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

The brilliant Olivia Colman reads a letter written by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to her 'darling' mother-in-law, Queen Mary, recounting the events of 13 September 1940, when German bombs hit Buckingham Palace when he King George IV was in residence.

Originally read at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019.

[sofiyork]

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.

[Littlebit]

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

[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!

[LouiseKernow]

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".

[ashleyclinton]

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.

[elizabeth]

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

[cuplove]

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

[ltldxy]

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

[fleetadmiralperry]

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

[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.

[lotharsoran]

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.

[kholdanstaalstorm]

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

[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.

[janicebrowningaquino]

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.

[jen]

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

[simonwhitlock]

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

[wesselmatthews]

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

[kamk]

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

[simonrolph]

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.

[hughfranklin]

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