The actor playing Lascelles is so perfect, superbly perfect. The control. The understatement. Brilliant. Whole series satisfies the ideal of drama: to be informative as well as to be entertaining.
If he were still the Queen's secretary in season 4, he would have stopped the queen from doing stupid action against the PM, and hence no one would have been resigned...
There is a story that Princess Margaret ran into an aquaintence who asked her "how is the Queen" to which Margaret replied, "which one, my mother, my sister or my husband?"
He's so great. My favorite moment is when Elizabeth visits his home to discuss her uncle and he's playing with his model army, and he frantically but discreetly repositions a soldier she's misplaced. Hilarious, but exquisitely understated as always.
Hands down, Tommy was one of my favorite characters. Stoic, composed, tough as iron, uncompromising, wise and loyal. Just the sort of man you'd want on your side!
Netflix should bring back Pip Torrens and do an entire series on Tommy Lascelles' life. I could watch the Tommy Lascelles Show! He was my favorite part of "The Crown."
@ric Gikonyo It's a TvTrope. The Magnificent Bastard archetype is a character who is known as a master gambiteer and manipulator, who plays the game on both sides to get what they want. A popular iteration is early GoT's Littlefinger/Peter Baelish.
There's something in Pip's voice that he adds to "Just the natural ones" that makes you feel the staggering breadth of his disapproval of whomever they were discussing...and yet he gets this sentiment across to the viewer without resorting to bluster or bombast. Brilliant actor. Clearly one who believes in the application of "the delicate touch" to his art.
I couldn't get past the magnitude of how asinine that phrase was. Not to mention his next few words and Elizabeth clutching her pearls. Dear Lord, a bi dude is getting laid. Alert the police! Fetch the smelling salts!
@@luxitos2867 That's the benefit of living in a different era. One can look back with critical and contemptuous disdain on the ignorance and folly of preceding eras. Of course, in about 50 years, some officious, sanctimonious, pompous ass will probably be deprecating condescendingly on our comments.
Tommy Lascelles may have been an arse the entire time I've watched him on this show, but I like his character because he knew how to put people in their proper place. From Peter Townsend to the Duke of Windsor, he wasn't afraid to offend them or put them down in order to shield the royal family. There was that one scene when he and the queen were talking about Princess Margaret, where he said, "you can always put the blame on me". He knew how people viewed him, & doesn't hesitate to take the blame just to ease the queen's burden. In spite of everything I said, I would have still hate to know him in person. He will always side with the crown, never with anyone's personal feelings.
The man takes his duty seriously. His job is to protect The Crown, so that’s what he does. It doesn’t make him likable but gotta give him credit for his dedication.
@@enlightenmentdoesntcomeeas5337 he comes off like he’s evil and very rude especially that scene when he was lecturing the queen when she was kid and them Went off on Margaret and made her run out of the room crying
The fact that despite after his retirement, he was still called back and Lascelles was really the man the Royal Family needed in time of a crisis. He served for 27 years, first as assistant private secretary to Elizabeth’s grandfather George V in 1926, then her uncle’s assistant private secretary, then her own fathers assistant private secretary then promoted to Private Secretary in 1943 and then Elizabeth’s and then retired in 1953. So despite what some may think of him, he knew exactly what to do.
I read that Lascelles died at 94 years old in 1981. If he was in full possession of his mental faculties at the time of his death, then he lived long enough to see the match between Charles and Diana and to see that ghastly engagement interview where Charles infamously said, "Whatever "love" means..." I would've loved to hear what Tommy Lascelles had to say about that disastrous union. Maybe something along the lines of, "God help them, I'm too old and frail."
@@lemorab1Apologies for responding back so late, I never received a notification of your reply. And yes absolutely, Tommy would have handled Charles easily like second nature and would have incinerated the love triangle between Diana, Charles and Camilla.
Petra Skvarc Gay relationships were regarded as “unnatural” at the time, so they’re basically saying that he also has male lovers on top of the several female lovers he already has.
This scene was fucking hilarious. Elizabeth's horrified reactions, Tommy trying to sound formal and reserved, Adeane cringing in his seat, and just the whole aspect of Tommy making such a grand entrance just for the job of probing into a guy's sex life.
What was unknown at that time was that he was not only conducting several affairs with unmarried women he had also been involved with wife of one of his closest friends and even fathered a child with her. BTW this couple, wife pregnant and all attended the Tony and Margaret wedding.
@@janluitzenroelevink1451 No. People like Tommy Lascelles don't dream of being king. They figure it is not only their duty to the realm but their personal honour to serve the royal family to the utmost of their ability and discretion.
So stiff? That was a time when this wasn't even fully decriminalised. And to talk to the queen about it is a very delicate thing. To talk to her about it directly - plainly inacceptable.
@@kb4903 In the late fifties and early sixties the press office was run by Commander Richard Colville, who was renowned for being particularly uncooperative with the press. I believe he was the one who first called the media reptiles. The press office was much smaller then than now.
Of the many great characters in this fabulous series, Tommy Lascelles stands high. Loved every moment he was on the screen. Great, great job by actor Pip Torrens.
Who else wants a supervisor like that? Yes, he's an old-fashioned mustache guy, but he's not a "because we say so", he's patient enough to explain by detail why some things are and should be done that specific crazy way
Tommy is just like sir Humphrey in yes minister, utterly in control and far more intelligent than his master or mistress in this case. Even his speech is humphrey like in it being long winded and the queen being none the wiser at the end of it. Fantastic acting and utterly enjoyable.
Well they are both civil servants... In fact less senior than Sir Humphrey come to think of it, he's about the same rank as Bernard, a 'mere' private secretary
@@jimmyfong2202 Well actually Tommy Lascelles would be the senior over Sir Humphrey as he reports directly to the Crown and not the ministries. There's a difference between being private secretary to a minister, even a Prime Minister, and being private secretary to the Sovereign. Particularly if that private secretary is also the monarchy's "fixer", which gives him far wider access and influence within the Civil Service which would be necessary for him to do such jobs.
I freaking love Tommy Lascelles and also the actor portraying him, he’s the quintessential butler-like figure, the great Advisor, reminds me of Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey, a stoic and austere figure, but then of course essential. Pip Torrens and Jim Carter are so good at reprising the strict characters’ roles.
I noticed that, and I’ve seen it before, but I haven’t the vaguest idea why it is done. Nor do I know why it’s “proper”. Could you enlighten me, please?
He tucks the near arm to whoever he is escorting. It prevents accidental touching avoiding the appearance of familiarity or causing the other person to be ill at ease.
Tommy Lascelles is the man and one of the great characters as long as he is in the series. Later when Lascelles resigns and no longer visits the palace, the same actor plays an assistant courtier. Brilliant acting---the best character in the entire series.
@@monmothma3358 i know, right? You can see who calls the shots. Tommy was his ex boss and they managed to convey how he was really the ultimate courtier.
If the real Tommy Lascelles was indeed as portrayed on the series, he would have been indeed a very unpleasant person to be with, rather cold, observant, quiet, a bit frightening due to his extremelly emotionless speech but he is in fact a great character, cunning, clever, always one step ahead of absolutely everyone from the Royan family, to politicians to the press. Brilliant
The sophistication in English languages far more higher in the first two seasons. No wonder many people find it boring and hard. Season 4 purely for mass audience with punchy lines, humour, melodrama.
yes i had a hard time with that, too many insinuations and metaphors, sometimes it was hard to get the meaning. I was bored out of my mind in the first season and in most of the season 2 as well ( the only interesting episode was prince charles boarding school)
SJM 92, I've watched The Crown several times, and I get the feeling that I like seasons 1 and 2 the best. But I could not put my finger on the reason why... What is missing, or different, in seasons 3 and 4... Thanks for your comment, it can help me analyze this a bit...
@@SgtAndrewM No there’s not. We don’t live in the 1400s anymore. Religion has convinced large swathes of people that it’s unnatural which is hilarious because so many religious people are the most closeted gays of them all… just look at the Catholic Church for proof 😂
@@arthurnewman7461 You misunderstand; a trait perturbingly common today. The word 'factual' is in context of it being a 'fact' of trait of the person in question, Tony Armstrong-Jones. That is the very purpose of this scene: reporting facts pertinent to the man. It has nothing to do with the naturalness or otherwise of homosexuality.
One of Lascelles' children is still alive and another only died in late 2020. Wonder if they've seen this portrayal of him and what they thought of it? Lascelles himself died in August 1981. This scene refers to Anthony Armstrong-Jones who died on 13th January 2017.
One feels bad for the Queen. She knows that if she refuses her sister permission to marry this man, even though in her moral landscape AAJ is a smoking nuclear blast crater who will probably make PM unhappy anyway, Margaret will never ever forgive her. Margaret is also getting older and the odds of her finding someone to start a family with may be diminishing not to mention that Margaret (although beautiful) is no bundle of fun. And the Queen would also know how miserable it can be for someone to marry into the royal family. She can't say no. All she can do is watch the train wreck when it comes. And she watched her children's marriages go to spectacular ruin in public-- except Edward. Somehow he managed not to destroy his marriage. But I think less was expected of him. Even if the Queen had a Tommy Lescalles with her in the 80's and beyond nothing was going to stop the Royal Family from the conflagrations that came later.
How I wish they'd made Tommy go into further detail. "We have obtained photographs that appear to show Mr Armstrong-Jones and Mr and Mrs Fry engaged in an act known as 'spit-roasting,' ma'am."
... "There is also evidence that Mr Armstrong-Jones' participated in what is called-by those in circles for whom the 'straight,' Christian path is not to their taste-'Eiffel Towering,' 🗼 Ma'am. Suffice to say that proper decorum limits any further of my description of the act in Your Majesty's presence. " -Tommy Lascelles, would be scene.
@@keldonmcfarland2969 Adeane: "It is also worth noting, ma'am, that we've spoken with a number of, ahem..." Lascelles: "Rent boys." Adeane: "Indeed, and all of them claim that Mr Armstrong-Jones paid them considerable sums to... ah... well, to..." Lascelles: "To defecate upon his chest, ma'am." Queen: "Goodness. All at once?" Adeane: "We did not think to ask, ma'am."
This may or may not be close to what actually happened - we shall never know - but this scene should be shown to salespeople as a perfect example of how to manipulate a customer into buying. Lascelles, the character, manages the Queen, the character, perfectly. He assumes an air of careful neutrality while exploiting his exact understanding of her mind. She wants her sister to be happy; she was brought up and trained to be neutral. She is aware that she cannot actually forbid the marriage - her sister is not in line of succession. Yet Lascelles manipulates her into opposition by playing on her conventionality and Constitutional awareness. The insinuation of "the strait and Christian path" is masterly - he knows that the Queen takes her title "Defender of the Faith" seriously. The last line, delivered with such such apparent reluctance, "and these are just the natural ones" is crushing. It's done without actually giving advice or any appearance of advocacy; without showing his hand at all. The Queen is now opposed to the marriage, and almost certainly thinks she has come to that decision completely of her own volition. And whatever the fallout may be, Sir Alan (Tommy) Lascelles will be in no way held responsible for it. Humphrey Appleby would have applauded.
Princess Margaret was in the line of succession, after her sister's children who were then young and obviously without children of their own. PM's children by A A-J are still in the line of succession, further down as Queen Elizabeth's children and grandchildren have their own kids. PM was told if she married Townshend she'd have to resign from the succession. She didn't. When this scene is set, PM was third in line.
@@baranduyn Perhaps I should have said "in the _direct_ line of succession". That is, short of the premature deaths of all of HM's children, they would not succeed to the throne. The point is, there were no formal legal grounds on which the marriage might be forbidden, as was the case with the marriage of Princess Margaret to Peter Townsend. He was a divorcee, like Wallis Simpson, and the remarriage of divorcees was not at the time recognised by the Church of England, to whose ordinances the Queen was bound by her Coronation Oath. The Queen actually had little choice but to accept, if not to approve, the marriage of her sister.
@@puffin51 The Royal Marriages Act, which is in effect at the point, prevented the marriage of *any* descendant of King George I without the approval of the reigning British monarch. The law was so poorly written that descendants from the line of George I's daughter were having to write to the queen for permission to marry. Elizabeth absolutely had to approve the marriage between Margaret and Armstrong-Jones and could have forbidden it on any grounds, just as she did when she forbade Margaret's marriage to Peter Townsend. This law was changed along with the rules regarding succession and male-preference primogeniture so that now only the top 6 individuals in the line of succession must seek approval from the reigning monarch to marry.
@Daniel Pizarro you missed some context. Tommy was retired in this scene. Michael Adeane had reached out to him to help advise on Anthony Armstrong-Jones. He returned in this scene at the request of Adeane.
There is also the fact that he indeed wasn't going to be faithful to Margaret at any point in their relationship. No need for manipulating the queen here.
If I were in any leadership role, I would want Tommy Lascelles as my Chief of Staff. Not afraid to be a prick, unyielding in his ethics and morals, entirely unafraid to deliver an ass kicking to people when needed. And all within the very tight confines of proper British gentleman’s behavior. This actor was masterful.
That awkward silence from Michael before Tommy gave him the all clear look is so funny it's like Michael is asking "sir, this is getting too awkward" and Tommy be like "don't worry Michael I got this."
Just bought his book, “King’s Counselor”. Looking forward to reading it. I got inspired from watching his performances in the crown. That man appeared to pull no punches.
What - any more pompous, homophobic and over-glorified secretaries? The dude was a fucking mediocre creep. Think about it. In this scene, he makes such a grand entrance. All for the job of spying on an artists sex life.
The greatest loss to The Queen and the country , happened the moment that Sir Alan retired. And this is my opinion based on personal knowledge and absolutely nothing to do with this TV show , The Crown. That said, Pip Torrens was superb . Pip himself, a very decent man whom stands by his convictions
Lascelles is also still influential today in terms of his contributions to the constitutional conventions of the UK and other Westminster system countries, a real giant.
Funny that he was first referenced by Prince Philip as being a dinosaur, and put him in a bad light in the show for me, but he quickly became one of my favorite characters
Tommy lascelles is the scariest non mafia heavy is all of television. He’s more terrifying than most mafia characters actually. He doesn’t fucking play
Yoo this man is a straight up G! My name for him is Tommy big balls, 10 toes down, Lascelles! Dis man ran the palace and low key stood on business WITH ANYONE
Everybody gangsta until tommy starts speaking!
I love this comment, he be like E.F. Hutton.
🤣🤣🤣🤣😁😁😁. I like that!!!
HE IS A DESCENDANT OF THE PEAKY BLINDERS😅😎💯
I love this comment so much that I say it when I watch his scenes.
I wonder if there was a Sir Tommy style discussion about Meghan Markle
The actor playing Lascelles is so perfect, superbly perfect. The control. The understatement. Brilliant. Whole series satisfies the ideal of drama: to be informative as well as to be entertaining.
rd3ster yes, and even if he's so restrained he manages to communicate a raw undercurrent or energy always flowing when he speaks.
That's Pip Torrens, and I agree. Seeing him makes me want to have met the real Tommy Lascelles, or at least to read his book!
Here here
He's always in historical pieces. Seems like that's his specialty.
well all the script have been prepared
He mobilized the English language and marched it through the brothel, while leaving it's virtue entirely intact.
Severely underrated comment
@@babysealsareyummy I'll say!!!
Indeed.
He was well written as a character, you on the other hand sound utterly insufferable and puritanical.
❤
If he were still the Queen's secretary in season 4, he would have fixed the whole Charles and Diana fiasco lmao
He wouldn't have let them marry in the first place
Tommy was a genius! Tommy’s expertise is sorely needed these days, as well.
@@Mr_M_ At the very least, he would've made sure contact between Charles and Camilla were extinct.
If he were still the Queen's secretary in season 4, he would have stopped the queen from doing stupid action against the PM, and hence no one would have been resigned...
He reminds me of Tywin Lannister :D
There is a story that Princess Margaret ran into an aquaintence who asked her "how is the Queen" to which Margaret replied, "which one, my mother, my sister or my husband?"
Why husband
@@idk-wv1sf because her husband was bisexual.
Really see how she’s ‘Vice Queen’ as she says in season 3. Poor Margaret
Margaret was before her time lol
🤣🤣🤣🤦🤦🤦
Tommy is, without any question, the most interesting and incredible character on the series. Once he left, the series was never quite the same.
He's so great. My favorite moment is when Elizabeth visits his home to discuss her uncle and he's playing with his model army, and he frantically but discreetly repositions a soldier she's misplaced. Hilarious, but exquisitely understated as always.
Definitely, the first few seasons were the best. Never was quite the same.
@@desertezz season 5 was badly done.
@@audreykennedy90sadly done.
I would have liked it if he was the main character. The mechanisms behind the royal machine are more interesting than the actual royals.
Hands down, Tommy was one of my favorite characters. Stoic, composed, tough as iron, uncompromising, wise and loyal. Just the sort of man you'd want on your side!
I hope you are being sarcastic! He is one of the truly most horrible creatures unhung. Doing incalculable damage to the Monarchy .
Just the sort of man you'd want on your side - and very definitely one you'd want NOT on your side.
He oozes classic British decorum and character. The exact same thing we have now lost thanks to progressivism and mass immigration.
@@mw89181 Quite.
Pip Torrens owned the scenes (The Crown) he appeared.
Great chemistry with Clare Foy.
This man would’ve handled the Charles and Diana fiasco so much better
I couldn't agree more!!!! for starters, camilla would be vanished from the map.
Camilla’s bones would be buried in Tommy’s back garden.
@@jimmy2k4o lol
A helluva lot better
With only a visit and a few words...
This is the English language at its most sublime. The level of linguistic mastery involved here is a joy to behold.
Yes, a beautiful way of saying "he'll shag anything with a pulse".
@@neilreading3552 good grief, you don’t say, someone better hide the corgis
It's proper usage of English but ultimately basic. You'd have to be an imbecile to think this was sophisticated lol
Doesn't hold a candle to James Baldwin, if you ask me. It's just ordinary conversational English, a bit polished up by posh prep schools.
Yes it was, imho, the use of the English language at its political supreme. Even Churchill would have applauded.
Netflix should bring back Pip Torrens and do an entire series on Tommy Lascelles' life. I could watch the Tommy Lascelles Show! He was my favorite part of "The Crown."
I would watch that spin off indeed. Better Call Tommy
Little known fact: Tommy Lascelles used to go by his birth name "Slippin" James Mackridge until he and his older brother had a falling out.
I can see it now, the lights flashing on the Strip in Las Vegas, 'The Tommy Lascelles Show'.
@@ds1868 And I would book my tickets ASAP🤣🤣🤣
Or a Spin off about Churchill with John Lithgow
“ tea or human blood, whatever that monster drinks” 😄🤣🤣🤣🤣
Monster the guy was a complete asshole
@@rickheady2298 he's brilliant!
When ?
@@Miuccia. huh???
I kept replaying that part whenever I get to that scene. 😆
Tommy personifies “magnificent bastard.”
@ric Gikonyo It's a TvTrope. The Magnificent Bastard archetype is a character who is known as a master gambiteer and manipulator, who plays the game on both sides to get what they want. A popular iteration is early GoT's Littlefinger/Peter Baelish.
Tommy's not there to be loved. He's there to do a job - protect the monarchy.
I appreciate his dedication and professionalism.
The actor who played Tommy is by far one of my favorite... he is right next to Claire Foy and Venessa Kirby for me
Absolutely true.
me too 😁
I was amazed to see him looking so different in Preacher. Phenomenal range.
His deep sound makes it so satisfying
Pip Torrens is a very good actor.
There's something in Pip's voice that he adds to "Just the natural ones" that makes you feel the staggering breadth of his disapproval of whomever they were discussing...and yet he gets this sentiment across to the viewer without resorting to bluster or bombast. Brilliant actor. Clearly one who believes in the application of "the delicate touch" to his art.
I couldn't get past the magnitude of how asinine that phrase was. Not to mention his next few words and Elizabeth clutching her pearls. Dear Lord, a bi dude is getting laid. Alert the police! Fetch the smelling salts!
@@luxitos2867 That's the benefit of living in a different era. One can look back with critical and contemptuous disdain on the ignorance and folly of preceding eras. Of course, in about 50 years, some officious, sanctimonious, pompous ass will probably be deprecating condescendingly on our comments.
@James Jones we understood that very clearly. It did not need explanation
@James Jones so those comments weren't visible to me when I wrote that reply, hey ho
Tommy Lascelles may have been an arse the entire time I've watched him on this show, but I like his character because he knew how to put people in their proper place. From Peter Townsend to the Duke of Windsor, he wasn't afraid to offend them or put them down in order to shield the royal family. There was that one scene when he and the queen were talking about Princess Margaret, where he said, "you can always put the blame on me". He knew how people viewed him, & doesn't hesitate to take the blame just to ease the queen's burden. In spite of everything I said, I would have still hate to know him in person. He will always side with the crown, never with anyone's personal feelings.
The man takes his duty seriously. His job is to protect The Crown, so that’s what he does. It doesn’t make him likable but gotta give him credit for his dedication.
He was very clever and discreet. He was also a closet homosexual.
@@mscott3918 he had a wife and kids bro
You really dislike him? I think he's cool. Headstrong, dutiful, focused on the job.
@@enlightenmentdoesntcomeeas5337 he comes off like he’s evil and very rude especially that scene when he was lecturing the queen when she was kid and them Went off on Margaret and made her run out of the room crying
“These, are just the...natural ones” - as delicately put as may be.
As a gay man, I can't wait to try and use that line at my next dinner party! It's brilliant.
@ 😀
Very offensive, too, seen with modern eyes - but I know we shouldn't. The old logic is brilliantly shown here.
I love the English 🏴.
So prim and proper
@ Wish I could upvote this a million times!
This actor has the most condescending voice in the world and I love him for it.
Lascelles was one of the highlights of arguably the best show of the past 5 years.
This man could have negotiated the end of cold war alone.
The fact that despite after his retirement, he was still called back and Lascelles was really the man the Royal Family needed in time of a crisis. He served for 27 years, first as assistant private secretary to Elizabeth’s grandfather George V in 1926, then her uncle’s assistant private secretary, then her own fathers assistant private secretary then promoted to Private Secretary in 1943 and then Elizabeth’s and then retired in 1953.
So despite what some may think of him, he knew exactly what to do.
I read that Lascelles died at 94 years old in 1981. If he was in full possession of his mental faculties at the time of his death, then he lived long enough to see the match between Charles and Diana and to see that ghastly engagement interview where Charles infamously said, "Whatever "love" means..." I would've loved to hear what Tommy Lascelles had to say about that disastrous union. Maybe something along the lines of, "God help them, I'm too old and frail."
@@lemorab1Apologies for responding back so late, I never received a notification of your reply. And yes absolutely, Tommy would have handled Charles easily like second nature and would have incinerated the love triangle between Diana, Charles and Camilla.
He served the crown, and nothing else. Even the monarch was not above the crown. And what a voice!
The English language is a beautiful thing when spoken properly.
I lost it at the unexpected "These are the just the natural ones lol
I read between the lines on that one.
what did they mean by it
Petra Skvarc Gay relationships were regarded as “unnatural” at the time, so they’re basically saying that he also has male lovers on top of the several female lovers he already has.
@@not_an_author8972 Wow ..... he really did get around.
It was succinct and direct without actually saying the actual words.
Netflix, when you are done wasting money on Harry and Megs please do a show on Tommy Lascelles. I find him fascinating and love the actor playing him.
Amen
Oh, FFS.
Racist
Idc what you say Tommy is one of my favorite characters of the whole series
❤❤❤❤❤
This scene was fucking hilarious. Elizabeth's horrified reactions, Tommy trying to sound formal and reserved, Adeane cringing in his seat, and just the whole aspect of Tommy making such a grand entrance just for the job of probing into a guy's sex life.
Tommy dreams of becomes the king
It was astronomically stupid and cringe. That's what made it so funny to me. All that posturing and bluster over... someone getting laid.
@@luxitos2867 Exactly. Tommy and Adeane would've both had a stroke if they watched the Diana interview.
What was unknown at that time was that he was not only conducting several affairs with unmarried women he had also been involved with wife of one of his closest friends and even fathered a child with her. BTW this couple, wife pregnant and all attended the Tony and Margaret wedding.
@@janluitzenroelevink1451 No. People like Tommy Lascelles don't dream of being king. They figure it is not only their duty to the realm but their personal honour to serve the royal family to the utmost of their ability and discretion.
"These are just the 'natural' ones." In other words, Anthony Armstrong-Jones had gay partners too. So very stiff.
@Herbie Shevers LOL. You could not BE more wrong.
So stiff? That was a time when this wasn't even fully decriminalised. And to talk to the queen about it is a very delicate thing. To talk to her about it directly - plainly inacceptable.
@Evil Jester Ouch! That hurt.
So did Lascelles, despite being married.
@@Lynwen10 Actually not. He was a very discreet homosexual. During my working life I met a number of people who knew him.
Tommy Lascelles on The Crown was the perfect courtier, and the one I loved to hate.
I can’t stand those lapdogs. Medals and knighthoods for bringing the queen a paper on a pillow.
K B That and planning a coronation, an staving off scandal after scandal
CanadianPrince I thought Phillip organised it? They have press secretaries to deal with the press too.
@@kb4903 In the late fifties and early sixties the press office was run by Commander Richard Colville, who was renowned for being particularly uncooperative with the press. I believe he was the one who first called the media reptiles. The press office was much smaller then than now.
I'm so attracted to this man because he is so effortlessly masculine and dominant .
I've read Lascelles' diaries and boy do they not pull any punches! They make for fascinating reading.
Thanks. I bought them but haven't got round to them yet. Now I shall.
"These, we should add... Are just the natural ones." Sublime.
I love Tommy straightening his cuff after laying the photos on the table. The body language of all 3 actors is spot on here.
Of the many great characters in this fabulous series, Tommy Lascelles stands high. Loved every moment he was on the screen. Great, great job by actor Pip Torrens.
Wish I had this guy for business negotiations
Who else wants a supervisor like that? Yes, he's an old-fashioned mustache guy, but he's not a "because we say so", he's patient enough to explain by detail why some things are and should be done that specific crazy way
I had a supervisor called Sir John Johnston for some years when I was younger. Very much in the Lascelles mould.
Tommy is just like sir Humphrey in yes minister, utterly in control and far more intelligent than his master or mistress in this case. Even his speech is humphrey like in it being long winded and the queen being none the wiser at the end of it. Fantastic acting and utterly enjoyable.
Well they are both civil servants... In fact less senior than Sir Humphrey come to think of it, he's about the same rank as Bernard, a 'mere' private secretary
Don't kid yourself. She knew EXACTLY what they meant. She's no dummy, & she's used to people speaking. . .delicately. . .in her presence. 🤔
@@jimmyfong2202 Well actually Tommy Lascelles would be the senior over Sir Humphrey as he reports directly to the Crown and not the ministries. There's a difference between being private secretary to a minister, even a Prime Minister, and being private secretary to the Sovereign. Particularly if that private secretary is also the monarchy's "fixer", which gives him far wider access and influence within the Civil Service which would be necessary for him to do such jobs.
@@LordZontar that...I suppose is true actually, access wise, I still underestimate the rank of the monarch...
More like Sir Arnold
I freaking love Tommy Lascelles and also the actor portraying him, he’s the quintessential butler-like figure, the great Advisor, reminds me of Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey, a stoic and austere figure, but then of course essential. Pip Torrens and Jim Carter are so good at reprising the strict characters’ roles.
The proper way in which Tommy walks with his left arm behind his back is perfection.
I noticed that, and I’ve seen it before, but I haven’t the vaguest idea why it is done. Nor do I know why it’s “proper”. Could you enlighten me, please?
He tucks the near arm to whoever he is escorting. It prevents accidental touching avoiding the appearance of familiarity or causing the other person to be ill at ease.
Thank you!
A true gentleman.
Also when he parts his in tails before he sits.
Tommy Lascelles is the man and one of the great characters as long as he is in the series. Later when Lascelles resigns and no longer visits the palace, the same actor plays an assistant courtier. Brilliant acting---the best character in the entire series.
Which episode is that? I’d love to see him!
The Crown has such stellar dialogue. So smart and subtle. What better proof than all of Tommy’s scenes.
"as he pushes his medium...to its boundries". In a manner of speaking....
Photography I believe 😂
The way silent Michael and Tommy keep looking at each other looking for the right words. 😂😂
I love the way this man speaks. He can tell you everything without saying any thing 😂
These... we should add... are just the natural ones. God I love Tommy,
I love the long break when the other guy can't find the words and looks to Tommy....
@@monmothma3358 i know, right? You can see who calls the shots. Tommy was his ex boss and they managed to convey how he was really the ultimate courtier.
Tommy would know, being gay himself
This was such an excellent example of "British reserve" and the actor played it superbly.
If the real Tommy Lascelles was indeed as portrayed on the series, he would have been indeed a very unpleasant person to be with, rather cold, observant, quiet, a bit frightening due to his extremelly emotionless speech but he is in fact a great character, cunning, clever, always one step ahead of absolutely everyone from the Royan family, to politicians to the press. Brilliant
Tommy Lascelles is the most passive agressive character in the tv series. I love it!!!
I spit my coffee out, when he said: "....an oriental dancer named *Jackie Chan* " xD
This one is apparently spelt, "Jacqui".
The sophistication in English languages far more higher in the first two seasons. No wonder many people find it boring and hard. Season 4 purely for mass audience with punchy lines, humour, melodrama.
yes i had a hard time with that, too many insinuations and metaphors, sometimes it was hard to get the meaning. I was bored out of my mind in the first season and in most of the season 2 as well ( the only interesting episode was prince charles boarding school)
Season 1 and 2 because of Claire Foy was The Crown at its peak so far.
SJM 92,
I've watched The Crown several times, and I get the feeling that I like seasons 1 and 2 the best.
But I could not put my finger on the reason why... What is missing, or different, in seasons 3 and 4...
Thanks for your comment, it can help me analyze this a bit...
Charles and Diana's argument is mastery of the language mate
Well season 3 and 4 are also the late 70s and 80s which in general are much less sophisticated eras than the time shown here so....
I didn't know Lascells is a bald actor in real life! That hair suits him best! Look so dashing
PipTorrens is the best. His delivery is spot on every time. Love Tommy!
"...and those are just the natural ones." Understated and factual and yet leaves NOTHING to the imagination.
Well its not factual at all. There's nothing unnatural about homosexuality.
@@arthurnewman7461 yes there is
@@SgtAndrewM No there’s not. We don’t live in the 1400s anymore. Religion has convinced large swathes of people that it’s unnatural which is hilarious because so many religious people are the most closeted gays of them all… just look at the Catholic Church for proof 😂
@@arthurnewman7461 You misunderstand; a trait perturbingly common today. The word 'factual' is in context of it being a 'fact' of trait of the person in question, Tony Armstrong-Jones. That is the very purpose of this scene: reporting facts pertinent to the man. It has nothing to do with the naturalness or otherwise of homosexuality.
@Meme Emperor "Natural" meaning here "exists in nature" which homosexuality literally does.
I lost it When he said “WiTH A JACKIE CHAN”😂😂
Jacqui, not jackie
He said Jacqui
@@Hiruma312 my bad to me it sounded
Like Jackie Chan
@@Da_one_tl my bad
AIYA JACKIE
He got me at "these are just the "natural" ones... the tone in which he delivered that was menancing at the least
I want a Tommy Lascelles spin-off
Just the natural ones...LOL. Tommy's shade is on a whole other level.
Can we have a series or movie just about Tommy Lascelles, played by Pip Torrens?
Pip Torrens is a brilliant actor.
Tommy Lascelles all through.Would watch any show for him.What an actor! Bravo
You know it's a serious problem the royals are dealing when you see this man around 🤣
"As he pushes his medium---Photography, I believe."
Brilliant. I love this language.
2:14 the expression on the Queen's face as he says "just the natural ones" is priceless.
If we 🇬🇧 still had a ‘Tommy’ the country would not be going to hell in a hand cart. He is a very special man and I salute him.
Character of her majesty The Queen played by Claire Foy is itself so strong and to top that is truly amazing, Tommy has done a marvelous job.
One of Lascelles' children is still alive and another only died in late 2020. Wonder if they've seen this portrayal of him and what they thought of it? Lascelles himself died in August 1981.
This scene refers to Anthony Armstrong-Jones who died on 13th January 2017.
The most indirect way in which he introduces the topic is fantastic.
Great writing, delivered with total aplomb by Pip Torrens - excellent.
The way he says it so professionally and it’s still a bad burn!!
Not really. He sounds like a prejudicial relic trying to say things in the most dry and long-winded way.
I love that line and delivery. "..........are the natural ones."
I admire this man's mastery of the english language
One feels bad for the Queen. She knows that if she refuses her sister permission to marry this man, even though in her moral landscape AAJ is a smoking nuclear blast crater who will probably make PM unhappy anyway, Margaret will never ever forgive her. Margaret is also getting older and the odds of her finding someone to start a family with may be diminishing not to mention that Margaret (although beautiful) is no bundle of fun. And the Queen would also know how miserable it can be for someone to marry into the royal family. She can't say no. All she can do is watch the train wreck when it comes. And she watched her children's marriages go to spectacular ruin in public-- except Edward. Somehow he managed not to destroy his marriage. But I think less was expected of him. Even if the Queen had a Tommy Lescalles with her in the 80's and beyond nothing was going to stop the Royal Family from the conflagrations that came later.
How I wish they'd made Tommy go into further detail. "We have obtained photographs that appear to show Mr Armstrong-Jones and Mr and Mrs Fry engaged in an act known as 'spit-roasting,' ma'am."
...
"There is also evidence that Mr Armstrong-Jones' participated in what is called-by those in circles for whom the 'straight,' Christian path is not to their taste-'Eiffel Towering,' 🗼 Ma'am. Suffice to say that proper decorum limits any further of my description of the act in Your Majesty's presence. "
-Tommy Lascelles, would be scene.
@@keldonmcfarland2969 Adeane: "It is also worth noting, ma'am, that we've spoken with a number of, ahem..."
Lascelles: "Rent boys."
Adeane: "Indeed, and all of them claim that Mr Armstrong-Jones paid them considerable sums to... ah... well, to..."
Lascelles: "To defecate upon his chest, ma'am."
Queen: "Goodness. All at once?"
Adeane: "We did not think to ask, ma'am."
@@jessmorgan6732 hahahahaha corpsing
You tube commenters being hired as script writers for The Crown...
@@jessmorgan6732 It's still nothing compared to the dirt that will make the child she is about to give birth to
I could listen to Tommy speak forever!!🇬🇧🇷🇺
This may or may not be close to what actually happened - we shall never know - but this scene should be shown to salespeople as a perfect example of how to manipulate a customer into buying. Lascelles, the character, manages the Queen, the character, perfectly. He assumes an air of careful neutrality while exploiting his exact understanding of her mind. She wants her sister to be happy; she was brought up and trained to be neutral. She is aware that she cannot actually forbid the marriage - her sister is not in line of succession. Yet Lascelles manipulates her into opposition by playing on her conventionality and Constitutional awareness. The insinuation of "the strait and Christian path" is masterly - he knows that the Queen takes her title "Defender of the Faith" seriously. The last line, delivered with such such apparent reluctance, "and these are just the natural ones" is crushing. It's done without actually giving advice or any appearance of advocacy; without showing his hand at all. The Queen is now opposed to the marriage, and almost certainly thinks she has come to that decision completely of her own volition. And whatever the fallout may be, Sir Alan (Tommy) Lascelles will be in no way held responsible for it. Humphrey Appleby would have applauded.
Princess Margaret was in the line of succession, after her sister's children who were then young and obviously without children of their own. PM's children by A A-J are still in the line of succession, further down as Queen Elizabeth's children and grandchildren have their own kids. PM was told if she married Townshend she'd have to resign from the succession. She didn't. When this scene is set, PM was third in line.
@@baranduyn Perhaps I should have said "in the _direct_ line of succession". That is, short of the premature deaths of all of HM's children, they would not succeed to the throne. The point is, there were no formal legal grounds on which the marriage might be forbidden, as was the case with the marriage of Princess Margaret to Peter Townsend. He was a divorcee, like Wallis Simpson, and the remarriage of divorcees was not at the time recognised by the Church of England, to whose ordinances the Queen was bound by her Coronation Oath. The Queen actually had little choice but to accept, if not to approve, the marriage of her sister.
@@puffin51 The Royal Marriages Act, which is in effect at the point, prevented the marriage of *any* descendant of King George I without the approval of the reigning British monarch. The law was so poorly written that descendants from the line of George I's daughter were having to write to the queen for permission to marry. Elizabeth absolutely had to approve the marriage between Margaret and Armstrong-Jones and could have forbidden it on any grounds, just as she did when she forbade Margaret's marriage to Peter Townsend. This law was changed along with the rules regarding succession and male-preference primogeniture so that now only the top 6 individuals in the line of succession must seek approval from the reigning monarch to marry.
@Daniel Pizarro you missed some context. Tommy was retired in this scene. Michael Adeane had reached out to him to help advise on Anthony Armstrong-Jones. He returned in this scene at the request of Adeane.
There is also the fact that he indeed wasn't going to be faithful to Margaret at any point in their relationship. No need for manipulating the queen here.
Brilliant man , and Brilliant actor - Pip Torrens really nails him.
He’s having a relationship with Jackie Chan?! I didn’t know his kicks swung that way if you know what I mean.
If I were in any leadership role, I would want Tommy Lascelles as my Chief of Staff. Not afraid to be a prick, unyielding in his ethics and morals, entirely unafraid to deliver an ass kicking to people when needed. And all within the very tight confines of proper British gentleman’s behavior. This actor was masterful.
That look on Tommy's face at 1.26 says it all: "Oh dear, I really am going to have to spell it out in detail for her."
As the timeline progresses I find myself more and more convinced Lascelles was single handedly keeping the Monarchy afloat ...
Sir Alan Lascelles Is the best representation of Britain.
God I hope not. I always wanted to visit...
Tommy Lascelles wrote two books about his experience as advisor to the Royal Family from 1935 to 1953.
His description of Eddy VIII is astonishingly bad
@@keldonmcfarland2969 NO--his description of Edward VIII was spot on!
That awkward silence from Michael before Tommy gave him the all clear look is so funny it's like Michael is asking "sir, this is getting too awkward" and Tommy be like "don't worry Michael I got this."
I love the clear disapproval in Tommy’s tone as he talked about Tony’s personal life. 🤣
Pip Torrens is killing it in "The Crown"
Just bought his book, “King’s Counselor”. Looking forward to reading it. I got inspired from watching his performances in the crown. That man appeared to pull no punches.
If they were to co exist, Michael Corleone would be checking under his bed for Tommy Lascells
Even the devil himself checks under his bed for Tommy, before going to sleep.
Love his acting skill. Love the script.
I love all the scenes with Tommy Lascelles!
I love to fantasize about Tommy Lascelles confronting Meghan Markle.
Omg he would bury her and Harry...
This man was amazing! Pity we don't have more like him, and the morals and values today, that he expresses, today!
Reading his war diaries at the moment, fascinating.
Well that's a huge fucking *YIKES* from me, dawg.
What - any more pompous, homophobic and over-glorified secretaries? The dude was a fucking mediocre creep. Think about it. In this scene, he makes such a grand entrance. All for the job of spying on an artists sex life.
The greatest loss to The Queen and the country , happened the moment that Sir Alan retired. And this is my opinion based on personal knowledge and absolutely nothing to do with this TV show , The Crown. That said, Pip Torrens was superb . Pip himself, a very decent man whom stands by his convictions
“ these are just natural ones” 😂😂😂
Old timey way of saying bisexual 😂😂😂
Lascelles is also still influential today in terms of his contributions to the constitutional conventions of the UK and other Westminster system countries, a real giant.
I wish this clip was extended a little further as the Queen's face when the penny drops with regard to bisexuality is hilarious!
Interesting comment considering Lascelles was married but a closet homosexual.
@@mscott3918 no he wasnt. Absolutely nothing has been proven regards that, and it was likely made up by people looking to slander him.
with regards to his perversion...
Funny that he was first referenced by Prince Philip as being a dinosaur, and put him in a bad light in the show for me, but he quickly became one of my favorite characters
Tommy lascelles is the scariest non mafia heavy is all of television. He’s more terrifying than most mafia characters actually. He doesn’t fucking play
Yoo this man is a straight up G! My name for him is Tommy big balls, 10 toes down, Lascelles! Dis man ran the palace and low key stood on business WITH ANYONE
"Photography, I believe"!!!! This guy's wonderful.
Tommy must be the best character in this series. He is my favourite for sure.