The Crown, Season 6, Episode 10, kicks off with Queen Elizabeth facing a profound task: the planning of her own funeral service, designated as Operation London Bridge. A miniature replica of the funeral procession, preserved for future reference, aids the Queen in her deliberations, from the standing arrangements to the choice of music. She makes every decision with unwavering resolve, as expected. Similarly, Prince Philip takes on the solemn duty of planning his funeral, meticulously overseeing every detail, mirroring the Queen's meticulousness.
The prospect of planning her own funeral brings Queen Elizabeth face-to-face with her mortality, almost triggering an existential crisis. Her response is telling, revealing a depth of emotion beneath her regal composure.
As Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip deliberate on burial arrangements, Prince Charles makes a visit, seeking the Queen's blessing for his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles. However, the Queen does not grant an immediate response, instead informing him that she must consult with others and provide an answer in due time.
The episode offers a fleeting glimpse of Princes William and Harry, along with William's girlfriend Kate, attending a costume party. In a startling turn, Prince Harry appears in a Nazi uniform adorned with the swastika symbol. Tragically, a partygoer captures a photograph of this moment, which soon finds its way into newspapers, sparking a tumultuous controversy within the royal family. The incident leaves Harry in a state of disgrace, disappointing many, including the Queen and Prince Charles, who are particularly aggrieved.
During a solemn gathering with bishops and the esteemed Archbishop of Canterbury, the Queen delved into the matter of Charles and Camilla's union. The archbishop wisely counseled that they ought to formalize their bond through registration, followed by a solemn service beseeching forgiveness, mindful of their previous entanglements while wed to others.
After this matter was settled, the Queen sought a private audience with Princes William and Harry. She gracefully broached the subject of their father's impending marriage to Camilla, seeking their perspectives. William, despite his initial reserve, offered a swift nod of approval. However, Prince Harry vehemently disagreed, his frustration evident yet powerless to halt the inevitable. This divergence in their handling of the situation further strained the already fragile bond between the brothers.
The Queen grappled with an existential turmoil, penning her own wedding speech for Charles and Camilla. Rumors swirled that this speech would mark her formal abdication, relinquishing her reign to Charles. Yet, in a moment of profound reflection, she reconsidered, realizing that her oaths and responsibilities as Queen precluded such a step.
A glimpse of Camilla and Prince Charles's impeccable wedding unfolded. As the Queen concluded her heartfelt address, her warmth and kindness towards Camilla were palpable. Notably, Princes William and Harry observed that she omitted any mention of relinquishing her regal duties.
In the closing moments of the ceremony, the Queen knelt humbly before the altar. As they walked abreast, Prince Philip confided that he had been privy to her intentions of abdication. He then commended her for making the right choice in staying true to her oaths. As Prince Philip departed, the Queen gracefully exited the chapel, accompanied by the melody of "Sleep, Dearie Sleep," with her past selves standing sentinel behind her. This poignant scene brought the curtain down on the royal affair.
