The Queen

On the eve of the 1997 British general election, Tony Blair prepares to become the first Labour Party Prime Minister in nearly two decades. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift in UK politics as Blair embraces the challenge of modernizing the country.

During a session for her official portrait, Queen Elizabeth II shares her feelings with the artist about her disappointment in not having the right to vote. Despite her apprehensions about Blair's plans, they engage in a dialogue that showcases their differing views on monarchy and governance.

Following tradition, Tony Blair visits Buckingham Palace to kiss hands and is formally invited by the Queen to form a Government. This ceremony signifies the beginning of Blair's leadership and a new era for the British political landscape.

Three months later, a tragic car accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel claims the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, along with her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul. This shocking event sends ripples through the nation, marking a turning point for the royal family.

In the wake of Diana's death, Blair's Director of Communications, Alastair Campbell, prepares a speech that famously refers to her as 'the people's princess.' This resonates with the public, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes outside Buckingham and Kensington palaces.

As mourning begins, the Royal Family congregates at Balmoral Castle, where the news of Diana's passing creates tension amongst senior royals. The Queen struggles with her emotions while considering Diana's departure from the family, after her divorce from Prince Charles.

The Queen suggests that Diana's funeral should be a private event for her family, the Spencers, but Prince Charles argues for a more public acknowledgment due to Diana's significance as the mother of future royal heirs. This conflict reveals the complexities within the royal family's response.

After much deliberation, the Queen decides to allow Diana's body to be transported back to Britain via Royal Flight. Charles ensures that her coffin is treated with dignity, highlighting the emotional weight of their shared past.

As the public mourns Diana, the tabloid media criticizes the Royal Family's lack of a public response. Blair and Charles agree that a visible act of mourning is crucial to preserve the monarchy's image, all while the Queen's popularity plummets.

Blair, despite his political gain, feels torn as he balances respect for the monarchy with his advisors' anti-monarchist sentiments. This internal conflict intensifies as he seeks to safeguard the monarchy amidst a changing public landscape.

In an effort to restore public faith in the monarchy, Blair reaches out to the Queen with several recommendations including attending Diana's funeral and flying the Union flag at half-mast. His strategic approach reflects the urgency of the royal family's situation.

The Queen's family, especially Prince Philip and the Queen Mother, vehemently oppose Blair's suggestions, viewing them as concessions to media pressure. This generates a divide in their perspectives on how to navigate the national grief surrounding Diana's death.

While driving, the Queen experiences a troubling mishap with her Land Rover that exposes her vulnerability. As she waits for assistance, she contemplates her role amidst the national tragedy and her connection to the natural world.

Upon returning to London, the Queen delivers a heartfelt televised speech acknowledging Diana's remarkable qualities. This public act serves to bridge the distance between the monarchy and the grieving public, solidifying her place in their hearts.

Two months later, Blair visits the Queen for their routine meeting, where they discuss the impacts of Diana's death and the monarchy's need for evolution. The conversation underscores the complexities of their relationship amidst personal and political pressures.