Summary
We couldn’t have expected any less; the opening of season 5 is a mixture of brilliant foreshadowing and incredible drama.
We give a royal recap of the Netflix series The Crown season 5, episode 1, “Queen Victoria Syndrome,” which will contain spoilers, so be warned!
After the success of season 4 and the Royal Family seemingly rumbled by Netflix, the curiosity surrounding The Crown season 5 is at an all-time high. The first episode delves into Queen Elizabeths II’s (Imelda Staunton) love for the Royal Yacht while public polls dwindle on her, while Prince Charles (Dominic West) thirsts for symbolic power, with The Crown seemingly in disarray.
The Crown season 5, episode 1 recap
Episode 1 of season 5 opens up with Queen Elizabeth II launching the Royal Yacht with old archival footage. She names it “Britannia.” In the present day, Elizabeth is partaking in a medical. She’s advised to spend less time on her feet, but Elizabeth is more concerned about her weight. Meanwhile, Prince Charles is happy that he’s getting good press, and they advise him to go on a second honeymoon with Princess Diana to prove to the public their marriage.
Charles and Diana arrive in Italy with their sons and met with the buzzing press and an excitable crowd. They give the public what they want, waving at them and giving them a little kiss. Afterward, Charles holds a meeting to organize events — Diana proposes a few activities, including shopping, which irks Charles. It’s clear that his idea of his fun is not the same as hers. Episode 1 of season 5 reveals that privately their marriage is still not working, but publically it is stable.
The Crown is worried that the Queen will see the latest report in The Sunday Times, knowing it’s a disparaging story about her. Princess Anne nearly gets a copy of the paper, but it’s quickly taken off her. The paper suggests that the Queen should abdicate the throne for Prince Charles. Meanwhile, Charles reads it, and he’s irritated; he asks his staff to arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister.
Diana learns of a “diary conflict” that shortens their second honeymoon. Diana is furious, worrying that it’s their holiday for the family. She argues with Charles, but he is more concerned about his schedule. It appears that Diana gets comfort from her sons, a single light in her marriage.
Charles meets Prime Minister John Major and lavishes him with praise. He talks to him about the recent poll about the Queen and the “Queen Victoria Syndrome.” John states that polls “come and go.” Charles lectures the Prime Minister about the longing for responsibilities and hints that his vision and capabilities are a waste. He wants John to consider whether The Crown is in safe hands.
The Crown season 5, episode 1 ending – what is the “Queen Victoria Syndrome”?
As we reach near the end of The Crown season 5, episode 1, Elizabeth wonders why everyone is being odd to her. Eventually, one of the Queen’s staff reveals what was said in The Sunday Times. Elizabeth reads the story on the poll, and she seems suddenly insecure about what she reads as she eyes the word “irrelevant” and “Queen Victoria Syndrome.” The “Queen Victoria Syndrome” is a term used to describe the public getting tired of an older monarch, so in conclusion, the episode suggests that the country is exhausted by the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II,
At Balmoral Castle, Elizabeth meets the Prime Minister. John Major tells the Queen that the government cannot be seen spending public money on maintaining the yacht, which he deems a “luxury.” Elizabeth talks about the deep connection between her and the yacht, as it is the only thing she owns and has not inherited. She asks for reassurance that the refurbishments will be met.
The Ghillies Ball ensues at Balmoral Castle, consisting of the Royal Family, other important people, and the Prime Minister. Prince Philip berates John Major for his stance on the Royal Yacht. It’s clear that his meeting with Charles is burning in his mind. Charles speaks to John about the yacht, and raises how it will cost a lot to repair, and calls it old.
And then, Diana suggests to John Major that her family with Charles could fall apart; she believes if their marriage breaks up, the institution could fall apart. Later, John Major tells his wife that the Royal Family is “deluded and out of touch.” He criticizes all of them, wondering if it will erupt under his premiership.
The Crown season 5, episode 1 ends with Elizabeth looking at a portrait of Queen Victoria with a strange expression on her face.
We couldn’t have expected any less; the opening of season 5 is a mixture of brilliant foreshadowing and incredible drama.
What did you think of The Crown season 5, episode 1? Comment below.
