe.
Which is bad?

Which is not useful to us.

He wouldn't spill one drop
of English blood

to save a foreign throne.

ANNOUNCER: 'The Viscount Melbourne.'

Why would he save a foreign throne
if it wasn't in England's interest?

That is just the kind of thinking
your Uncle Leopold is afraid of.

Which is why he's content
to find his niece

as the future Queen of England.

'The Duke of Wellington.'

In the public mind, the leader
of the Conservative opposition

is their pet hero,
Napoleon's conqueror,
the grand old Duke of Wellington.

But not in fact. No.

You look in very good health, sir.
Thank you, sir.

I wish I was. Enjoy the meal.
Thank you.

The next Tory Prime Minister
will be Sir Robert Peel.

'..and Lady Peel.'

Which side does Victoria favour?

She's a Liberal. Above all,
she favours Lord Melbourne.

And he'll take full advantage of it.

'Her Royal Highness,
Princess Victoria of Kent.

'Her Royal Highness,
the Duchess of Kent.

'The Lady Flora Hastings.'

Hello, Uncle.

Look at that demure little head.

And all of us
wondering what's inside it.

We'll find out soon enough.

Lord Melbourne will make her fall
in love with him. It's his method.

Don't underestimate Victoria.

Don't underestimate Melbourne.

My dearest niece.

Aren't you going to you greet
your cousin, George?

Good evening, George.

How can my niece and nephew have
grown up so when I wasn't looking?

Whereas you are quite unchanged
and as handsome as ever.

If I put my head very close to yours
and speak softly,

they'll suspect us of
hatching a plot. Yes.

If I look a little surprised...
SHE GASPS

..well, then they'll know it.
THEY BOTH LAUGH

I wish we saw more of you. But then,
nor you nor I are to blame for that.

The plain fact is, madam,
you have stolen 17 rooms!

One cannot steal a room, sir.
The rooms are where you left them.

Now they are used,
whereas before they were empty.

I see. So I have no say
in my own palaces?

Why not move in here and bring
your Irish tinker with you?

The Queen and I
will be happy enough in the lodge!

So would I be, sir, if I thought
that people there would be POLITE to
me!

How dare you talk...! Enough!

You have exhausted the topic.

Conroy tried to force the Princess
Victoria's agreement to a Regency.

I gather she wouldn't sign it,
sick as she was.

That says something
for the girl's spirit.

Your next birthday
will be quite a landmark.

I hope it means
we'll see more of you at Court.

I hope so too, Lord Melbourne.

You know,
should you ever need an ally...

you have one in me.

The Prime Minister has
more important calls upon his time.

Not at all.
I knew the late Duke of Kent.

Naturally,
I take an interest in his daughter.

You knew my father?

Yes.

I'm sorry.
Is it difficult to speak of him?

No. I love to hear from someone who
knew him. For I never did, you see.

Well... He was a great gentleman.
Of that you can be sure.

Indeed I am.

Excellent company like his brother,
the Regent,

but not quite so extravagant.

And kind, like his brother, the
King.

But perhaps not so talkative.
SHE LAUGHS

Well, you make him sound
as though he were the best of them.

Oh, I think so, ma'am.

Your leader is hard at work,
Duchess.

You see him hover with his net
to catch the pretty butterfly.

And when your party
is back in power, Duke,

will you not do the same?

Not nearly as well as Melbourne.

Unfortunately, I have no small talk.
Peel has no manners.

And I would have a hard time
praising her father.

The most brutal officer
I ever encountered.

ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS

THE MUSIC DIES

Erm...

SLURRED: I thank you...

for your good wishes on my birthday.

It has been a long life...
and an interesting one.

But I shall be content
with only a short while more.

Just enough...

to dispense
with any thought of a Regency...

..so that I may pass
the Royal Authority

directly to that young lady.

And not...

to the hands...
of a person now near me...

..who is surrounded by evil advisers

and who cannot act with propriety

in the station
in which she's been placed!

I have been insulted!

Grossly and continually insulted!

She has kept her daughter,
MY BROTHER'S CHILD, from MY Court!

But from now on,
I'd have her know that I AM KING!

And I will not be flouted
or disobeyed by her

or by the jackanapes
she keeps about her!

Are you all right?

DOOR SLAMS

Families. Who'd be without them?

IN GERMAN:

Are you listening?

What?

Well? It was a messenger, ma'am,
and you do have a letter,

but it's not from Germany,
it's from the King.

So it is. Thank you, Watson.

Don't you see what he wants?

He increases my income once I'm 18

and he asks to see me at Court,
what is wrong with that?

The King wants to separate you
from your mother.

He wants to control you,

to take you from those whose
sole aim is trying to protect you!

There's no need to shout.

The people of London will find out
our business soon enough

without hearing it from your lips.

Tell her. Make her understand.

What Sir John means is that you are
unprepared for the task ahead of
you.

And if I am, whose fault is that?

You're too young!

You've no experience!

You're like a china doll
walking over a precipice!

Well, then, I must smash! For
it's too late to mend my ways now!

So if you'll excuse me.
But I will not excuse you!

Now this is what you will do!

You will refuse the money

and demand instead
that it be given to your mother.

Next, you will appoint me
your private secretary from today.

Finally, you will agree
to be co-regent with the Duchess

until your 25th birthday.

Neither she nor I will accept less!

You may do
what you like with the money.

Now, get out of my way!

And if you think
that I will ever forget

that you just stood by silent
and you watched him treat me thus,

you are dreaming!

DOG WHIMPERS

Is there no limit
to this disobedience?

Mark my words!
The reign of King Conroy is coming!

My poor sister-in-law. What is the
hold that wicked man has over her?

What about her uncle in Brussels?
Could he not be of some assistance?

King Leopold is as slippery
as a barrel full of eels.

If he did dislodge Conroy,

it'd only be to tighten
his own grip on the girl.

Mightn't there be some benefit
if I pay Princess Victoria a visit

before Conroy
has a chance to usurp her?

Very well.

Lord, in your mercy,
get me past May!

That way she'll be of age

and we'll have killed off
the Regency at least.

I tell you, Lord Melbourne,
his behaviour to me

makes it impossible to keep him
in any post near my person.

Any post whatever.

You don't think it more dangerous
to cut him loose?

I know things that mean I could
never have confidence in him.

Now, I see I must endure Lady Flora.
Mama can hardly appear at court

without a lady-in-waiting,
but I draw the line at Conroy.

And once I'm queen, I do not wish
to look upon his face again.

Well, we can't prevent the Duchess

from keeping him in charge
of her own affairs.

That will be her mistake, not mine.

'My dear Victoria, when I think...

'Dearest Victoria,
if ever you should need...'

What? Like a vulture? To hover
at the edge until the King is dead?

And, ma'am, you needn't worry.

I'll be your private secretary.
For now, at least.

Thank you, Lord Melbourne.
That is a great comfort to me.

HE SPEAKS IN GERMAN
Ernst! English, please!

When he is dead, there'll be more
than one vulture to contend with.

We should consider
the new appointments,

your ladies-in-waiting and so forth.

Perhaps the Duchess of Sutherland
for Mistress of the Robes?

Oh, I don't really know her.

She's a dear friend of mine.
You'll enjoy her enormously.

I should be lost
without your guidance.

I hope you know how grateful I am.
I'll draw up a list.

What is it? Don't you like her?

Yes, I like her.

More than I dared hope.

But it's not up to me, is it?

What do you call a man
who waits for a rich woman

to decide whether or not
she wants him?

Then, why not tell her
how you feel?

'My dear Victoria,

'these days will be full of sadness

'since I know the King
is dear to you.

'Will you allow me to offer
my support, albeit at a distance?

'If I cannot be with you,

'then I pray you will hear my voice
in the music that I send.

'You know my love of Schubert.

'This is his Swan Song.

'And I play it
with you in my heart.'

Is he ready?
Well, he may be, but she isn't.

Let her enjoy succession
and the freedom it'll bring.

We must wait for disillusion
and the loneliness that follows.

Victoria.

You must come now.

Long live the Queen.

DOOR CREAKS

I'm going back to bed.

I imagine Lord Melbourne
will be here quite early.

Would you make sure
he has everything he needs

if I am not ready to receive him?

Of course, Your Royal...

Your Majesty.

Victoria, wait.
I will hold your hand.

No. Thank you, Mama.

And, Lehzen,
in the morning, could you arrange

for my bed to be moved
into a room of my own?

Surely there's no need...
As soon as possible, Lehzen.

The Council is assembled,
Your Majesty.

Her Majesty the Queen!

CLEARS THROAT

It is with a sense
of reverence and honour

that I address you,
my Privy Councillors,

as your Sovereign and Queen.

I mourn sincerely the death
of my dear uncle, the King,

but I know I may count on you

to serve me as loyally
as you served him.

I am young,
but I am willing to learn.

And I mean to devote my life

to the service of my country
and my people.

I look for your help in this.

I know I shall not be disappointed.

Thank you.

She starts on your watch,
Lord Melbourne.

Guard her well
and keep her safe from harm.

DOOR SLAMS

As a matter of interest, will
a time come when I read them first?

You'll enjoy this. She has
a real flair for description.

MAN: Present arms.

'Dearest Albert,

'on Tuesday, I went to inspect
Buckingham Palace.

'It is only just finished and
I shall be the very first sovereign

'to live there.

'As I stepped out of the carriage,

'for the first time in my life,
I felt freedom.'

Splendid, is it not?

Yes!

You'll have to decide
on a husband soon.

What about Leopold's candidate?

I can't marry the man
they want me to marry. Oh!

Every suitor will come
with strings attached.

Can't I be my own mistress
for a while, haven't I earned it?

Dear Lord M, he's so very kind.
I couldn't have asked
for a better tutor.

You may dream of independence,
but you won't get it.

From now on, everyone
will push you and pull you
for their own advantage.

Melbourne more than the rest.

Just remember, you are the Queen,
he's a politician.

And politicians,
whatever their creed,

always resent the monarchy.

They pass through. You stay.

So just keep dear Lord M
in his proper sphere.

He's already chosen
the new household.

About my ladies in waiting...

Yes, I'll have a list
brought over to you later today.
They've all accepted.

Only my aunt advised me not to be...
Well, too partisan in my choice.

With respect, Your Majesty,

I think I understand these things at
least as well as the Queen Dowager.

I... I know that, of course.

And we want our friends around us,
of course.

Surely, as we begin our labours, we
don't want to find Sir John Conroy

sneaking his feet
back under the table.

No. Not if we have to line up
every friend we both possess.

Well, quite, ma'am.

It's very cold in here.
Why haven't they lit the fires?

Well, it seems the fires are laid
by the Lord Steward's department,

but lit by the Lord Chamberlain's,

and no-one knows
which footman should do it.

It's not very sensible.

Ma'am, if that's the way things
are done, I shouldn't meddle.

We must improve where we can.

If I've discovered anything
from touring England

it's the suffering
that needs my help.

Oh, never try to do good,
Your Majesty.

It always leads to terrible scrapes.
SHE LAUGHS

Lord Melbourne, that is not
what is preached from the pulpit.

It's not, and that's exactly
why I never go to church.

One always hears the most
extraordinary things.
SHE LAUGHS

I've made no promise to him.

But sometimes I feel quite alone
in the world.

Never while I'm here, Your Majesty.

'Lord Melbourne is akin
to a miracle.

'He has proved to be
most generous and sensitive,

'quite wondrous in a politician.

'Someone I trust and hold dear,

'he is the best company imaginable.

'Sometimes we laugh so much it's
as if we were naughty children!

'Oh, Albert, I so look forward
to the day

'when you can know and value him
as I do.

'Yours affectionately, Victoria.'

Plenty of praise for Lord Melbourne
and not much of anything else.

Everything comes to he who waits.

And if nothing comes, what then?

You've played with me, Baron.

And now it is enough.
I'm going back to England.

There must be a reason
if you wish to visit Her Majesty.

Then find me a reason.

HE SPEAKS GERMAN

So, are you going to propose?

What? What am I supposed to think?
You're going to London to enjoy
the weather(?)

I'm going to spend some time
with her, that's all.

Besides, I'm forbidden.

It has to come from her, apparently.

So I could not propose,
even if I wanted to.

And do you want to?

Walk on! Up, up!

Please hold still. I'm afraid
I always find noses a challenge.

Am I permitted to talk?

Yes, but you can't move.

There's nothing to rival
an English garden.

Of all my life in Kensington,
it's the only part I'll miss.

But the gardens at Buckingham
Palace, surely...?

You're moving! Oh.

Now you're smiling.

SHE LAUGHS

Impossible! You're worse than him!

I believe we have a duty
to those in need of our protection.

It is the business of every
sovereign

to champion the dispossessed,
for no-one else will.

Take housing. May I show you?

Industry is expanding so fast

that people are not considering
where the workers will live.

But I've been experimenting.

By building these in units of two,
you can build safe, clean homes

for two families
for less than the cost...

I'm sorry. I don't mean to preach.

No, there's no need to apologise
for being passionate.

It seems I have a lot to learn...

..with all my duties and...

And I do take them very seriously.

I know you do.
But there are plenty of people
who will expect me to fail.

And there are even more
trying to take advantage

of my youth and inexperience and...

Then they don't know you like I do.

May I keep this?

So, remember, the first thing
is to find an anchor point.

So take your hand back
to beneath your chin.

Good. This is where
it will come every time.

Now, release the bow.

Your hand must cover the leather,
like this.

And make a firm claw.
One finger, two fingers.

"Claw".
Yes, and back to beneath the chin.

Bend this arm slightly.
Rotate to catch the arrow.

Good.

Very good. Now, try with an arrow.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Ah. He's still here?
At my mother's insistence.

Certainly not mine.

DUCHESS OF KENT: Where am I to live?

Am I to be abandoned here?

Or am I to beg along the highways
for a crust?

Come now. You will move
into the palace with the Queen.

But she's arranged
a separate apartment for you.

It will allow you both more privacy.

I... I don't want privacy
from my own child!

To exclude us entirely
will launch the new reign
in a cloud of scandal.

I know your game, my lord.

You want to be her father,
her mother, and who knows what else.

If I'm not to be
her private secretary,
there must be something else.

I'm sorry. I can see
that I am not speaking clearly.

You have played the game and lost.

The Prime Minister is here,
Your Majesty.

Thank you, Duchess.

Have I ever thanked you properly
for accepting the post?

I'm afraid it will involve
a good deal of inconvenience.

To be Mistress Of The Robes
is a great honour, ma'am.

I'm only anxious
to prove worthy of it.

Well, Lord Melbourne
thinks you'll be perfect.

How is Albert's visit going?

He writes that Victoria is
still under Melbourne's control.
The prince is frustrated.

Then he must stay in England

until the Queen thinks more of him
than she does of Melbourne.

LORD MELBOURNE:
Queen Elizabeth never married.

It didn't spoil things for her.

Are you familiar
with the coronation chair

and the ancient Stone of Scone?

Familiar, yes...

..but quite in awe.

I'm terribly afraid
of disappointing on the day.
I so want to do it perfectly.

Just be yourself. Your instincts
are always to your credit.

MAN CLEARS THROAT

Yes, I'm sorry, ma'am. They're
preparing the abbey for the
ceremony.

I'm told they asked permission
for a glimpse of Your Majesty.

Don't be sorry.
God bless, Your Majesty.

I do want to help them,
whatever you say.

And not just the labouring poor,
but the hungry and the homeless.

There are people who are lost.

Whose business is it
to see to their welfare?

Well, in my experience, ma'am,

it's best to let these things
develop naturally.

If you interfere,
you risk overturning the cart.

Prince Albert doesn't agree.

He's made a study
of the working man's condition.

He's full to the brim
with ideas for their improvement.

Is he indeed? How inspiring.

Well, good.

He sounds like a young man ready to
take charge at the first
opportunity.

Then you had better master
the rules of the game

until you play it better
than they can.

Are you quite sure about that,
ma'am?

Make your move.

CHESS PIECES CLATTER

Well?

You...may not accompany me
to the proclamation ceremony.

You may not attend the coronation.

MUSIC: "Zadok The Priest" by Handel

Perfect.

DUCHESS OF KENT: 'You're unprepared.

CONROY: 'You've no experience!
You're too young!

ALBERT:
'Then they don't know you like I
do.'

DISTANT APPLAUSE

GLASS SHATTERS

Don't look so surprised.
A queen has many different duties.

It's heartening to see she won't
neglect the least of them,

even on Coronation Day.

I don't think Dash would allow it.

Try to get some rest
before the ball.

I will...since I firmly intend
to dance until dawn.

SHE HUMS

ORCHESTRA TUNES UP

Her Majesty the Queen.

Are you sure this is wise?

ORCHESTRA PLAYS

MUSIC STOPS

It's been quite a day. Are you
tired?

Oh, no.
Ah, well, not really. It's just...

Well, I'm stronger than I look.

How much longer are you in London?
Only until Friday.

Then home via Brussels.
Uncle Leopold must have his report.

SHE LAUGHS

Oh, dear. I have a quadrille
with the Prince of Prussia next.

My poor little toes.
I feel sorry for them already!

Your Majesty.

I've had a letter from King Leopold.

He proposes extending
this visit of Prince Albert.

And what have you answered?
Nothing yet.

Well, perhaps you should tell
your uncle

you need to focus
on your new duties right now.

THUNDER ROLLS

THEY LAUGH

Thank you for being my messenger.
I hope I've given my uncle
enough detail.

You can fill in anything
that I've missed.

He takes a great interest in you.
Yes. Don't I know it.

You should see the questions
he asks by every letter.

It's like
this never-ending examination.

Lord Melbourne calls him...
SHE LAUGHS

What about Lord Melbourne?

Nothing.

The French ambassador is here,
ma'am. Right, erm...

I wish you a good journey.

Victoria...

HE SIGHS

I would so like to be useful to you.

If there is ever an opportunity...

I know you would.

But not yet.

Have you read this?

No, sir.

It seems
she does not think it appropriate

to discuss politics in our otherwise
"delightful correspondence".

Which was dictated by Melbourne.
Damn it!

LEOPOLD: Do something!
STOCKMAR: I can't get past
Melbourne.

Then get him past Melbourne!
Get him into her bed!

ALBERT: 'My dear Victoria,
Uncle Leopold is full of ideas

'of how you and I may spend
more time together.

'And I must say, I hope that some
of them at least will come to pass.'

BELL CHIMES

IN GERMAN:

VICTORIA: 'Dear Albert,
you've been keeping secrets.

'When did you learn to dance
so beautifully?

'Lord M assures me
the next several months

'will be particularly gruelling
and busy for me as a new queen.

'Thus, I am not certain
when I shall see you again.

'I look forward
to your every letter,

'enjoying the detail of life in
Germany, and wishing to share more.

'Yours affectionately,
Victoria.'

Ah, this quite inoffensive
little game

can turn into an effective weapon!

THEY LAUGH

Lord Melbourne says
French doctors kill their patients.

English ones just let them die!
THEY LAUGH

I rather thought he might
be here tonight.

Oh, he's thrown me over
for Lady Holland.

I expect Your Majesty will miss him.
Not too severely.
He'll be back tomorrow.

No, no, no.
I meant when he's out of power.

What?

Well, only... I don't wish to crow,

but I thought
it was common knowledge

that he's about to lose the vote.

Schatzi,
I thought you were in your bedroom.

VICTORIA SOBS

Never mind.

Shh. Shh.

You won't desert me, will you?
Never, mein liebes schatzi.

Every one of your ladies is the wife
of a friend of Lord Melbourne.

Surely you can see how that looks.

You should not set such store
by appearances, Sir Robert.

I'm only asking for a token, ma'am.

For two ladies, maybe even one,
who supports my cause.

Otherwise, it must seem as if Palace
and Parliament have fallen out.

I want to go in.
I beg your pardon, ma'am,

but Her Majesty is with the Prime
Minister and cannot be disturbed.

But that will not apply
to her mother.

I'm very sorry, ma'am.

Let me understand you.

Are you telling me
it is now the Prime Minister
who selects my household?

Has the law changed in this regard?

No, no, of course not, ma'am.
Then there cannot be much more
to be said on the subject.

BELL RINGS

Good day, Sir Robert.

Could you please ask Lady Portman
to come in as you leave?

Yes, ma'am.

I wonder if you could have a note
delivered to Lord Melbourne.

Of course, ma'am.

# What power... #

WOMAN: Mrs Melbourne!

Good God! What are we coming to?!
Who was it? I didn't see.

The Duchess of Montrose.
That's the end of her career
at court, I hope.

If I ban everyone
who thinks me wrong,

you and I will be alone
in the ballroom.

With sorrow,
I must inform the House

that I have been unable
to persuade the Queen

that her ladies should not solely
adhere to the views

of my political opponents.

I have therefore informed Her
Majesty

that I am not qualified
to form a government,
if I do not enjoy her confidence.

CROWD SHOUTS

Mr Speaker,

are we to understand
that the great Sir Robert Peel

has been frightened off
by a few frilly petticoats?

LAUGHTER

Prime Minister!

Mr Speaker, what frightens me

is to see the Crown
used as a shuttlecock

in the game of politics!

Which, apparently, Lord Melbourne
plays better than you!

Order!

Constitutional crisis!

Queen flouts Prime Minister! Threat
to bring down Tory government!

Order! Constitutional crisis!

You should be ashamed
of yourself, sir.

If the Queen has been foolish,
she can plead her youth.

You are old enough to know better.

What troubles you is that Lord
Melbourne is Prime Minister again.

I do hate a bad loser.

We are all losers in this, sir.
Most especially the Queen.

You have to understand, you reign
by right of Parliament.

You must work
with the voters' choice.

Well, Lord Melbourne says...
He says what suits his interest.

He has used you
to punish his enemies

without a thought
for the damage to the Crown.

The Queen is in the clutches
of Melbourne, the great seducer!

And when he is silent,
who does she listen to?

Her German mother.

I'm glad he THINKS I listen to Mama.

You are confusing stubbornness
with strength, my dear.

And I warn you,
the people will not like you for it.

SHOUTING

She's brought down a government
over a handful of ladies?

Apparently. Then she's a fool.

No, she is not a fool.
But she has listened to a fool.

Then she had better
change her advisor.

Or things will get worse
before they get better.

Open the door.

"Not all the water
in the rough, rude sea

"can wash the balm off
from an anointed king."

"The breath of worldly men

"cannot depose the deputy
elected by the Lord."

DISTANT SHOUTING

"For every man..."

Sir John, what are you doing here?

I must speak to the Queen.
You know that's quite impossible.

HE WHISPERS

"Welcome, my lord.
How far off lies your power?"

An armed man
has been found in the gardens.

What?! He said
he wished to harm the Queen.

"..discomfort guides my tongue

"and bids me to
speak of nothing but..."

GLASS SHATTERS AND LADIES SCREAM

SHOUTING OUTSIDE

They think I have interfered
in matters that do not concern me.

It'll pass, ma'am, you'll see.

'My dear Victoria,
while these days may feel endless,

'please do not lose faith
in yourself or your people.

'We are all allowed to make
mistakes,

'most especially when we have
looked to others for guidance.'

'The storm still rages
outside the palace walls.

'I wonder now
if everyone was right.

'Perhaps I am too young
and inexperienced for my position.'

'Open your mind,
examine your choices,

'and your honesty
will take you through the storm.

'I promise that you can
do this work and do it well.

'You have courage and heart,
and you said yourself,

'you're stronger than you look.'

FOOTSTEPS

A letter from your mother.

'My dearest child.

'You will not let me come to you,
and that I may deserve,

'but however you resent me,
however I have failed,

'I am still and always your mother.

'What troubles you, troubles me.

'What pleases you, pleases me.

'I love you and my only prayer
is that one day

'you will understand how much.

'Goodnight, mein Liebling.
Your own Mama.'

SHE SOBS

'My dearest Albert.

'You asked me once
if you could be of help to me,

'and I, so proud and confident
of my great powers,

'replied, "Not yet".

'But since that day
so much has changed.'

I'm not forgiven yet.
Not yet, but soon.

Just wait for unseasonal weather

or the news of some elopement
and it'll all be forgotten.

You don't have a very high opinion
of ordinary people,

do you, Lord Melbourne?

With respect, I have lived
longer than Your Majesty.

I said once I didn't understand

whose task it was to see
to the public welfare.

Ma'am, in my lifetime,

I have seen with my own eyes

what happens when the rabble
is empowered...

Lord Melbourne,

I want a report
on living conditions,

on parish benefits,

housing, all of it.

And by the end of the month.

And one more thing,

I have invited Prince Albert
for another visit.

Very good, Your Majesty.

When you get there, don't be a spy
or Uncle Leopold's puppet.

It's your life, Albert. Live it.

For yourself and for Victoria.

Our uncle wouldn't
thank you for that.

I don't care.

I should have worn the red.
You look beautiful, Your Majesty.

His Serene Highness,

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg
and Gotha, Your Majesty.

I only just got your note.

I was riding.

Sit. Please.

The park is marvellous.
I'm so pleased you like it.

I do want you to feel quite at home.

I'm sure you're aware
why I wished you to come here.

Because it would make me
happier than anything...

too happy, really,
if you would agree to what I wish.

And stay with you?
And stay with me.

And marry you?

And marry me.

Wilt thou have this woman
to thy wedded wife?

To live together
after God's ordinance,

in the holiest state of matrimony?

I will.

Now I am quite married.

You know when we're old...
Hmm?

..and surrounded by our children...

..we will remember this
as the day our lives began.

Not too surrounded, please.

And not too soon.

Oh? I should warn you that
I am expecting a very large family.

SHE GIGGLES

Good morning, wife.
(Good morning).

VICTORIA GIGGLES

Have you woken Her Majesty?

No, ma'am.
Don't you think you should?

No, ma'am. Not this morning, I
don't.

Let's take a little tour together
and visit Scotland.

I hear if any part of Britain
is like Germany,

it's the Highlands of Scotland.
Yes, we must one day.

No, I mean straight away. Now.

Now?! Only for a few weeks.

You're a bride. They can't
expect you back before that.

Dearest, I may be a bride
but I am also a queen.

I cannot be away for more than
three days at the most.

What are you doing?

Well, if we've
only got three days...

So tell me, will the weather be this
fine for all of the three days?

Yes!

Albert, where are you going?

SHE LAUGHS

BOTH LAUGH

But seriously, is it
always like this? Yes!

VICTORIA LAUGHS

We will take care of each other,
won't we?

Always.

CROWDS CHEER OUTSIDE
How changeable they are.

They hate you. They love you.
They hate you.

They punished her,
but they never hated her.

And now she's a bride and back
on top. Until the next mistake.

What on earth
have I done with my life?

I have many gifts, you know.

As a boy, I was tipped for success.

You have served me well.

What is that?

CLAP OF THUNDER

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

SHE GIGGLES

LEOPOLD: 'Dear Albert,
why haven't you responded
to my last two letters?

'I must be kept informed
of your progress.

'I need help - England's help -

'and you must
and will secure it for me.

'Never forget
that you are first a Coburg.

'Your Uncle Leopold.'

What is it?
Just a question for Lord M.

Could I help?

It'll keep.

Why are these windows so dirty?

I can hardly see out.
Same as the fires, I'm afraid.

The departments can't agree to wash
inside and out at the same time.

Why don't we do something about it?
I quite agree.

Because that's the way
things are done here

and it's worked well for many years.

Meanwhile, we live
in a filthy, freezing house.

We live as guests of the Queen.

Thank you, Baroness, for reminding
me that I am a guest here.

Let him go.

How is Albert settling in?

Why? What have you heard?

He says he wants to reorganise
the way the palaces are run.

Well then, for Heaven's sake,
let him!

He says that Lord Melbourne
controls me,

and he says that Lehzen controls me.

It seems that everyone
controls me except him.

A man who has no work
becomes ridiculous.

And a poor man with a rich wife must
work twice as hard as anyone else.

Besides, you have chosen well.

My Uncle William chose well.

You did not take on half his duties.

You don't know that.
You don't know what I did.

What is this for?

Your Royal Highness.

The Red Room dinner service, sir.
For the officers guarding the King.

What king?

King George III, sir.

And how often
do we provide this dinner

for a king who has been dead
for 20 years?

Every night, sir.

I cannot believe I'm being
subjected to this interrogation.

You're not being subjected
to anything, Sir John.

You have been in charge of the
Duchess's finances for many years.

Indeed, you have made
public statements
testifying to their health.

Yes, I have. I am so grateful.

All I am asking is that you
will be so good as to tell us

exactly where the money has gone?

Are you sure?

SHE LAUGHS

APPLAUSE
Congratulations, ma'am.

Mein liebes Schatzi! I'm so happy.

Mein Liebling! Heavens, Mama,
don't crush me.

You'll let me know at once
if there's anything you need?

You're not going already?

I cannot leave too soon
for my daughter.

Anyway, I have a lot on my mind.

Something I could help with?

Congratulations.

Your Highness. There's your opening,
if you'll take my advice.

Lord Melbourne,

forgive me, but...you seem to
have confused me

with a member of your club.

I am not your drinking companion,
nor your whist partner.

I am the husband of your sovereign.

And as such,
I will make my own decisions,

and I neither seek,
nor invite, your advice.

Good evening.

So...
VICTORIA LAUGHS

Are you discussing names?
We're discussing the help.

He writes that he'd prefer
not to talk politics in his letters,

but only to discuss news
of the family.

I have planned this marriage
for 20 years!

And now I'm supposed to accept
that I have failed?!

On the contrary, Your Majesty,
we must accept it.

The birds have flown.

Your Majesty.

DOOR SLAMS

I've been boring
Sir Robert and the Duke

with my ideas
for encouraging the Arts.

Hmm. Does Sir Robert
care for such frivolity?
I have many interests, ma'am.

And my government would support
the Prince's plans wholeheartedly.

Your government?
What government is this?

I meant, if I should be
fortunate enough to form
another government, ma'am.

And when he does, there'll be
no repeat of the old problem.

Some of your ladies have
already agreed to resign.

And Sir Robert will ask
for no more change than that.

Thank you, Sir Robert.

How dare you speak to me
in that way before them?!

How dare you...talk across me,
as if I were a child?

I... I did no such thing.
Oh, no?

Well, you've sorted this,
you've sorted that.

You and Sir Robert.
You and the Duke, and
all without reference to me!

Victoria, I thought you'd be
pleased. I will tell you what you
thought.

You thought that I was a woman!

To be petted
and passed over and ignored!

Would it were so simple,
then we might avoid more
scandals of your making.

Have you lost your mind?!

Do you wonder at it?

Less than three years on the throne,
and you and your precious Melbourne

have pushed this monarchy
to the brink of an abyss!

I have told you before
and I will tell you again -

you are my husband here,
and that is all!

And that is quite enough,
believe me!

I will not have my role usurped!

I wear the crown.

If there are mistakes,
they will be my mistakes,

and no-one else will make them.

No-one! Not even you!

I'm leaving, before you excite
yourself and harm the child.

You will go when I dismiss you.

I am your Queen,
and I am telling you to stay!

Goodnight, Victoria.

You may not go.

You may not go! I order you
to stay here in this room! Albert!

Guard, royal salute. Present arms!

There is no need for you to
accompany me.

I said I would come with you,
so I will come with you.

Walk on. Hup!

For pity's sake, smile, woman.
Anyone would think we'd quarrelled.

Don't talk to me.

GUNSHOT ECHOES

There's nothing more I can do here.
The Prince needs rest.

Your Majesty.

SHE SOBS

I'm so sorry!

I thought I was going to lose you.

I don't think he was a very good
shot. Why did you do it?

You're so stupid! Why did you do it?

I had two very good reasons.

First, I am replaceable
and you are not.

You are not replaceable to me. Shh.

Second, you are the only wife
I've got, or ever will have.

You are my whole existence.

And I will love you
until my last breath.

We're told the man was mad.

Is that reassuring? I can't decide.

May I be honest, ma'am?

Even a politician can
be honest sometimes.

SHE LAUGHS

My...guidance...
hasn't always been faultless...

and I'm sorry for it.

But I speak to you now
as a true friend.

I know.

The Prince is a good man.

A better man than any of us knew.

I know he does not think as well of
me. My vanity is not the issue here.

He is able.

He is clever.

And he is faithful.

Let him share your work.

There is one task more
Your Majesty must face,

if the Prince is to feel
truly welcome here.

I needed her so much as a child.

I hope you don't mind,
I had your desk brought in.

Don't I have a say in this? No!

SHE LAUGHS

SHE LAUGHS

BABY GURGLES

Good morning, wife.

Good morning.

His Royal Highness Prince Albert.
Her Majesty the Queen.

MUSIC: "Only You" by Sinead O'Connor

# My love

# Your love

# Has opened up a world
I've never known

# All hope

# Was found

# A place I never dreamed I would go

# Feels like only yesterday

# I had locked my heart away

# Safe behind a castle of stone

# Sure I'd always be alone

# Only you

# Know how

# To hear me through

# The silence

# You reach a part of me

# That no-one else can see

# Forever true

# There's only me

# And only you

# Only me and you. #

Subtitles by Red Bee Media