Ep 2. Hyde Park Corner

After a successful coronation ceremony, the new queen, Elizabeth II, faces a new challenge in episode 2 of The Crown. In "Hyde Park Corner," the queen is forced to make a difficult decision after a tragic accident occurs in the park.

The episode starts with the queen and Prince Philip visiting a horse race. They both seemed to be enjoying the race, but the queen is also aware of the responsibility bestowed upon her as the monarch. In the meantime, an incident takes place in Hyde Park, where a military plane crashes into a crowded area, leaving many casualties.

This sudden calamity gives the queen a chance to step up and demonstrate her compassion and ability to lead. However, the queen faces opposition from different directions. Her husband, Prince Philip, advises her to visit the site to show empathy towards the victim's families, while her grandmother, Queen Mary, believes that it is beneath the queen's dignity to make a public appearance.

Moreover, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, also adds to the queen's predicament as he fears the incident might spark a political uproar. He tries to control the narrative around the incident and urges the queen not to involve herself in the matter.

As the queen wrestles with her conscience and decides the best course of action, the episode introduces us to some other characters. We see the relationship between the Queen Mother and her equerry, Crawfie, being explored, while Princess Margaret struggles with her authority figures and her relationship with Peter Townsend.

As the story progresses, the queen's decision becomes evident, and it turns out to be a wise one. The episode ends on a positive note with the queen showing her compassionate side to the affected families, while also taking a subtle jab at Prime Minister Churchill.

Overall, "Hyde Park Corner" is an episode that highlights the importance of empathy and responsibility while also showing the challenges that come with being a queen. Additionally, it delves deeper into the lives of other members of the royal family, giving the viewers a broader perspective on the dynamics in the palace.