“Elizabeth and Margaret’s VE Day Adventure” depicts a flashback to 15-year-old Princess Margaret convincing her 19-year-old sister, Princess Elizabeth, to sneak out of Buckingham Palace on Victory in Europe Day in 1945. They head to the Ritz London, where the ballroom celebration pales in comparison to the raucous party happening downstairs. Elizabeth ends up dancing the night away and sharing a kiss with a soldier, a secret she promises to keep from her future queen responsibilities. The evening is a rare moment of joy and freedom for the sisters, who join the exultant crowd outside the palace in singing, dancing, and celebrating with strangers.
The episode in “The Crown” is inspired by real events, with both versions of the evening including Margaret’s future love, Peter Townsend, looking out for them. The scene at the Ritz becomes a pivotal moment for Margaret, motivating her to celebrate her 70th birthday at the same hotel in 2000. In real life, her birthday party did take place at the Ritz, with Margaret arriving in a Rolls Royce and bravely walking into the hotel despite the lingering pain from severe burns she suffered in a bathtub accident the previous year. The celebration represents a full circle moment for the princess, drawing on her past memories of freedom and joy.
The episode “Ritz” also serves as a poignant commentary on the decline of Princess Margaret, showcasing her struggles with illness, pain, and the limitations of her role as a member of the royal family. The contrast between the youthful, carefree Margaret at the Ritz in 1945 and the ailing, isolated Margaret in 2000 highlights the toll that royal responsibilities and personal challenges have taken on her over the years. Despite her resilience and determination to celebrate her birthday in style, Margaret’s physical and emotional pain are evident, adding a layer of depth and complexity to her character.
The relationship between Elizabeth and Margaret is central to the episode, emphasizing the bond between the sisters and the importance of their shared experiences. The flashback to VE Day showcases their rebellious spirit and mutual support, with Elizabeth stepping out of her royal duties to join in the fun with Margaret. The themes of sisterhood, duty, and sacrifice are prominent throughout the episode, as Elizabeth grapples with her dual roles as a sister and a queen, while Margaret struggles to find joy and fulfillment amidst her health challenges.
Overall, “Ritz” is a bittersweet episode that captures the complexity of Princess Margaret’s life and the enduring bond between her and Princess Elizabeth. The juxtaposition of past and present, freedom and duty, joy and pain, creates a compelling narrative that sheds light on the personal struggles and triumphs of the royal siblings. The episode offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in their lives, highlighting the power of memories, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through their VE Day adventure and Margaret’s birthday celebration at the Ritz, the sisters find moments of joy, connection, and strength that transcend the constraints of their royal roles and personal challenges.
