Summary
The Crown Season 3, Episode 5, “Coup” delves into the Queen’s true passion while pressure is mounting against the government and the devalued pound.
This recap of Netflix series The Crown Season 3, Episode 5, “Coup” contains significant spoilers. You can read the recap of the previous episode by clicking these words.
The trade gap is widening in Episode 5, “Coup”, with the media, especially the Daily Mirror, turning on the Government. There is pressure on Harold Wilson (Jason Watkins) to find ways to make cuts and save face for the Labour Party. His cabinet advises removing Lord Mountbatten as Chief of the Defence — he is apparently a symbol privilege and inequality.
Underpressure Harold has a meeting with Lord Mountbatten about the defense cuts and delivers the news that he is removing him from the position of Chief of the Defence. Lord Mountbatten gets a nice farewell, but Mr. King from the Daily Mirror disagrees with the dismissal.
The Queen decides to visit her horses in Episode 5, “Coup”, and watches her horse Apprentice fail to win a race. She is advised to go around the world to learn about improving her horses.
Harold Wilson gives The Queen an update on the sterling, stating that there is no alternative but to devalue the pound. Harold looks disappointed when he delivers this news, but surprisingly The Queen is not irked by it and lets him know she will not be available for two weeks.
In a BBC announcement, Harold Wilson makes a statement announcing the devaluing of the pound. Mr. King is infuriated by the announcement and vies to take action.
Lord Mountbatten speaks to an audience about the past and the terrible present and future in store for the country. Mr. King offers his condolences and makes it known that he believes the government made a bad decision.
Meanwhile, The Queen visits a breeding farm in France. She shows off her knowledge of the horses and receives plenty of advice. She’s astounded by the advancements and wishes to apply it to her horse business.
It gets worse for Harold Wilson — Mr. King holds a meeting about the future of the country and its finances. He has a plan: “Replacing the Prime Minister and installing an emergency government”. Mr. King wants Lord Mountbatten as Prime Minister, in what is described as a coup.
48 hours later, Lord Mountbatten holds a meeting with Mr. King and the Bank of England about his research on coups. He claims a coup in the UK is almost impossible unless they got the support of the Crown.
Back to France, and the Queen expresses that horses make her truly happy and she knows it was something she was born to do. But her dreams are cut short as the Prime Minister rings the Queen and tells her that a senior member of her family is trying to overthrow the Government with Mr. King, The Daily Mirror and the Bank of England. He sends her a stern warning, forcing her to return home.
When the Queen returns, she meets Lord Mountbatten and dictates that she is protecting the constitution and protecting democracy. She is clearly appalled by the Lord’s behavior, insisting that his role within the Royal Family is very important.
The Crown Season 3, Episode 5, “Coup” ends with Philip checking up on The Queen, asking if her visit to France was fun. It is clear he has missed her and he shows her that by giving her a passionate kiss before heading up to bed.
That was a shortlived coup.
Her Majesty’s Archives (HMA)
- The Queen makes it known that she’d prefer to look after horses all her life but then the Crown took over.
- Lord Mountbatten looked embarrassed when he was walking out of his role in Defence.
You can read the recap of the sixth episode by clicking these words.
