This episode was my favourite so far, and it was fascinating to see a sympathetic and intriguing depiction of the young prince of Wales. Olivia Colman's callous depiction of the weariness and disillusion of the Queen as she really falls effortlessly into her role is brilliant.
30 Reviews
Brilliantly Done
rodrick198725 November 2019
Definitely my favourite episode of season 3. I was very excited and eager to see Josh O'Connor take the role of the young Prince of Wales and he didn't disappoint. He became Charles brilliantly in every way from the way he speaks to his mannerisms and the way he walks. Also the writing was quite good and kept me interested to the point of watching it again. Cinematography also played a role as it took us to beautiful Wales and the magnificent last scene with Charles literally made me tear up. Now Olivia was amazing too on that dialogue with Josh.
Josh O'Connor shines
zrichardson-3207626 November 2019
Josh O'Conner shines in this episode of the Crown. His performance is extraordinary and the final scene in the theatre was beautifully and tragically sad. The best episode so far, only Episode 3 comes close to this perfection.
Even better upon second watching
DonMichigan27 May 2020
I've seen each episode of season 1 and 2 at least five times, and I'm working my way through season 3 for the second time. My first watching of this episode did not move me the way the second watching did. There are subtle details that are easy to miss on a first watching.
Some of the lower-ratings for this episode speak of how the Queen (Oliva Colman) is so heartless and cold. Without providing spoilers, I would ask such reviewers to re-watch the final scene between Charles and Elizabeth, and listen carefully to what Charles says about himself and, by inference, what he says about Elizabeth. Then think back to season 2 "Vergangenheit" and pay attention to what the abdicated Edward says about Elizabeth directly to her face. Hint: it has to do with her not "having a mind of her own."
One of the over-arching themes of the show is how wearing the crown changes the person. In season 1 we see a playful, somewhat innocent and reserved Elizabeth. In season 2 she starts to harden as the pressures to be queen while burying Elizabeth takes its toll. In season 3, in the episode "Aberfan," we see an Elizabeth as Queen expected to play the role of grieving sovereign, which is not natural for her. She retreats further.
Finally, in "Tywysog Cymru" we see an Elizabeth, fifteen-plus years into the role as queen, feeling betrayed by Charles for going "off script" without approval, and for then justifying that with claims that *he* has a beating heart; that *he* has a mind of his own ... which implies that his mother, Elizabeth -- who has had to bury herself for all those years -- does not. Watch the reaction on her face as Charles says that; then go back and watch "Vergangenheit" and watch her reaction when Edward says the same thing.
This episode is a masterpiece of subtlety. In ranks in the top five of all episodes so far in terms of story, filming, and acting.
Some of the lower-ratings for this episode speak of how the Queen (Oliva Colman) is so heartless and cold. Without providing spoilers, I would ask such reviewers to re-watch the final scene between Charles and Elizabeth, and listen carefully to what Charles says about himself and, by inference, what he says about Elizabeth. Then think back to season 2 "Vergangenheit" and pay attention to what the abdicated Edward says about Elizabeth directly to her face. Hint: it has to do with her not "having a mind of her own."
One of the over-arching themes of the show is how wearing the crown changes the person. In season 1 we see a playful, somewhat innocent and reserved Elizabeth. In season 2 she starts to harden as the pressures to be queen while burying Elizabeth takes its toll. In season 3, in the episode "Aberfan," we see an Elizabeth as Queen expected to play the role of grieving sovereign, which is not natural for her. She retreats further.
Finally, in "Tywysog Cymru" we see an Elizabeth, fifteen-plus years into the role as queen, feeling betrayed by Charles for going "off script" without approval, and for then justifying that with claims that *he* has a beating heart; that *he* has a mind of his own ... which implies that his mother, Elizabeth -- who has had to bury herself for all those years -- does not. Watch the reaction on her face as Charles says that; then go back and watch "Vergangenheit" and watch her reaction when Edward says the same thing.
This episode is a masterpiece of subtlety. In ranks in the top five of all episodes so far in terms of story, filming, and acting.
Prince Charles
Jorieri21 November 2019
The best episode of season 3
ozjeremy23 November 2019
Tywysog Cymru
bobcobb3011 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This was a sneaky good episode of the show. Wales and Prince Charles did not seem like it would be the most entertaining issue to examine and yet it was a good story that provided not just a lesson in geopolitics for American viewers who aren't experts in this, but just a very real look at the struggles that go on with the royal family that aren't as glitzy as the ones usually covered on these programs.
Brilliant!
thomasmiller-287386 December 2019
Season 3 is becoming my favorite. The cast is extraordinary. Josh O'Connor captured the mannerisms and looks of Prince Charles making him totally believable, and sympathetic. The reference to Richard II at the end was beautifully poignant.
Once more an episode that is better than most movies.
El_Hefe28 January 2020
The crown manages to present most of its storys in a way that in times before netflix not even many full length films were able to. Brilliant. Entertaining. Makes you think.
And the weird thing is: I'm a 36 year old german male that never has been interested in the british royals. And then I started watching season one back in 2016. What a turn.
And the weird thing is: I'm a 36 year old german male that never has been interested in the british royals. And then I started watching season one back in 2016. What a turn.
Wonderful
dsmoore26 July 2020
I've watched some great episodes in this series and just when I thought the stories could not get better this episode proved me wrong. Such thoughtful writing and wonderful acting.
Watching the 3rd season with different actors was a shock at first, but this episode ties in season 1 and 2 and demonstrates how people change and become set in their ways as they grow older. Brilliant casting.
Most interesting episode in season 3
JB1000115 April 2020
My heart is melted!
oliviaoz14 January 2020
A bit cruel and mean-spirited
ecarlson-593-12046123 November 2019
I love Josh O'Connor as an actor, and he's the best part of this episode. He captures the sadness and lost-ness of Charles beautifully. But the episode itself was badly written. It was predictable and heavy-handed. And the Queen is depicted as miserable, cruel woman. This was hard to watch and mean-spirited.
Gets worse every episode
grahamvr20 November 2019
Astonishing!
ruanstb27 November 2020
Poetically beautiful and immaculately constructed
jrarichards28 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Having been entirely absent from the show thus far, Prince Charles (as portrayed by Josh O'Connor) leaps into the limelight of "The Crown" in an episode that at least briefly relegates Philip, Elizabeth and Mountbatten to bit-part players. Viewers who have got through the 3 series to this point will by now be realising that this is not "the story of Elizabeth II" or "the story of the British monarchy", nor even "a recent history of the UK" (though it is not so far from that). But it is a series of vignettes in which one point or other is being pressed. This is impressive artistically, permits a measure of licence that audiences seeking "the truth" may not always appreciate, allows us to press on with the story, and ensures that - should they so wish - the makers can go off at a tangent to the extent that there is little or nothing you, I or anything else can do to stop them, except by reaching for the off switch.
It is in on this kind of basis that I watch this show on an episode-by-episode basis, waiting expectantly for some line I may not tolerate to be crossed. Indeed, this episode did play relatively fast and loose as, to push its agenda as regards Prince Charles (and notably to stress some imagined concordance between how England sees (saw) Wales and how Her Majesty saw her heir), the makers here abruptly ditch a loyalty to HMQ that has been near-unquestioning for a great many episodes. Suddenly, "Mummy" is the villain to Charles's hero (clearly a job for Colman more than Foy), even as Lord Mountbatten is rehabilitated (he was about to lead a coup just one episode back!) and Philip suddenly looks kind (though he was doing all kinds of questionable stuff last series).
It's not quite fair to change horses in mid race in this way, but one can forgive a lot for the beauty and poetry of this episode, whose title means "Prince of Wales".
The charm and magic of the show has again and again been that - writ large at least - these "stories" are often so good and incredible that "truth" is stranger than fiction, and you really could NOT make it up. Here (at the urging of PM Harold Wilson), we have a Republican, anti-monarchist Welsh nationalist teaching Charles Welsh at the University of Wales for a couple of months, and - yes - it did indeed happen! Shakespearean actor Mark Lewis Jones works absolute wonders with his role as Dr Tedi Millward, and his scenes with O'Connor are electric and moving. Here at least (and very possibly in life), the two learned from each other, and that is what God hopes for us all. And Charles is given here as someone who has experienced too much loneliness, resentment and outright hostility even as he is just a young and rather naive man (even boy in some sense - he is just 20 here). He hurts and he does not know how to make that hurt go away, yet in his way he is forbearing, long-suffering, patient, humble, studious, well-meaning and willing to work on his own errors and weak points. He is then, to my mind, exactly the Charles we still know today, even though that Charles has only enhanced this thanks to the need to do penitence each day over the loss of his wife.
Charles done by O'Conner is also child-man and man-child, but this is anyway a portrayal that does plenty of favours to His Royal Highness (even as we know the fickle makers of this series will soon be taking most of them away from him again).
But for those of us who respect Charles, or at the very least show him basic human and Christian sympathy and goodwill, the portrayal is just right.
All builds up to the speech in Welsh Charles is to deliver once Her Majesty has presented him to the Principality of Wales as its new Prince - in the famous Investiture ceremony. Unforgiveably - rottenly - the speech quoted here was never actually given by Charles. How could they? However, the real-life speech of July 1st 1969 did indeed express some markedly pro-Welsh sentiments and - while it could not really be faulted for that, could it? - it was indeed interpreted by some as giving succour to Welsh nationalists.
Still nothing in this life is perfect, and "The Crown" has regularly blotted its copybook through its "faction". But here, more than in perhaps any of its episodes, the claim that it is doing this for the sake of art looks fully justified.
The episode is a touching and meaningful masterpiece, and if things weren't QUITE like that, well they certainly ought to have been!!!
It is in on this kind of basis that I watch this show on an episode-by-episode basis, waiting expectantly for some line I may not tolerate to be crossed. Indeed, this episode did play relatively fast and loose as, to push its agenda as regards Prince Charles (and notably to stress some imagined concordance between how England sees (saw) Wales and how Her Majesty saw her heir), the makers here abruptly ditch a loyalty to HMQ that has been near-unquestioning for a great many episodes. Suddenly, "Mummy" is the villain to Charles's hero (clearly a job for Colman more than Foy), even as Lord Mountbatten is rehabilitated (he was about to lead a coup just one episode back!) and Philip suddenly looks kind (though he was doing all kinds of questionable stuff last series).
It's not quite fair to change horses in mid race in this way, but one can forgive a lot for the beauty and poetry of this episode, whose title means "Prince of Wales".
The charm and magic of the show has again and again been that - writ large at least - these "stories" are often so good and incredible that "truth" is stranger than fiction, and you really could NOT make it up. Here (at the urging of PM Harold Wilson), we have a Republican, anti-monarchist Welsh nationalist teaching Charles Welsh at the University of Wales for a couple of months, and - yes - it did indeed happen! Shakespearean actor Mark Lewis Jones works absolute wonders with his role as Dr Tedi Millward, and his scenes with O'Connor are electric and moving. Here at least (and very possibly in life), the two learned from each other, and that is what God hopes for us all. And Charles is given here as someone who has experienced too much loneliness, resentment and outright hostility even as he is just a young and rather naive man (even boy in some sense - he is just 20 here). He hurts and he does not know how to make that hurt go away, yet in his way he is forbearing, long-suffering, patient, humble, studious, well-meaning and willing to work on his own errors and weak points. He is then, to my mind, exactly the Charles we still know today, even though that Charles has only enhanced this thanks to the need to do penitence each day over the loss of his wife.
Charles done by O'Conner is also child-man and man-child, but this is anyway a portrayal that does plenty of favours to His Royal Highness (even as we know the fickle makers of this series will soon be taking most of them away from him again).
But for those of us who respect Charles, or at the very least show him basic human and Christian sympathy and goodwill, the portrayal is just right.
All builds up to the speech in Welsh Charles is to deliver once Her Majesty has presented him to the Principality of Wales as its new Prince - in the famous Investiture ceremony. Unforgiveably - rottenly - the speech quoted here was never actually given by Charles. How could they? However, the real-life speech of July 1st 1969 did indeed express some markedly pro-Welsh sentiments and - while it could not really be faulted for that, could it? - it was indeed interpreted by some as giving succour to Welsh nationalists.
Still nothing in this life is perfect, and "The Crown" has regularly blotted its copybook through its "faction". But here, more than in perhaps any of its episodes, the claim that it is doing this for the sake of art looks fully justified.
The episode is a touching and meaningful masterpiece, and if things weren't QUITE like that, well they certainly ought to have been!!!
Sensitivity be Damned
Hitchcoc16 November 2020
We finally meet Prince Charles, the heir to the throne (still waiting, of course). He is portrayed as sensitive young man who is having trouble settling into his role. He is plucked out of Cambridge and sent to Wales to learn the language so he can show it off during his installation. The problem for the royals is that they have no feeling for the people of Wales and he walks into a nest of vipers. Like so many parts of the British Empire, the Crown looks strictly after itself. This proves a learning experience for the young Prince as he is lacking in basic knowledge of the country he where he is sojourning. The acting is superb and the relationship that develops with his tutor, who is opposed to the Crown, is very well done. We are also let in on the coarseness of Elizabeth again who sees her son as a pawn in the game. No more than that.
Mesmerizing
raulmajadas-18 November 2020
A lot has been already said about this episode being The Best of Season 3 and I simply have to agree. It's hard to highlight a performance in a series which the greatest highlight is the acting and I didn't expect to be so moved by any other depiction after the wonderful John Lithgow left the series with Churchill's death. But I was wrong and my mistake is represented by two words: JOSH O'CONNOR!!! Eager to see how he develops his character. Astonishing!
Best episode yet!
ramo14031 January 2021
One year after airing
CurtisWall16 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this episode today yet it came out exacly one year ago. I can honestly say that one of my greatest achivements is the fact that I have managed to restrain myself from watching any more CROWN episodes before the arrival of the very anticipated season 4. The series is worldclass when it comes to acting, music, costumes, dialogue, casting etc. Tywysog Cymru delivers a simple yet emotional narrative. and fits among the best episodes of The CROWN.
Due to protest and general civil unrest, Prince Charles has to leave Cambridge university and study for one term in Wales as a diplomatic measure , much to his own chagrin. Prince Charles obeys and travels to Wales. On his arrival he dosen't really get a friendly welcome, and it's near impossible for him to stay invisble. He struggles at first but befriends his tutor Mr.Edward Millward, a supporter of a independent Wales. At the climax of the episode Prince Charles delivers a speech pre-written with a few personal modifications, all completely in welsh. It's one of the most powerful scenes in the series according to me.
But the scene that really shines is the dialogue near the end, between Prince Charles and his mother, the Queen. The Prince gets a lesson in the significance in being part of one of the most influential famlies in the world, and speaking out of term can be devastating(as seen in earlier episodes).
We see a rather raw side of the Queen, but not an unusual side. I have no doubt that she wants the best for her children, even if that means explaining the dutyfull restrictions that must be obliged. I think most parents have had similar conversations with their own children. However, unlike most parents Queen Elisabeth has a duty herself directly to the Crown. Her strict behavior is expected, unfortunatly.
What I find most emotional about the episode is that a young man who likes to act and recite tonguetwisters comes to realize who he really is, and the gravitas of his predetermined duty. The theme is not unfamiliar to those that have seen the previous episodes, but is nevertheless not less dramatic than before. Charles is not Elisabeth. Elisabeth is not Charles.
I could only rate the episode 10/10. Since I can't rate it any higher I saw fit to also write a review.
Due to protest and general civil unrest, Prince Charles has to leave Cambridge university and study for one term in Wales as a diplomatic measure , much to his own chagrin. Prince Charles obeys and travels to Wales. On his arrival he dosen't really get a friendly welcome, and it's near impossible for him to stay invisble. He struggles at first but befriends his tutor Mr.Edward Millward, a supporter of a independent Wales. At the climax of the episode Prince Charles delivers a speech pre-written with a few personal modifications, all completely in welsh. It's one of the most powerful scenes in the series according to me.
But the scene that really shines is the dialogue near the end, between Prince Charles and his mother, the Queen. The Prince gets a lesson in the significance in being part of one of the most influential famlies in the world, and speaking out of term can be devastating(as seen in earlier episodes).
We see a rather raw side of the Queen, but not an unusual side. I have no doubt that she wants the best for her children, even if that means explaining the dutyfull restrictions that must be obliged. I think most parents have had similar conversations with their own children. However, unlike most parents Queen Elisabeth has a duty herself directly to the Crown. Her strict behavior is expected, unfortunatly.
What I find most emotional about the episode is that a young man who likes to act and recite tonguetwisters comes to realize who he really is, and the gravitas of his predetermined duty. The theme is not unfamiliar to those that have seen the previous episodes, but is nevertheless not less dramatic than before. Charles is not Elisabeth. Elisabeth is not Charles.
I could only rate the episode 10/10. Since I can't rate it any higher I saw fit to also write a review.
The Prince of Wales
TheLittleSongbird15 March 2022
Season 3 was something of a slow starter, where a lot of change happened and change that took a while to get used to and accept. The first episode "Olding" had a feel of too much change too soon. This was disappointing seeing how good Seasons 1 and 2 were, where the best episodes were absolutely outstanding. But there was hope, as there are examples of shows that have seasons that start off slow but get better when given a chance.
Am so glad at sticking with Season 3, because despite not being too enthralled by "Olding" and "Margaretology" it does get a lot better. Like Seasons 1 and 2 the best episodes are also outstanding. "Tywysog Cymru", while not quite as special as "Aberfan", is one of the outstanding episodes. Really did love the character development of Charles and how he was portrayed and they are the main selling points of an episode that is representative of how much Season 3 improved so quickly.
"Tywysog Cymru", as always for 'The Crown', is very well made visually. The very meaning of elegant and sumptuous in the settings and costumes that are true to period and atmospherically shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and is never less than intriguing and emotionally investable, it never veers into soap-opera land and doesn't sound too modern. The different viewpoints were really insightful, sensitive and thought-probing. The story is very absorbing, although it is not fast paced it's also never dull, and it it is intensely and poignantly handled. Not as devastating as "Aberfan", but it is certainly not an episode that left me cold emotionally. The final scene is one of the show's most touching final scenes, and 'The Crown' often delivered on great endings.
Charles' character development is insightful and made me see him (a controversial figure in the royal family) in a different light, coming over as a real person and not a stock figure or one-dimensional. The acting is without issues, with Josh O'Connor giving one of the best performances of the season in a very nuanced performance. Particularly in the final scene. Olivia Colman becomes more and more settled with each episode, was one of those that didn't warm to her at first but she is more relaxed and less over-firm (even if Claire Foy had a warmer presence). Charles Dance continues to be perfect casting for Mountbatten.
In conclusion, outstanding. 10/10.
Am so glad at sticking with Season 3, because despite not being too enthralled by "Olding" and "Margaretology" it does get a lot better. Like Seasons 1 and 2 the best episodes are also outstanding. "Tywysog Cymru", while not quite as special as "Aberfan", is one of the outstanding episodes. Really did love the character development of Charles and how he was portrayed and they are the main selling points of an episode that is representative of how much Season 3 improved so quickly.
"Tywysog Cymru", as always for 'The Crown', is very well made visually. The very meaning of elegant and sumptuous in the settings and costumes that are true to period and atmospherically shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and is never less than intriguing and emotionally investable, it never veers into soap-opera land and doesn't sound too modern. The different viewpoints were really insightful, sensitive and thought-probing. The story is very absorbing, although it is not fast paced it's also never dull, and it it is intensely and poignantly handled. Not as devastating as "Aberfan", but it is certainly not an episode that left me cold emotionally. The final scene is one of the show's most touching final scenes, and 'The Crown' often delivered on great endings.
Charles' character development is insightful and made me see him (a controversial figure in the royal family) in a different light, coming over as a real person and not a stock figure or one-dimensional. The acting is without issues, with Josh O'Connor giving one of the best performances of the season in a very nuanced performance. Particularly in the final scene. Olivia Colman becomes more and more settled with each episode, was one of those that didn't warm to her at first but she is more relaxed and less over-firm (even if Claire Foy had a warmer presence). Charles Dance continues to be perfect casting for Mountbatten.
In conclusion, outstanding. 10/10.
The Best Episode of Season 3
valdemir-fernandes22 April 2020
Best Of British!
adamjohns-4257519 August 2022
I don't normally review TV programmes and certainly not individual episodes, but this was such an outstanding piece that I had to tell the world!
Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles might be the best casting that I have ever seen and the construct of this episode reflecting on his time in Wakes and the stage references, were cleverly put together to deliver the struggles that he must have and must still be facing.
I am by no means a monarchist, but it is hard not to feel for the characters as they are portrayed in this series and this was one of the most heartfelt episodes yet, although I cried all the way through 'Aberfan'.
Simply brilliant and a clever way to incorporate Wales in to the programme more.
Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles might be the best casting that I have ever seen and the construct of this episode reflecting on his time in Wakes and the stage references, were cleverly put together to deliver the struggles that he must have and must still be facing.
I am by no means a monarchist, but it is hard not to feel for the characters as they are portrayed in this series and this was one of the most heartfelt episodes yet, although I cried all the way through 'Aberfan'.
Simply brilliant and a clever way to incorporate Wales in to the programme more.
No subtitles?
katehart-601724 December 2019
Perhaps the most boring episode of a dismal series
dierregi19 November 2020
The third series of The Crown is so far the most disappointing. Although most viewers seem to agree, the ratings for single episodes are suspiciously high. So far, I liked episode 2 the best, even if Bonham Carter doesn't look anything like Margaret and I find her miscast.
At least there was some fun in that episode, which is sorely missing in most others. Maybe because the events depicted are generally tragic, minor or plainly boring.
This one, for a non-British citizen, is outstandingly boring. Apart from the fact that I was not aware of Welsh nationalists being as fierce as the Scottish, I found zero interest in Charles being shipped to Wales to learn some of the language and in the queen being so dismissive and uninterested in him.
The second point could have been gathered a long time ago by any observant viewer. Did anything in the previous episodes suggest a warm and affectionate relationship between Elizabeth and Charles? Or between Philip and Charles? The only person in his family Charles seems to connect with is his sister.
Apart from that, the whining of the Welsh about their past glories wasps useless as every single "minority" on planet Earth thinking they would have had it better without any neighbours invading them. Which is strongly debatable and anyway did not happen.
At least there was some fun in that episode, which is sorely missing in most others. Maybe because the events depicted are generally tragic, minor or plainly boring.
This one, for a non-British citizen, is outstandingly boring. Apart from the fact that I was not aware of Welsh nationalists being as fierce as the Scottish, I found zero interest in Charles being shipped to Wales to learn some of the language and in the queen being so dismissive and uninterested in him.
The second point could have been gathered a long time ago by any observant viewer. Did anything in the previous episodes suggest a warm and affectionate relationship between Elizabeth and Charles? Or between Philip and Charles? The only person in his family Charles seems to connect with is his sister.
Apart from that, the whining of the Welsh about their past glories wasps useless as every single "minority" on planet Earth thinking they would have had it better without any neighbours invading them. Which is strongly debatable and anyway did not happen.
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