In "Ritz," the eighth episode of the sixth season of "The Crown," we bid a bittersweet farewell to Princess Margaret, portrayed by Lesley Manville, as the series delves into her final years and the culmination of her life's journey. This episode stands as a testament to Margaret's spirit and the enduring bond between her and her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, played by Imelda Staunton.
The episode opens with a flashback to May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe Day, when Princess Margaret, eager for celebration, convinces her sister Princess Elizabeth to join her in the revelry outside the confines of Buckingham Palace. This night serves as a poignant backdrop to the sisters' relationship and the contrast between their lives. The flashback is a rollicking trip down memory lane, highlighting a carefree night that would become a cherished memory for Margaret.
As the episode progresses, we are brought back to the "present," circa 1998, where Margaret's health is in decline. The contrast between her vibrant past and her current frailty is heart-wrenching. Despite her failing health, Margaret's zest for life remains, as she refuses to give up the pleasures she enjoys, even at the cost of her own well-being.
The episode masterfully interweaves the past and present, with Margaret's 70th birthday party at the Ritz hotel serving as a connecting point. It is here that Margaret recounts the wild night she shared with Elizabeth in 1945, much to the Queen's discomfort. The Queen's desire to maintain her image is evident as she gently steers the conversation away from their past escapades.
The emotional core of the episode is the relationship between the two sisters, beautifully portrayed by Staunton and Manville. Their on-screen chemistry, bolstered by their real-life friendship, adds depth to their performances and makes the farewell to Margaret all the more poignant. The episode highlights the sacrifices Margaret made as the "No. 2," and the Queen's acknowledgment of her sister's struggles is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The use of music in "Ritz" is particularly noteworthy. The jazzy tune "It Ain't My Fault" is a recurring motif that adds a layer of nostalgia and energy to the episode. The anachronistic use of this 1964 song, despite being out of place historically, serves to enhance the emotional impact of the story.
The episode also explores the racial and social dynamics of the time through the character of a handsome Black American GI who invites Elizabeth to join him in a lively jazz club. This scene is a stark contrast to the stuffy ballroom of the Ritz and represents the freedom and joy that Elizabeth had to sacrifice for her duty.
In the episode's climax, Margaret suffers a series of strokes, and the Queen is faced with the reality of her sister's mortality. The silent scene between Staunton and Manville is a powerful depiction of the sisters' bond and the Queen's reluctance to let go.
"Ritz" concludes with a tribute to Princess Margaret's life and her relationship with the Queen. The episode ends with a title card informing the audience of Princess Margaret's death on February 9, 2002, a somber note that resonates after the emotional journey of the episode.
In summary, "Ritz" is a fitting farewell to Princess Margaret, capturing her spirit, her struggles, and the enduring love between her and her sister. The episode is a beautiful tribute to a complex woman who lived a life of glamour and heartache, and whose story is an integral part of the royal narrative.