Ep 3. Episode 3

In The Crown season 2, episode 3, titled "Lisbon," the focus shifts to Queen Elizabeth II's sister, Princess Margaret, as she embarks on a controversial trip to Portugal with her new beau, Antony Armstrong-Jones.

As the episode begins, we see Princess Margaret (played brilliantly by Vanessa Kirby) looking radiant as she lounges in her bed at Buckingham Palace. It's clear that she's in the throes of a passionate new romance, and we soon learn that her mystery man is none other than Antony, a photographer with a reputation for being a bit of a rogue.

Antony and Margaret's relationship is already causing quite a stir among both the royal family and the British public, given his unconventional background and the fact that he's divorced. However, Margaret is undeterred, and the pair soon make plans to take a trip to Lisbon together.

The bulk of the episode revolves around the couple's time in Portugal, and the various complications that arise. For one thing, they must navigate the tricky local politics, which are currently being shaped by the rise of Salazar's fascist regime. Margaret finds herself drawn to a charismatic local artist who is critical of Salazar, much to the chagrin of the British Embassy officials who are tasked with keeping an eye on the royal couple.

Meanwhile, back in London, Queen Elizabeth II (played by Claire Foy) is grappling with her own set of challenges. One of her primary concerns is her relationship with her husband, Prince Philip (Matt Smith), who is growing increasingly restless and unhappy with his role as a mere consort. Elizabeth and Philip have a series of intense conversations throughout the episode, as they attempt to find some sort of balance between their personal desires and their royal duties.

Another key theme of the episode is the role of the media in shaping public opinion. As Antony and Margaret's relationship becomes more public, the tabloids are quick to jump on the story, spinning it in often sensationalistic ways. We see a number of scenes of journalists hounding the couple and speculating about their every move, highlighting how difficult it can be to maintain any sense of dignity and privacy while in the public eye.

Overall, "Lisbon" is a compelling and complex episode of The Crown that delves deeper into the personal lives and relationships of the royal family. It's an excellent showcase for the talented ensemble cast, and a testament to the show's ability to balance history and human drama in equal measure.