The Queen Quotes
After the death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II struggles with her reaction to a sequence of events nobody could have predicted.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Have we shown you how to start a nuclear war yet?
Tony Blair: Er no.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: First thing we do apparently, then we take away your passport and spend the rest of our time sending you around the world.
Tony Blair: You obviously know my job better than I do
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes well, you are my tenth Prime Minister Mr Blair. My first of course was Winston Churchill, he sat in your chair in a frock coat and top hat. And he was kind enough to give a shy young girl like me quite an education.
Tony Blair: I would imagine.
Tony Blair: Er no.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: First thing we do apparently, then we take away your passport and spend the rest of our time sending you around the world.
Tony Blair: You obviously know my job better than I do
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes well, you are my tenth Prime Minister Mr Blair. My first of course was Winston Churchill, he sat in your chair in a frock coat and top hat. And he was kind enough to give a shy young girl like me quite an education.
Tony Blair: I would imagine.
HM The Queen Mother: You will have to talk to Lord Chamberlain about all this.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, I have. And to Robert Fellowes, and it seems they both agree with Mr. Blair.
HM The Queen Mother: I see.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Something's 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.
HM The Queen Mother: Don't be ridiculous. Remember the vow you took?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I declare that my whole life, rather it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.
HM The Queen Mother: Your whole life. That is a commitment to God, as well as your people.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: But what if my actions are damaging the crown?
HM The Queen Mother: Damaging it? You're the greatest asset this institution has. One of the greatest it has ever had. The problem will come when you leave. But you mustn't think about that now, certainly not today.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, mummy.
HM The Queen Mother: You must show your 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 really think that any of your predecessors would've dropped everything and gone up to London because a bunch of hysterics carrying candles needed help with their grief? And as for that silly Mr. Blair, with his Cheshire Cat grin...
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, I have. And to Robert Fellowes, and it seems they both agree with Mr. Blair.
HM The Queen Mother: I see.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Something's 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.
HM The Queen Mother: Don't be ridiculous. Remember the vow you took?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I declare that my whole life, rather it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.
HM The Queen Mother: Your whole life. That is a commitment to God, as well as your people.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: But what if my actions are damaging the crown?
HM The Queen Mother: Damaging it? You're the greatest asset this institution has. One of the greatest it has ever had. The problem will come when you leave. But you mustn't think about that now, certainly not today.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, mummy.
HM The Queen Mother: You must show your 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 really think that any of your predecessors would've dropped everything and gone up to London because a bunch of hysterics carrying candles needed help with their grief? And as for that silly Mr. Blair, with his Cheshire Cat grin...
[Cherie has just offered a 'shallow' curtsy. The Queen looks at her and smiles]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Mrs Blair, lovely to see you, and congratulations.
[the Queen shakes Cherie's hand]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: You must be very proud, and exhausted I imagine. Where will you be spending the summer?
Cherie Blair: Erm, France.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, lovely.
Tony Blair: You'll be in Balmoral?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, yes, I can't wait. It's such a wonderful place. My great great grandmother Victoria once said 'Balmoral always seems to breath peace and make one forget the world and its sad turmoils'.
Robin Janvrin: [comes into room] Your Majesty?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, excuse me.
[Robin whispers something inaudible into the Queen's ear]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [to Tony and Cherie] I'm so sorry, we're going to have to leave it there.
[she shakes both their hands and they exit without showing their backs]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [to Robin] It wasn't too short was it? Fifteen minutes, one doesn't want to be rude.
Robin Janvrin: No ma'am.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Mrs Blair, lovely to see you, and congratulations.
[the Queen shakes Cherie's hand]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: You must be very proud, and exhausted I imagine. Where will you be spending the summer?
Cherie Blair: Erm, France.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, lovely.
Tony Blair: You'll be in Balmoral?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, yes, I can't wait. It's such a wonderful place. My great great grandmother Victoria once said 'Balmoral always seems to breath peace and make one forget the world and its sad turmoils'.
Robin Janvrin: [comes into room] Your Majesty?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, excuse me.
[Robin whispers something inaudible into the Queen's ear]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [to Tony and Cherie] I'm so sorry, we're going to have to leave it there.
[she shakes both their hands and they exit without showing their backs]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [to Robin] It wasn't too short was it? Fifteen minutes, one doesn't want to be rude.
Robin Janvrin: No ma'am.
Alastair Campbell: They, er, sent a copy of the Queen's speech. Might want to scrape the frost off it first... Oh, I phoned them with a couple of suggestions, to make it sound like it came from a human being.
Tony Blair: Yeah, all right, Alastair.
Alastair Campbell: Well, at least the old bat's finally agreed to visit Diana's coffin.
Tony Blair: 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... 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!
Tony Blair: Yeah, all right, Alastair.
Alastair Campbell: Well, at least the old bat's finally agreed to visit Diana's coffin.
Tony Blair: 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... 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!
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Prime Minister.
Tony Blair: Good morning, Majesty. Sorry to disturb, but I was just wondering whether you'd seen any of today's papers?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: We've managed to look at one or two, yes.
Tony Blair: In which case my... next question would be whether you felt some kind of response...
[Queen Elizabeth puts Blair on speakerphone]
Tony Blair: ...might be necessary?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: No. I believe a few over-eager editors are doing their best to sell newspapers. It would be a mistake to dance to their tune.
Tony Blair: Under normal circumstances I would agree. But... well, my advisors... have been taking the temperature among people on the streets... and, well, the information I'm getting is that the mood is quite delicate.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: So, what would you suggest, Prime Minister - some kind of a statement?
Tony Blair: 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.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [Picks up the receiver] 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 judgement. 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.
Tony Blair: If that's your decision, ma'am, of course the government will support it. Let's keep in touch.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [Curtly] Yes. Let's.
[the Queen slams down the phone]
Tony Blair: Good morning, Majesty. Sorry to disturb, but I was just wondering whether you'd seen any of today's papers?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: We've managed to look at one or two, yes.
Tony Blair: In which case my... next question would be whether you felt some kind of response...
[Queen Elizabeth puts Blair on speakerphone]
Tony Blair: ...might be necessary?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: No. I believe a few over-eager editors are doing their best to sell newspapers. It would be a mistake to dance to their tune.
Tony Blair: Under normal circumstances I would agree. But... well, my advisors... have been taking the temperature among people on the streets... and, well, the information I'm getting is that the mood is quite delicate.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: So, what would you suggest, Prime Minister - some kind of a statement?
Tony Blair: 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.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [Picks up the receiver] 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 judgement. 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.
Tony Blair: If that's your decision, ma'am, of course the government will support it. Let's keep in touch.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [Curtly] Yes. Let's.
[the Queen slams down the phone]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Do you think it wise for the boys to go stalking so soon?
HM The Queen Mother: Anything that gets them into the fresh air is a good thing.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Well maybe they shouldn't take their guns, I mean if a photographer were to see them it might send out the wrong signal.
HM The Queen Mother: If there is a photographer out there, he could be the first kill of the day.
HM The Queen Mother: Anything that gets them into the fresh air is a good thing.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Well maybe they shouldn't take their guns, I mean if a photographer were to see them it might send out the wrong signal.
HM The Queen Mother: If there is a photographer out there, he could be the first kill of the day.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: [Charles comes into the room during news report] Charles, isn't this awful?
[long pause]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: What are you going to do about the boys?
Prince Charles: Let them sleep until we know more.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, that's sensible.
Prince Charles: I should go to Paris, I told my people to start organizing a jet.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: What, a private one?
Prince Charles: Yes.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Isn't that precisely the sort of extravagance they always attack us for?
Prince Charles: How else am I supposed to get to Paris at this time? The airport at Aberdeen will be closed and...
HM The Queen Mother: Charles dear, use the Royal Flight; they keep one plane on permanent standby, in case I should kick the bucket.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: No, Mummy, that's out of the question; this isn't a matter of State.
Prince Charles: What are you talking about?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Diana's no longer a member of the Royal Family, she's not an HRH, this is a private matter!
Prince Charles: She's mother to your grandchildren!
HM The Queen Mother: What is happening now?
Prince Philip: I don't know; I can't hear, everyone shouting!
[long pause]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: What are you going to do about the boys?
Prince Charles: Let them sleep until we know more.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, that's sensible.
Prince Charles: I should go to Paris, I told my people to start organizing a jet.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: What, a private one?
Prince Charles: Yes.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Isn't that precisely the sort of extravagance they always attack us for?
Prince Charles: How else am I supposed to get to Paris at this time? The airport at Aberdeen will be closed and...
HM The Queen Mother: Charles dear, use the Royal Flight; they keep one plane on permanent standby, in case I should kick the bucket.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: No, Mummy, that's out of the question; this isn't a matter of State.
Prince Charles: What are you talking about?
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Diana's no longer a member of the Royal Family, she's not an HRH, this is a private matter!
Prince Charles: She's mother to your grandchildren!
HM The Queen Mother: What is happening now?
Prince Philip: I don't know; I can't hear, everyone shouting!
Prince Philip: Your sister called, from Tuscany.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I hope you told her to come back, cut her holiday short.
Prince Philip: I did.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I'd imagine she was pleased.
Prince Philip: That's putting it milder.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: What did she say?
Prince Philip: Something about Diana managing to be even more annoying dead than alive.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Just make sure you never let the boys hear you talk like that!
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I hope you told her to come back, cut her holiday short.
Prince Philip: I did.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I'd imagine she was pleased.
Prince Philip: That's putting it milder.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: What did she say?
Prince Philip: Something about Diana managing to be even more annoying dead than alive.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Just make sure you never let the boys hear you talk like that!
Lord Airlie: Right. It's ten o'clock. 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.
Alastair Campbell: [under his breath] Oh, Christ.
Alastair Campbell: [under his breath] Oh, Christ.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, really? You don't think that what affection people once had for m... for this 'institution' has been diminished?
Tony Blair: No, not at all. You are more respected now than ever.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I gather some of your closest advisors were less fulsome in their support.
Tony Blair: One or two... But as a leader, I could never have added my voice to that chorus.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Because you saw all those headlines and you thought: 'One day that might happen to me'...
Tony Blair: Oh... er...
HM Queen Elizabeth II: ...and it will, Mr. Blair. Quite suddenly and without warning... So, shall we get on with the business in hand?
Tony Blair: No, not at all. You are more respected now than ever.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: I gather some of your closest advisors were less fulsome in their support.
Tony Blair: One or two... But as a leader, I could never have added my voice to that chorus.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Because you saw all those headlines and you thought: 'One day that might happen to me'...
Tony Blair: Oh... er...
HM Queen Elizabeth II: ...and it will, Mr. Blair. Quite suddenly and without warning... So, shall we get on with the business in hand?
[first lines]
Reporter: 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.
Reporter: 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.
[last lines]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: So tell me, Mr. Blair, what might we expect from your first parliament?
Tony Blair: Well, ma'am, top of the list is education reform. We want to radically reduce classroom sizes.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, yes. Yes, we must.
Tony Blair: Create a much lower teacher-pupil ratio.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, it will be difficult to achieve...
[trailing off, inaudible]
HM Queen Elizabeth II: So tell me, Mr. Blair, what might we expect from your first parliament?
Tony Blair: Well, ma'am, top of the list is education reform. We want to radically reduce classroom sizes.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Oh, yes. Yes, we must.
Tony Blair: Create a much lower teacher-pupil ratio.
HM Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, it will be difficult to achieve...
[trailing off, inaudible]
Prince Charles: They're going back to sleep, or try anyways. My private secretary office have found a travel agency out in New York that will sell me a flight to Paris, with a hour stop over 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.
