Olivia Colman reads a letter from Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

[@orandaadnaro]

It's the precision of language at a time of high stress that makes the Queen the phenomena she was and is in the hearts of the people. Well done Olivia Colman for a wondrous rendition!

[@renzo6490]

Phenomenon-singular Phenomena-plural According to the Queen’s English 😊

[@lsmith9249]

@orandaadnaro this was our Queen Mother

[@Edie45]

This letter alone takes the listener back as a witness to those horrendous days. Its contents are disturbing yet, as others have commented, it shows the strength, courage and warm humanity of a gracious lady. I was particularly in awe of her obvious concern for the servants. They were not servants to her but human beings who required care and consideration and the knowledge that the impact on the people of the streets they visited would be included in her letter to Queen Mary speaks volumes about her character. Ms Colman did a magnificent job of bringing the writer to life.

[@Littlebit31]

This letter takes Keep Calm and Carry on to a whole other level!

[@yevgeniyakononoff3435]

She was a living, breathing example of this phrase in all circumstances.

[@JohnStarkey-u6z]

This is an instance of commercialisation reinventing an era. 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON' was one of a series of 3 posters prepared anticipating bombing of civilian populations. As expected hostilities were slow to materialise, during the period of the 'phoney war' the immediate need for paper meant the posters, which had never been distributed, were pulped for re-use. So the now-iconic slogan was never a byword of the war years. The discovery of a poster some 60 years later that had survived destruction led to the ubiquitous image of our times ... a curious case of misplaced nostalgia.

[@RobertJarecki]

​@@JohnStarkey-u6z Somehow, from a distance of some 80 years and some 6,000 miles*, I have the impression that the British people did not need the posters. * *_Metric Maniacs_* will note that 6,000 miles is some 10,000 km.

[@sofiyork5881]

It's unbelievable that this took place 80-ish years ago. I, a German, have always felt welcome in the UK on my trips. How thankful I am that we live in a time of peace between our countries despite our horrible past.

[@another3997]

Sadly, the state of the world at the moment is such that peace between nations, religions, ideologies and political and social divides, is perched precariously on a knife edge. As an Englishman in his mid 50s, I have nothing against Germany or it's people. I think very few do. Stereotypes persist, but when you travel to places, you realise that by and large, people are the same everywhere. Anywhere you look, there are always some with extreme views. Ignorance, arrogance, greed and stupidity combine to make the world a dangerous place. Our respective histories are littered with despicable acts anybody would be ashamed of, but sadly many have been forgotten or worse, rewritten. Despite the profound consequences of two wars, it seems people never learn. 80 years later and the world is once again on the brink. PS. I know the score is Two : Nil, but please don't try a third time... otherwise we'll drop all our recently unemployed Conservative MPs on you. Including Boris Johnson! You have been warned. 😉👍

[@elhior23]

It is taking place right now.

[@nigelsheppard625]

That's because you are welcome, as I feel welcome in Germany.

[@odanedmcdonald]

Ah! A German

[@fabigrossi2976]

You definitely are welcome here!

[@ashleyclinton3485]

Beautifully read. As much as everyone revered the queen, Brits never take themselves too seriously. The humor she found in the letter only emphasized the love they feel for their dearest queen! Beautiful historical piece.

[@amyw6808]

This is Queen Elizabeth, mother to Queen Elizabeth II. As they have the same first name, it can be confusing, but this was not written by our last monarch, who was only a teenager at the time.

[@LouiseKernow2024]

One of the many times The Queen Mother impressed me during WW2, was the government were trying to persuade her and the children, to leave for Canada for safety. Her reply? "The children will not leave without me, I will not leave without the King and the King will never leave".

[@kitty6720]

So heartwarming (because of resilience and stoicism) ❤❤❤& heartbreaking (because of the war).

[@monocle8868]

It was actually: “The princesses will never leave without me ……. “

[@42kellys]

How brave and wonderful! It shows real spirit.

[@legolasdbk]

@@dorothyyoung8231 with all due admiration to their majesties for their wartime efforts and sacrifices, none of the other european royals ( the "royalty" of other countries, as you insultingly call them - why the quotation marks?) ever "abandoned" their countries before the countries themselves were occupied, not even the kings (or queens) who were subsequently forced to abdicate, such as king peter of yugoslavia. when the sovereigns opted to remain in their occupied countries, it was rarely successful - the only example (in europe) i know of is the case of hm king christian of denmark. all the rest (the kings of romania, bulgaria or, especially, king leopold iii of belgium or prince louis ii of monaco) failed horribly. had the uk been invaded, the king would, as a matter of constitution and tradition, have been evacuated because in order for there to be a government in exile there needs to be a head of state in exile. in a monarchy, capturing a king (or indeed his heir(s)) is (or rather, can be) a serious constitutional issue. that is why, for instance, prince andrew was allowed to participate in the falklands war, similar to prince harry being allowed to take part in recent military actions, whereas the prince of wales or prince william would have never been allowed to do so. i recommend you read a bit about the lives and wartime efforts of hrh the grand duchess (charlotte) of luxembourg, hm king haakon vii of norway or queen wilhelmina of the netherlands. even nowadays, when they are, legally, no longer obliged to do so, the romanovs have not abandoned russia, king constantine has not abandoned greece, king simeon has not abandoned bulgaria, nor have the karoađorđevićs, habsburgs, bourbons or savoys ever abandoned their homelands, even in the long decades when they were not allowed to even visit them.

[@Vejur9000]

This woman is an icon of living history.

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

They really pick the right person to read these letters, what a wonderful rendition of this harrowing time!

[@jen43072]

Is it ridiculous that this brought tears to my eyes at the end? The strength of our British cousins has always been impressive, but this, coupled with good humor really touched my heart. Much love from across the pond. xx

[@anglewoden]

No it isn't, it brought tears to my eyes too. I do feel that those people where made of much stronger stuff than today, Some sections of today's society all over the 'Western civilisation' ten to bend over too quickly if you know what I mean.

[@kimifur]

@@anglewoden I completely agree. My granny was born in 1921 in a village in Scotland and moved to London in 1941 along with her newborn baby. Her husband was off fighting in WWII. She moved, completely alone except for her newborn, to Ealing. Her street was bombed more than once. She recounted a story of hearing air raid sirens and then immediately after the sound of plane engines, knowing she would not be able to reach the Anderson shelter in time. She flung herself under the kitchen table on top of her infant son (my uncle) as the bombs fell and blew out all the windows. The way she told this story was so matter-of-fact. I doubt many of us today would be as able to cope in such circumstances.

[@1Nida]

It got me too.

[@anenglishmanplusamerican7107]

We love you too cousin. Thanks for coming in our aid, and saving our arses LMAO

[@jen43072]

@@anenglishmanplusamerican7107 It's been you lot helping us out since then. You're pretty good in a fight. 😉

[@elizabeth5985]

My God the charm. The charm of the Queen Mother and the charm of Olivia Colman. It brings tears to the eyes.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

I am an AMERICAN Anglophile of English descent. Like most nations, Britain has a historical record of wondrous accomplishments and also sad attitudes. Our history as Americans is much the same. But in the reading of this simple letter to a beloved MIL I was brought to tears and my lip was trembling. I love Britain, all the isles, and I am proud of the stoicism necessary and exhibited clearly here, that made the ultimate victory over the Nazi onslaught possible . God Bless all who perished, and all who survived and rebuilt the country. The effort to continually rebuild and redefine goes on.

[@ltldxy71]

The only woman who could have delivered that letter besides the Queen Mum herself. May she RIP. ❤

[@fleetadmiralperry5739]

Olivia Coleman reads this letter like she was the one who experienced it all Which speaks to her Talent

[@lotharsoran3604]

This could not be more British Blitz spirit, it is perfect. Makes me proud to be a Brit, the fact that our royalty was more concerned with the safety of other people, than themselves. Though terrified, they kept calm, and carried on, along with a hefty dose of empathy, and genuine care for their fellow man.

[@lotuseater7247]

reminds me of how they gave nazi salutes not long before this

[@Vic82toire]

@@lotuseater7247 Well, that really proves it, doesn't it? They were all Nazi spies and collaborators all along. Not very good ones. But, still....

[@lotuseater7247]

@@Vic82toire Facetiousness built on hyperbole doesn't mean you made a good point, or added anything that disproves mine. It just means you made up something in your head ,and thought you said something clever. The OP said they showed genuined care. They don't. They're rotten inside and the cracks are finally being exposed these days.

[@anglewoden]

@@lotuseater7247 They were not the only people from around the world duped in giving the Nazi salute, many did thinking the Nazi's were making Germany peaceful so your point is mute and baseless from any blame. Instead of recognising the strife people were in at the time it is you with the hyperbole that has got to put negativity all over it.

[@lotuseater7247]

@@anglewoden looks like I triggered a pro Royal. Well what you’ve done is just string some words together and then defended them based on ignorance of the time. What I’ve stated is not hyperbole it’s merely fact. Another fact is that they are supposed to avoid showing any stance on world politics. They have more in common with the Nazis than they’d care to admit; both believe in an Ordained right to power. Harry went so far as to don a Nazi uniform decades later .

[@wesselmatthews]

The unexpected star of the story being the chef. :D

[@timeodaneosetdona]

Clearly spent enough time in Blighty for understatement to become a habit :)

[@kitty6720]

😄😄

[@19Edurne]

@@timeodaneosetdona Oh, rest assured, understatement is not a foreign concept in French; no need to have to live in Britain to master it. ;)

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

"France will rise again" and it did. Qui vivra verra. Vive la France! Vive l'Angleterre!

[@amon_asentir]

I love the implication that the Chef reminded her of his conviction at every opportunity...

[@ka8mk]

So much class and courage in one person. The royal family’s commitment to their people is still underestimated and unmatched.

[@hoppytoad79]

Bertie and Elizabeth were, without any question at all, exactly the right people to lead Britain through the living hell that was WWII. I mentally shudder at the thought of his elder brother as King during that time and am profoundly thankful that shallow, self-centered fool abdicated. I do feel horrible for Bertie, being forced to take the throne the way he was, but he was unquestionably far better suited to be King. If only he'd been the elder brother....

[@rangerjaxmaxmay7742]

An d, then, heartrendingly, there is Markle & her dumb, fanny-struck Harry, & Andrew. Sigh!! Families can be such a disappointment & quite vexing.

[@knutsfordhouse]

I found this very moving. The Queen Mum was such a strong character. Whatever people read into it, it is a priceless piece of historical journal.

[@MicheleEngel]

She was a damn good writer, as well. Her description of the bomb approaching and then landing was superb. Only an intelligent and skillful writer could have produced that imagery.

[@302Diane]

@Michele Engel You're right, of course, but it's helped by Colman's impeccable delivery. She is an outstanding actress.

[@bubble8829]

Exactly.

[@bananamanchester4156]

It's sweet that she went to check on everyone, rather than only caring about her own safety and rushing into the shelter to hide. I wouldn't have blamed her for going straight to her shelter, but I respect that she didn't!

[@Essemm52]

@@302DianeWithout the cut class accent though, read in a more ‘working class’ accent, would there have been any laughter? Strange that an accent once respected and even desired, has become something to ridicule. Sad too.

[@964cuplove]

As a German, love the „ah a German“ - peaceful greetings

[@Nunov103]

I think it was a sort of ironic comment, sense the British royal family, in a way, is of German descent :)

[@davidw.2791]

Choice of German-style quotation marks Checks Out.

[@DoubleMonoLR]

@@Nunov103 Indeed, they adopted Windsor during WW1, from their historic name of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

@@davidw.2791 That's not a choice it's how his keyboard is set-up. A US keyboard has no £ symbol. And I bet you can't ask a question in Spanish since you don't have the inverted question mark. (Yes I know you can change the configuration or call up the ASCII code etc)

[@amon_asentir]

Not only are the royal family of German descent as others have mentioned, but if I heard correctly she made the comment to a man named Ehrlich. Nobody but Germans in this scenario! ;-)

[@simonrolph3882]

The fact that so much of the letter was about checking on and concern for her "servants" is telling. And a sense of humour after hearing a bomb coming down not knowing where it will land.

[@DMLand]

She inhabits the role of Queen Elizabeth so beautifully, so naturally. That delightful "So sorry…" was delivered not Olivia Colman, but by Elizabeth herself _through_ Colman.

[@susangamble6038]

Well, it was a letter from the Queen Mother, not her daughter, to her own mother in law, but I agree with what you're saying in essence.

[@rah62]

@@susangamble6038 She was not the Queen Mother at the time. She was Queen Elizabeth, which Dave Land correctly identified her as. The current Queen is not known as "Queen Elizabeth" but simply "The Queen".

[@anglewoden]

@@rah62 The late Queen was introduced as Queen Elizabeth II

[@xenafan234]

She is Reading a Letter from The Queen Mother, Elizabeth, Not HRH Elizabeth II. QE2 Did not ascend the Throne until 1952. This Letter was to Queen Mary, King George's Mom.

[@SheIsReallyThatGirl]

I mean she played the Queen Mother on a film before The Crown

[@simonwhitlock9189]

A beautiful letter written in a time when courage was called to the fore and all responded.

[@redpenda99o]

Yeah war really brings out the best in us. Seriously do you think before you speak or do you just set your pullstring to “public school Churchill” and go about your merry way?

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

@@redpenda99o I understand your frustration (which is also, beautifully worded) but it is hard to refute that the Royals of that time were trying as hard as they were able/allowed to connect with people and share in their experiences of war. I am far from a Royalist, but I struggle to imagine many such doing the same now. The necessity of duty was instilled in the current monarch in the UK by this woman. Her degree of detachment is not so marked as to make her contemptible. It is - and was - a complicated situation 😕

[@iankclark]

@@redpenda99o Your cynical take is playing out marvelously in the West today. But i doubt you would take credit for that.

[@janetbaker5962]

@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 amen!

[@mariannegeraud6318]

A sweet letter giving us a rare glimpse of a particular day in a particular place with particular people in a particularly difficult time in history!!

[@deb4908]

Beautifully written and beautifully read. What a treasured piece of history and an insight into a great Queen.

[@stevejackman8278]

Pity she was such a bitch to her staff and to many others.

[@marquisdehoto1638]

I don't know what is more hilarious/adorable, Olivia Colman reading it or imagining the Queen writing it. I love the words she used!

[@cankerbloom9015]

The Queen’s mother wrote it to her mother

[@annemoncrieff3875]

Thevqueen mother wrote it to her mother in law, old queen mary

[@raynemichelle2996]

@@cankerbloom9015 Yeah, Her Majesty The Queen Mother was also a Queen, and was THE Queen at the time she composed the letter.

[@raynemichelle2996]

@Sanctus Paulus 1962 Yes she was. She was Queen Consort (which is different from Queen Regnant, like her daughter) and she was referred to as Her Majesty until her death

[@Cotif11]

​@@raynemichelle2996 Queen consort vs Queen Regnant. Given that the title is currently held by a queen regnant, Queen Elizabeth II, saying "The Queen" as a title refers to Elizabeth II not the Queen Mother, similarly to how you might refer to Elizabeth I, not as "The Queen", but as "Queen Elizabeth I", so therefore, no, the Queen Mother is not "The Queen", she is "The Queen Mother" a queen of past, and not even a queen regnant like Elizabeth II so there is little room for your equivalencies. By the way, your CAPITALIZATION for EMPHASIS make you look arrogant

[@daveretash9153]

Admirable, this reading holds the most important part of what humanity strives to be, kind, responsible, calm, and productive in the face of massive trauma. Thank you for this gift; I hope we can learn and never forget.

[@luvhart]

I believe the letter was addressed to Queen Mary as at that time was evacuated to Badminton House in Gloucestershire, home of her niece. While it’s well known that Queen Mary caused quite the fuss during her stay, she often visited troops and factories and directed the gathering of scrap materials for the war effort and often stopped to offer lifts to soldiers she spotted on roads. The letter from one Queen to another is so wonderfully British…full of resilience

[@42kellys]

Yes, very much so. It is touching, really. I enjoyed it even though I am a foreigner I have nothign to do with the English but that I am also a human being as they and we all are.

[@elizabethradford4909]

My mother was in the ATS and was given a lift bt Queen Mary!

[@luvhart]

@@elizabethradford4909 That’s fantastic! It just proves that in times of crisis it doesn’t matter whether one is Prince or pauper….everyone is in it together.

[@elizabethradford4909]

@@luvhart I think Queen Mary was known for giving lifts to service people. Mum said she asked how much food they got, where they were stationed and what conditions were like. Needless to say she and her friend Peggy were on best behaviour and gave their smartest salute as QM drove off.

[@gilgameshofuruk4060]

@@elizabethradford4909 I've heard about Queen Mary always giving lifts to anyone in uniform that she saw. So nice to hear it from someone with a family experience.

[@averages64]

This letter to Queen Mary was laced with the stoic dignity, gentle humour and occasional irony that I have come to understand and appreciate about the British people. HRH showed much warmth, skill and respect in the process of relating the events she observed, undoubtedly to reassure whoever read the letter that all was well despite the obvious danger and loss. She never took the service of her staff or the fortitude of her people for granted, heaping superlative praise upon them, but also mindfully described each incidence of damage and death in brief, unadorned fashion, and always followed by something a little lighter to alleviate anxiety. There are few people I know who bear her level of sense of proportion, wisdom and grace. I also think that Ms Colman, an experienced, enduring and well-respected actor, would be among a handful of people who truly appreciate those personal trait. It is highly unlikely that she would deliberately mock anyone, HRH or otherwise, via the letter’s contents. As for those among the audience who had laughed at particular points during the reading, I have every faith that many would have realised their mistake mere moments later. While some may consider that stupidity, their realisation quickly transforms it into mindfulness and intelligence. Better still, admitting that one has been too quick to judge shows courage and humility; mending our ways and sealing our commitment to ourselves and our community.

[@annettewalter2273]

Not HRH but Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

[@mortalclown3812]

Tommyrot. Brit here and got it.

[@serenapetersen1822]

@@annettewalter2273 title nazi!

[@serenapetersen1822]

@@mortalclown3812 these people have nothing to do but pick at other.

[@gilliandale4854]

Your comment made me feel better, as i found the laughter quite insensitive.

[@hughfranklin4002]

The King and the Queen did the country proud during the war.

[@JoanneMaher76]

Beautiful! You have captured HRH Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in her quiet dignity and humour

[@juliaconnell]

Olivia Colman is just adorable in this - & how easily she slips into that accent is impressive. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the old queen mum (as I knew her, RIP 101 when she passed) she seemed to have a magnificent sense of humour - could just tell by naughty gleam in her eye from time to time

[@ophelias4172]

I liked her too. Though by the time I could really appreciate her she had passed away. I take great delight in the Queen though. Some of the stories that come out about her teasing makes me laugh.

[@raynemichelle2996]

She was terribly racist though

[@kevinmorgan8534]

@@raynemichelle2996 So were most people of her generation. Get over it.

[@raynemichelle2996]

@@kevinmorgan8534 no I will not

[@xenorac]

@@raynemichelle2996 And that is the problem, people hold grudges.

[@puffin51]

Later, someone asked her how she felt about Buckingham Palace being bombed. She replied, "I was so glad. Now I can look the East End in the face." Note, please, she didn't say that what she had been through was the same. Not at all; she only said that she need no longer be ashamed before them. Now _that_ is a Queen, and as Elizabeth I said, a Queen of England, too.

[@novakingood3788]

Nope, it's still an insensitive and meaningless thing to say. She IS stating that she feels she's experienced what they have, but when you have numerous residences and only a small part of a massive palace is damaged, you cannot say that you can now look Eastenders in the face. When she ends up on the streets because her only residence has been destroyed, along with all her personal belongings, not to mention the loss of several if not all members of her immediate family THEN she could say that.

[@puffin51]

@@novakingood3788 It must be a terrible affliction to go through life incapable of parsing meaning from words, and in a permanent state of baffled rage because of it. I can only pity you.

[@TesterAnimal1]

Oh please. Pick yourself up off the floor.

[@puffin51]

@@TesterAnimal1 It must be just as disabling to be subject to infantile fantasies about the effect of meaningless jibes on the internet. What she said, she said, and it was what she meant to say. It will stand forever, whereas what anyone, including me, says here or anywhere will be dust on the wind in ten minutes.

[@Jazzinthedark84]

@@novakingood3788 Actually it's not meaningless and she did lose a family member in the first World War. Her older brother Fergus was killed in action and she never found out exactly where he was buried. If you knew even one thing about her you'd know this as this is why SHE started the Royal tradition of leaving Royal wedding bouquets at the grave of the unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey. Because she didn't know where her brother was buried. It's now believed that he was buried in a quarry, so his "gravestone" says "buried nearby", but the Queen mum never knew that in her lifetime. As for "looking the East end in the face", she meant that she felt bad because she visited a lot of bomb sites with the King to commiserate with those who had lost everything and thats why she felt bad, because although Buckingham Palace was a known target, it hadn't yet been hit, and until it had she felt terrible for visiting in her nice clothes, and the Germans weren't always very accurate, especially at the start, so often they hit things in error. There's actually a quote somewhere of her being overheard asking someone whether she shouldn't have dressed so nicely, the first time she saw the damage that the bombs had done. But a local woman said to her, "no, people expect you to be dressed nicely and it shows they (the Germans) haven't beaten us yet" And after that she always wore nice, but appropriate clothes.

[@idjones1978]

I fricking love this!!! Olivia goes straight into the posh accent! just love it.. brilliant

[@texasbluebonnet4303]

I live by that phrase, keep calm, and carry on. Dearest Elizabeth was loved by us also here in the U. S. A.

[@Gilren1]

As a German I still feel the threat of that war lingering.... I'm so glad that we live in peace now with each other and hope this will last forever. I love GB and I hope that there are no bad feelings towards the younger generations that never fought and have nothing but good feelings towards each other. I also hope that GB will join the EU sometime soon again ;) .

[@MrZakatista]

The first time I went to Germany I remember feeling amazed England and Germany had fought - they are the same people!

[@SierraNovemberKilo]

Perhaps you haven't noticed a war is being waged against we the people, not just in Britain but world wide. If you're waiting for some official notice of this, you've missed it. It came into effect 16th March 2020 and is being waged against us by exactly the people who "claim" they're our saviours/representatives etc.

[@marquisdemoo1792]

We are part of Europe and I loved my time in Germany, but I'm not so sure about re-joining the EU, perhaps after Switzerland joins.

[@the_godfather9974]

@marquisdemoo1792 The Swiss will never join anything their neutrality forbids anything of the sort (also they were not as effective as a tax haven and money laundering and hiding place inside the eu) But we would be delighted if the UK or any part of it (looking at Scotland) joins again with the eu as together we all are stronger and Europe should stand united in the modern world we have fought each other enough and now there are more powerful dangers from outside as well.

[@MrZakatista]

@@the_godfather9974 I think @marquisdemoo1792 was being sardonic.

[@lizfotouhi2146]

So impressive. No complaining, just strength and fortitude.

[@sarahyates6055]

I love this , the Queen was so pleased the Palace had been bombed……thankfully with no one hurt. Her reaction of “ finally we can look the East End in the face”! The King and Queen felt so bad that their people suffered so much when they were relatively safe.

[@johnkidd1226]

The Queen Mother had a wicked sense of humour and the current Queen show flashes of it as well as she gets older and less formal.

[@johnkidd1226]

@@MrMurraymanson Facts? Evidence? Your lack of intelligence is only compounded by your ignorance. When your voice and balls drop, come back for a man to man talk.

[@summer-roseknight]

It’s wonderful to hear the queen talking about her beloved subjects saying she’d rather be bombed herself than see it happen to her people ❤ one of the greatest monarchs to ever live

[@paulinetill1043]

The Letter was written by the Elizabeth the Queen Mother to her mother in law Queen Mary who was evacuated to Badminton House in Gloucestershire for the duration of the war

[@citizensnid3490]

This cheers me up. Blitz spirit!! The people loved them for staying in Buckingham Palace and Britain generally and not deserting to Canada

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

They could have: and did not. That is well worth considering.

[@robertd.carver6240]

Whatever he flaws and faults may have been, the Queen Mum typifies the British spirit which enabled the nation to survive both World Wars and the Great Depression, all of which she witnessed and rose above, with a sense of humor, duty and most of all, sangfroid--stiff upper lip--and genuine sympathy for those who suffered loss of home, possession and loved ones.

[@timothyj1966]

I think she was a very likeable Woman. Canadian here... Monarchist and from what I have read about her she was great fun! Always loved a tipple of G&T and got along swimmingly with some of the Staff who were Gay - she liked her party time!

[@fwgre9654]

And to think people say the BRF have no humanity. Beautiful letter. Her concerns for the staff are touching.

[@ednimed8034]

yes, I was wondering what was funny in this letter when she said the servants were magnificent... I still don't get it.

[@annemoncrieff3875]

I thought a bit patronising re the staff but I suppose that is with looking at it from 21st century eyes

[@fwgre9654]

Exactly this👆🏽

[@ednimed8034]

ok, I understand better, but actually we can witness a lot of patronising attitudes in some big enterprises still in this century but nobody dares to laugh (while it is really laughable).

[@Consrignrant]

@@annemoncrieff3875.... No, it was patronising then too.

[@Olsen65]

I remember a nice evening in Hyde Park opposite Kensington palace enjoying a cigar on the bench when suddenly a few police men came guarding the little fence. I stood up and asked whats it all about and one copper only said: "Queen Mum is coming. For the afternoon G&T." And then I heard the helicopter and a minute later Queen Mum was guided out of the helicopter, waved nonchalantly at the few bystanders and wobbled inside. The copper greeted, I nodded and returned to my bench for my evening cigar. Remarkable old lady. And I say that as a german. ;-)

[@janetbaker5962]

Wonderful anecdote! Thank you. She was a game old girl for sure.

[@suburbohemian]

Wow, I could feel her heartbreak over the people in the school that collapsed...how she would mind less getting bombed themselves than the senseless loss of life. The chef was a hoot.

[@selmahare]

Hi didn’t want to concern her, what a darling man.

[@waggishsagacity7947]

This is inarguably the finest tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II (before she died). It shows that, above all else, she was humane, caring, empathic, brave, and, funny. The letter was not for publication, so its contents is sincere and engaged. Olivia Colman, not surprisingly, read it as though the author herself was on stage. LOVELY!

[@petegleeson1]

Wrong Elizabeth, it's the Queen's mother Elizabeth, Eliz II took the throne in 1953.

[@waggishsagacity7947]

I @petegleeson1 I know that Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953. I also know that her mother was named queen Elizabeth and was King George VI's wife. In 1940/41 the future Elizabeth II was Princess Elizabeth. Are you saying that Queen Elizabeth was writing this letter to her mother-in-Law the Dowager Queen Mary? If that's what you mean, then you are correct. I was confused when the letter was signed as 'Your daughter-in-law Elizabeth." Still what I said in praise of the future Elizabeth II was correct and accurate.

[@cleverusername9369]

As an American Anglophile, this reinforces my belief that all English people were like "oh dear, it's bloody Jerry again, what an almighty faff" as they scurried into the "choob" for cover during the war. Great respect from across the pond to my British friends 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[@JC-sd3vh]

Back at you sir from England

[@kaylaireland3494]

You are so right. My grandma was a lorry driver in the wrens and worked alongside our late queen. My grandad had a reserved occupation so wasn’t called up, but he volunteered as an ambulance driver. Neither ever spoke of there experiences only found out from my dad.

[@wut274]

Can tell you're an anglophile with that perfect use of the word faff 😂 10/10

[@jamesgoines7663]

Lots of strength can be heard in her letter during those tumultuous times.

[@user-eqwd]

I was crying the entire time. Because it was awful then. And it is happening now and so many people now recognise the scream of bombs and bustle around the shelters.

[@alexpond648]

The people in that time had not the luxury of being hysterical. They needed pragmatism and something to focus on to keep on. Not an easy feat, when everything is destroyed around you. It was a great moral booster that they stayed in the UK.

[@missmerrily4830]

This letter had a moment of humour, but frankly, I cried!

[@yasomati-stanya-payidasi9991]

I couldn't quite work out why the audience were laughing, I found it profoundly moving at such a sad time

[@rafezetter8003]

It was the comment about "our servants are behaving marvellously" - for almost everyone now the thought of servants is anachronistic, but at the time for middle and upper class families it was as normal as owning a mobile phone.

[@DSQueenie]

I think, like myself, the audience knew of the Queen Mother quite well growing up and so found her way of putting things funny in an odd way. Very sad at the end though.

[@Yaspis]

It is because these people would have never survived a twisted ankle on their own, let alone the Blitz. Their marvelling at the competence of their servants -- people who worked for a living all their lives, without recognition or retirement -- is hilarious in its unaware awfulness.

[@sarahpiaggio2693]

@@Yaspis That's not entirely accurate. During WW1, the home of the future wife of KGVI was turned into a hospital for the wounded, which Lady Elizabeth helped to run, and assisted with patient care. In WW2 The future QE2 joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she became a driver trained in auto mechanics. This meant she was capable of taking apart engines and changing tires. They were very capable practically.

[@anglewoden]

@@Yaspis I think it is more factual to say people like you and the 'woke' mind set people of today would not have survived back then, you would surrendered a long time before.

[@simonjohansson248]

"Dear old Buckingham Palace is still standing and that is the main thing!" = British mentality in one sentence

[@occamsrayzor]

It was literally her home. I think she's allowed to be grateful it wasn't destroyed.

[@mikes5637]

And St Paul's Cathedral. Seemed to have an invisible forcefield around it as it remained untouched throughout, despite being deliberately targeted on one particular raid. Apparently German bomb aimers and Star Wars stormtroopers were cut from the same cloth!

[@themicoism]

@@occamsrayzor I think the idea is, because Buckingham is the seat of the head of state of England, England still stands and that’s the most important thing.

[@srkh8966]

@@themicoism That is the point

[@srkh8966]

@@mikes5637 Think of the volunteer firemen who hung off the dome during the bombings

[@derrickwade8550]

From the States, here. "Ah! A German!" This goes without being said, but It's funny because the Scottish Queen Mother married into the most prolific German royal family in history. In all seriousness, the contemporaneous record of the Queen Mother's simultaneous presence-in-the-moment and aloofness is a wonder. Fantastic reading, Olivia.

[@PaleyDaley]

It's been a pleasure watching Coleman grow into an insanely-beloved national treasure.

[@haseenamonga7609]

I cant help thinking of her as the queen after the crown and her reading this letter with tht royal accent is just tooo good 👑

[@thekeytoairpower]

RIP Queen Mum. RIP EIIR. Long live the King.

[@annaw7437]

Seriously, is there anyone in this world who doesn't adore Olivia Colman?! ♡

[@huolalupin6008]

I don't. I find her irritating.

[@laurissimano2585]

Love her so much.

[@judybrouard720]

There’d better not be, and if there is, they don’t deserve to be on the same planet with her.

[@samdherring]

@@huolalupin6008 everyone is entitled to their opinion even if it's wrong ;)

[@cece8095]

@@huolalupin6008 You are quite possibly the only person on this planet who thinks that. She is absolutely adorable & lovely. I adore her lol & she’s such a good actress 😄

[@richardherbert9320]

So proud, as a Brit, to be able to appreciate this reading in its full context.

[@overworlder]

Everyone from the dominions at the time, also. We were one empire then.

[@SafetySpooon]

I'm sure you know, this is why so many Americans are Anglophiles....

[@JimmyS.25]

The fighting spirit of Great Britain during the war is the most inspiring thing. From the King and Queen down to the most common workers, everyone held fast, did their job and kept their moral. Germany could have never broken that beautiful nation.

[@4444Jules]

Had unfortunately forgotten that Queen Elizabeth the second's mother's name was also Elizabeth until I googled, and was therefore most confused by the description of the video for a few hours. Lovely.

[@janetmckeen-peterkin5963]

Such wonderfully written letters.

[@susancampbell703]

Say what you will about the Royal Family.....they stayed in London and didn't run to hide in Canada as many wanted them to do.

[@retnavybrat]

If I'm correctly remembering the quote attributed to the Queen Mother, she answered questions about possibly sending her daughters to Canada with, "The princesses won't go without me. I won't go without the King. And the King will never leave."

[@valswhitewolf6611]

Did you know.that if it were not for letters that remain to history written by former queens.People sometimes forget what a terrific medium the written word is and was for saving history.

[@unseelie63]

I think that's the point of Letters Live,to remind us of that very thing.Nowadays all you have to do is hit 'delete' and that letter is gone.I had letters I'd exchanged with a former friend when she was in college.My housemate got rid of them,out of malice,I'm afraid,and even though that person was no longer a friend,I was very upset because they were memories of a happier time.Impossible to recover*sigh*

[@edwardhaines3035]

She is a darling treasure! Always a Queen and the best in The Crown💜

[@LosPeregrinos51]

Olivia Coleman, brilliant as ever. BTW Letters Live, I think you'll find it was George VI that was in residence not George IV (THAT one died in 1830) but thank you for a wonderful series of videos.

[@alexabraham7798]

they should teach this in schools, to the teachers as much as the children

[@carolyndean4591]

She reads a letter so perfectly

[@theartist_harlivi]

I can't believe people laughed through this...I cried. This was so devastating, to hear the vivid telling of something so horrendous through a voice brought up to not show any fear because they need to be strong for everyone around them to take the lead from. Such bravery and strength through a terrifying time of uncertainty and death all around.

[@DouwedeJong]

The jokes come from her technique, change in speed, our historical interpretation and where she places the accent. But also in-part Elizabeth that is setting her mother at ease. "Ah, a-german". '

[@babiskissanis2367]

This isn't a comedy?

[@gabschasse600]

I think the people who laughed were British - so had a greater understanding of what had been written and its extremes .

[@a.t.c.3862]

There were lighter moments where a smile was indeed appropriate, but not laughter - Ms Colman misjudged the tone of the letter, I think. It was very moving to hear the intimate details of ordinary life, alongside the dangers which the British people were exposed to daily; their suffering and resilience, and the reciprocal sense of unity with the King and Queen. Imagine the staging of the writing of this letter, in a bleak and blacked-out set of a room at Windsor, the scratch of the fountain pen on paper, the King quietly reading some official papers by the meagre light of a lamp then looking up and exchanging a smile and a look of encouragement with wife. Cut to scenes of a bomb-damaged Palace and the rows of destroyed homes and lives in the streets of London. Cut to the Queen, with superimposed footage of St Paul's Cathedral and a damaged but still-standing Buckingham Palace. Cut to a grave-looking Queen Mary with the letter in her hand. Cut to the Queen. As she writes the last line, she looks up from the page with moistened eyes, then raises her head and smiles briefly... with courage and hope. All to the background music of 'The Crown's' Duck Shoot.

[@JWRogersPS]

@@DouwedeJong Her family was Scottish. The king was a combination of British, Danish, and German. As for the rest of your diatribe, the less said the better.

[@morganpirate9127]

Makes sense that the current Queen of Great Britain is also a World War Two veteran. During the War she was a mechanic in the Brit Army. You have to give it to the Brit Royals, they may lack a few things but never lack for courage!

[@land2097]

a bit demeaning to actual veterans to call her one

[@morganpirate9127]

@@land2097 Are YOU a veteran of your nations armed forces?

[@mollyrice1578]

“PS...I’m so sorry...” had me crying 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@KaritKtana]

This is the most British thing I have ever heard

[@steveogburn6316]

On a visit to a bombed area of London, The Queen Mother was questioned on the nature of her attire. The Queen Mother rounded on the person, stating to the effect "The people will put on their best clothes to greet me, I WILL NOT insult them by wearing anything other than my best ! " If you look at the photos, you'll see that The Queen Mother was wearing heels.

[@franklesser5655]

Beautifully written letter.

[@valeriag9443]

OMFG I LOVE HOW SHE SWITCHED SO QUICKLY INTO HER QUEEN ELIZABETH VOICE

[@Nettsinthewoods]

How she slipped comfortably into the Queen’s voice ❤❤

[@ceyoz]

ahh! she’s the sweetest baby and i love her sm

[@tahacherradi599]

Is there something she cannot do? Olivia Colman is a heart

[@TBFI_Botswana]

That was a wonderful listen...

[@5Ducklings]

Brava, Olivia! She perfectly nailed the upper-crust accent one doesn't hear much anymore, even from William and Harry.

[@kevinlance1813]

Just one example of the many things I love about Britain and her people. As an American I can honestly say that I could sit for hours and listen to the great Olivia Colman read the telephone book. Kind of sad right?

[@sew1835]

Ms. Colman is magnificent. Nothing else needs to be said of her.

[@debrawhited3035]

I thought the letter was to QEQM's own mother the Countess of Strathmore, until the very end, when she said "daughter-in-law," and I realized the letter was written to Queen Mary.

[@JKLoans]

You weren't the only one.

[@rayjennings3637]

It's up on screen for a couple of seconds at 00:11, it's also in the description.

[@voyaristika5673]

Don't know that I would be so grounded the day after a violent near death experience. Pretty stoical woman! Plus, Olivia Coleman is the best.

[@babsbylow6869]

The gods of the alogarithm have put you on my feed. Now I'm off to binge watch. Is this a good thing at 1 am?

[@granthurlburt4062]

I love how genuine is her smile and delight

[@goldbug7127]

This letter made me cry, throughout. It speaks volumes to me of the disconnect from history that exists today that resulted in the audience finding it all so humorous. Millions, I repeat millions of people were dying, and it was happening in her front yard, in her home. The letter was meant to comfort the mother of her husband, who had chosen to remain in London throughout the Blitz. Her intent was not to appear jovial, but to remain steadfast.

[@StonyRC]

Absolutely. It's practically impossible for any of us to appreciate or even imagine what life was like during WWII.

[@TheAmazingAdventuresOfMiles]

@@StonyRC The Ukrainians are certainly getting a reminder, and so will the UK if the Russians aren't stopped soon.

[@StonyRC]

@@TheAmazingAdventuresOfMiles - NOT what this comment stream is about. Keep it on-point.

[@alpimarzi5501]

@@TheAmazingAdventuresOfMiles that’s true, they can appreciate and imagine now what it’s like. This video is a timely and important reminder that the cruelties and danger of war continues. Love the way it was written about by the Queen, in any event.

[@brucekuehn4031]

There should be a different audience response if this were to be read today. When you see it on TV every day now - the explosions, the destruction, the blood and the death - not that humorous.

[@ochrechap]

Queen Mary of Teck must have taken great delight in the stoicism. Which is whom both Queens Elizabeth found inspiration from. There were three alive together: Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon Queen Elizabeth Regina The three queens were a trio of tenacity!

[@HeidiBird]

Gah! I can't believe I missed it! I was going to go to the performance, but somehow it slipped my mind.

[@linlouwho123]

She has the perfect voice. The queen had such a distinct accent. Perfect.

[@kristannestone1748]

I can't imagine why people were laughing. She handled it well.

[@ofmanynicknames]

There was definitely very targeted laughter at the line "France will rise again."

[@elhior23]

Because these are normally comic people were trying to find the joke. It really is that simple. Kind of sad honestly.

[@lucyhardman2267]

It was very bizarre. I can only suppose they weren't listening, thought the letter was supposed to be funny, and just laughed where they thought they should like trained seals. (Or they'd been on the booze before they came in.)

[@janjames2120]

The delivery for one, And the irony of it being so matter of fact..

[@douglasherron7534]

The letter is a small reminder of what an indomitable, and caring person the late Queen Mother was - traits she obviously passed on to her daughter...

[@juliaforsyth8332]

She gave Phillip such a hard time though. She wasn't all sweetness and light.

[@douglasherron7534]

@@juliaforsyth8332 Indomitable people don't tend to be... I think her enmity towards Philip was as much to do with her, and King George's, feelings towards his uncle (Lord Louis Mountbatten).

[@gordonsmith8899]

@@juliaforsyth8332 True, thousands of very nice men have baulked at the prospect of failing the mother-in-law test

[@goatface6602]

I hear the strength of the people in this. I think of the tragic cultural collapse in Britain and wonder “WHERE ARE THE FEW?”

[@hephaestion12]

What do you mean? British kindness and stoic sacrifice is on display everyday. Dont let a rose tinted view of the past obscure the work of an army of nhs staff, the teachers and civil servants struggling on low pay out of duty, the selfless and thoughtful actions of doctors and experts such as Chris Whitty during the pandemic, or even our unwavering support for Ukraine as American support wavers! There are plenty of horrible acts commited by the british then as there are now, but dont let that hide the good, stand up and do what you can ❤

[@normadesmond6017]

and you can"t beat this one.... Wonderful!

[@SP-ny1fk]

Fantastically written.

[@annemoefaauo7055]

Beautiful letter💖

[@markroberts171]

How good is Olivia? No-one imagine that is her own accent.

[@ulliulli]

She played at least 2 different english queens in the last 5 years and had vocal coaches for both of them. She knows how to speak like a royal ^^

[@DAS1962]

It's not her natural accent, so I am not sure what you mean? (She is as always fabulous)

[@adrielsebastian5216]

That's definitely more posh than her usual way of speaking, but seeing that she's played various queens before it's almost second nature to her.

[@julianneheindorf5757]

Love Olivia Colman. She is an awesome actress and also very funny. A great comedian as well. Elisabeth and Bertie were never expected to be the monarchs, nor did they seek or push to become the monarchs. Elisabeth pleaded with Edward the VIII not to give up the throne, yet he did. His excuse was that he insisted on marrying Wallis Simpson. Wallis was an opportunist who basked in glory of closely brushing more than shoulders with Edward. She loved the glamour and the glitter, and being surrounded by the famous and the wealthy. Her husband, Simpson was no better. He knew, and approved of his wife carrying on with Edward. They probably both thought that association with him would bring them fame and money. She too, pleaded with Edward not to abandon the throne, but to no avail. Wallis got sucked in to a future she never wanted, but to her credit she did not run. She stuck it out and stayed with Edward for life. Her life is a good example of “Be careful what you wish for, you might get it” and “if you play with fire, you are going to get burned.” Elisabeth and Bertie did not shy away from the task thus thrust upon them, but poor Bertie was ill-equipped to rule as he had had no training or instruction at that point at all. They repeated this mistake with poor Princess Margaret who apparently was denied the opportunity for serious study. If Queen Elisabeth had not been able to rule as she did, her sister would have been as equally woefully prepared as their father. Not good family planing. I hope they have done better with the following generations.

[@bubble8829]

Queen Elizabeth was one hell of a woman and one hell of a human being. Which Queen Elizabeth? Well, both of them. And Princess Anne is another.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

It was indeed, Englands "Finest hour"!!

[@albionmyl7735]

I am a great adorer of England..... as a German I can say.... we are so similar.... it was a tragedy that Anglo-Saxons fought against Saxons we are one tribe despite all that harm..

[@Lovethemusic385]

Olivia Coleman. From Mitchell and Webb and Peep Show, to the queens of England. Always great.

[@maria-gr2cz]

What a marvelous performance!

[@jomancao2341]

Wonderfully read👏👏. Iam a new fan of Ms Colman