God Save the Queen

We're watching a fairly engaging series on Netflix called The Crown. It's a BBC-type, 10 episode series on Queen Elizabeth's transition to power in the 1950s. As usual with the Brits, the dialog is excellent and the writers have captured some of the unique story lines very well.

I am left wondering if this is one of those historical fictions, where most of the broader details are accurate and the specifics are fiction designed for entertainment value. For the life of me I can't figure out who is telling the story - and can only speculate that it is woven together from multiple sources.

It is fascinating though that Queen Elizabeth came to power because her uncle abdicated the throne in the 1930s. David was in love with an American divorcee and could not bear the idea of leaving her to become King of England. The King is also head of the Church of England, which does not allow royal family members to marry a second time while the first spouse is still alive. For any reason.

David abdicated, and Albert (The King's Speech - King) became King George. Albert had two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, and Elizabeth, being the elder, was Albert's heir. She became Queen in 1952 at 26 years of age.

There's very interesting power dynamics displayed in the series, especially the interactions between the young queen and Prime Minister Churchill (played by John Lithgow). The series reflects an older statesman, struggling with his physical incapacity but retaining a sharp mind and iron will. Churchill is a somewhat sympathetic character in the show, although there are moments where he sacrifices his integrity to hold on to power.

It is a solid show, full of education and entertainment.