- Sir Winston Churchill: [broadcasting his eulogy for the King] When the death of the King was announced to us yesterday morning, there struck a deep and somber note in our lives, which resounded far and wide, stilled the clatter and traffic of 20th century life, and made countless millions of human beings around the world pause and look around them. The King was greatly loved by all his peoples. The greatest shocks ever felt by this island fell upon us in his reign. Never, in our long history were we exposed to greater perils of invasion and destruction. The late King, who assumed the heavy burden of the Crown when he succeeded his brother, lived through every minute of this struggle with a heart that never quavered and a spirit undaunted. In the end, death came as a friend. And after a happy day of sunshine and sport, and after a goodnight to those who loved him best, he fell asleep, as every man or woman who strives to fear God and nothing else in the world, may hope to do. Now, I must leave the treasures of the past and turn to the future. Famous have been the reigns of our queens. Some of the greatest periods in our history have unfolded under their scepters. Queen Elizabeth II, like her namesake, Queen Elizabeth I, did not pass her childhood in any certain expectation of the Crown. This new Elizabethan age comes at a time when mankind stands uncertainly poised on the edge of catastrophe. I, whose youth was passed in the august, unchallenged and tranquil glories of the Victorian era, may well fill the thrill in invoking once more the prayer and anthem, God Save the Queen.
- Queen Mary: Dearest Lilibet, I know how you loved your papa, my son. And I know you will be as devastated as I am by this loss. But you must put those sentiments to one side now, for duty calls. The grief for your father's death will be felt far and wide. Your people will need your strength and leadership. I have seen three great monarchies brought down through their failure to separate personal indulgences from duty. You must not allow yourself to make similar mistakes. And while you mourn your father, you must also mourn someone else. Elizabeth Mountbatten. For she has now been replaced by another person, Elizabeth Regina. The two Elizabeths will frequently be in conflict with one another. The fact is, the crown must win. Must always win.
- Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: [to African dignitary] Oh, like the hat.
- Queen Elizabeth II: It's not a hat. It's a crown.
- Tommy Lascelles: You're probably telling yourself that because no one has confronted you about it, that no one can know. Allow me to disabuse you of that delusion. Within the close community of those that serve the family, I regret to tell you, that talk, ugly talk, unbecoming tittle-tattle is of little else. Now I'm well aware of the toll that round-the-clock service takes on the private lives of those that serve. I am also aware of the feelings generated by continued close proximity to the people you are working for, but I would hate you to mistake those feelings for anything else.
- Anthony Eden: Much of this is just a function of age. He focuses almost entirely on issues relating to America and the Soviet Union, so important domestic matters are falling behind.
- King George VI: What do you suggest I do?
- Anthony Eden: Well, as sovereign, of course, there is nothing you can do from a constitutional standpoint. But, as a friend, as Albert Windsor, you are the one person I can think of to whom he might listen.
- King George VI: Well, that is where we run into difficulties, I'm afraid. I no longer am Albert Windsor. That person was murdered by his elder brother when he abdicated. And, of course, Albert Windsor would dearly love to say to his old friend, Winston Churchill, "Take a step back. Put your feet up. Let the younger generation have a go now." But he is no longer with us and that void has been filled by George the VI who, it turns out, is quite the stickler, and no more allow the sovereign to interfere with the Prime Minister than stand for office himself.
- Anthony Eden: Even when it's in the national interest, sir?
- King George VI: The national interests? Or Anthony Eden's interest?
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