Radio Times: Review by:; David Crawford

Amid all the hullabaloo of the Diamond Jubilee this gentle drama takes a more oblique angle on the Queen. Imagining the conversation that took place when an intruder broke into the Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace in 1982, the smart script draws out the
simple humanity of the woman beneath the crown as she debates love, life and freedom with her unexpected guest.

Emma Thompson is magnificently regal, and the interplay between her and Eddie Marsan’s nervy intruder is spellbinding. But sometimes the spell is broken by scenes of Russell Tovey’s jocular footman walking the dogs — unnecessary additions to a
pitch-perfect two-hander.

About this programme

8/11. Comedy drama starring Emma Thompson, Eddie Marsan and Russell Tovey, based on a 1982 incident in which a man broke into the Queen's bedroom at Buckingham Palace. The monarch engaged her intruder in polite conversation while discretely attempting to summon assistance. Written by Helen Greaves.