Smoke and Mirrors/Episode Summary

On 11 May 1937, Elizabeth helps her father rehearse for his coronation. In the present, while visiting London to spend time with an ailing Queen Mary, Edward clashes with Private Secretary Tommy Lascelles after learning that he and Wallis are not invited to attend the coronation. Elizabeth regrets her decision to place Philip in charge of preparations after he upsets her with a request that he should forgo kneeling to pay homage when she is crowned and irritates the committee by insisting that they televise the event. On 2 June 1953, Elizabeth is crowned at Westminster Abbey while Edward and Wallis mockingly view the coverage from their Paris villa. Eventually, Wallis watches as Edward tearfully plays the bagpipes outside.