Beneath The Crown: The True Story of Sydney Johnson | Netflix
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- Sydney Johnson was the longtime personal valet to Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor. A key figure and storyline in The Crown season 5, this is his incredible true story.
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Beneath The Crown: The True Story of Sydney Johnson | Netflix
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Diana and Charles wage a media war. The monarchy's role is up for debate. Welcome to the '90s - and Queen Elizabeth II's biggest challenge to date.
I'm not going to lie. Watching the story of Sidney Johnson was a complete surprise. I had never heard about him or his story, but I loved the portrayal. In the end, watching Mohamed Al-Fayed mourn the death of a friend rather than an employee struck my feelings. I hope Sidney had that connection with everyone he met.
I had heard of him but not much. I knew the duke's valet was black and he took care of the duke and was with him and was caregiver to him when he became ill and was with him when he died. The duchess wasn't but she was already in the beginning of dementia. People want to blame her for that, but I suspect she did not understand he was dying. I know she survived the duke by almost 14 years but she was bedridden and fed by tube for the last 9 years of her life because her condition had deteriorated so much, she no longer knew how to swallow without choking. If she had not been fed by tube, she would have died only a few years after her husband. I think that is so wrong to tube feed someone who is completely incapacitated with no hope of getting better. I have in my living will I do not want that if I develop dementia. My father died of dementia, after choking on baby food he was fed because he had trouble swallowing. At that point he could no longer walk, did not speak, did not even watch TV, just stared into space, he did not even know us. So even though as I was heartbroken when he passed, I knew it was a blessing.
@@peachygal4153 It's a shame we don't know more about what's more important. He was dedicated his life to his job and missed out on his family life, very sad. Pleased to see the bandage removed and mou mou's experience of black was not what he was thinking.😄
Peachy :How much of that story is true😴?
@@peachygal4153Yeah. People with dementia attack and disown their own children. It’s highly likely her faculties were just gone.
The Duchess was a racist
This was so unexpected and my favourite episode to be honest.
Really? Al Fayed suddenly embraced one particular black guy (people he considered inferior), because he thought that this particular 'black guy' could teach him how to fit into British royalty?
@@liisaks1 … you clearly either did not watch the episode or did not understand it at all
@@liisaks1 Alfayes thinking people are below him, but then being humbled. Later that same man he thought was nothing becomes his everything, having walked worked and socialized with the people he could only dream of.
it was for me too!!!! it was soo good
Yeah but, the episode is suppose to be part in season 4 in the late 80s, so it could be delay.
His episode left me in tears. The bond the men had created was so tight, it was so heartbreaking to see when Sydney began to get sick. He deserved this episode as you said. May Sydney RIP and know his memory will never be forgotten now as it's cemented in history.
It's fictionalized 😂 how does anybody ( apart from themselves ) what kind of bond there really was ?🙄
@@mrmartin2079 Be that as it may, he still worked for the Duke of Winsor for 32 years. It is unlikely that there wasn't a mutual regard and appreciation.
@@mrmartin2079 I looked it up. I did my research thank you and there was such a bond.
He deserved this episode
Same here, although the Crown is fiction, there are large parts of history and true stories embedded in it and this one was so incredibly touching 💚💚💚💚
It's great we get to see more stories like this of people who are not from the royal family specifically!
Honestly this was my favorite episode of the series. The change of perspective was definitely welcome.
@@precariousworlds3029 garbage! it's like Friends without the friends.. " change of perspective" no wonder the review plummet
@@angelabby2379 I totally disagree. The episode was a welcome breath of fresh air from the inevitable Charles and Diana train wreck hurtling at full speed. Also, you would be well advised to express your opinions with more consideration and manners.
Whichever way you look at it, the paparazzi make sure that the Royal family is put through the wringer and left to dry, if it wasn’t so tragic it would be laughable.
I agree
What I love about the crown is we learn the stories of people around the royal family which we don’t normally know about
Remember the crown is 1/2 true. People who were there dispute some of this
Very true
@@katemiller7874 But Al Fayed hasn’t complained yet 😉
@@miral9241 🤣 true he still salty
@@katemiller7874 I'm sure a lot, if not most people Google later to find how much of it's true. That's why there is so much content trending made on it when the season first airs.
This story - this episode, was without a doubt the best of the whole season. Balled my eyes out. I especially appreciate the time and care the creators took to tell this story.
*bawled
Absolutely
Take it easy.
Brilliant episode. Sidney proved that one can be regal without a crown. He was poised, eloquent, humble, kind & majestic in his being.
I'm pretty sure you're "Regal without a Crown"....Sir just for that statement. 👑👍🏾👍🏾
I named my daughter Regal 👑
You could tell the sense of pride and reverence Sydney had from being with the Duke. Then to see the joy of getting to pass that on when he’s handing Mohamed the books. I loved that scene.
I loved Sydney and the actor who played it. He was so kind-hearted and polite. One of the best episodes.
Yes, and a man of integrity.
What I feel amazed about was that both Mohammed Al Fayed & Sidney were outsiders to the aristocracy world, being despised for their social status & skin color, they managed to be a part of that world in the end. That episode is like a My fair lady- like episode, Fayed did become a upper-class gentleman in the end, with help from Sydney .
And it also remind me of episode of Princess Alice in Season 3, less well-known figure in history fulfilled their duty till the end of their life.
You did not understand anything.
The only gentleman was Sydney. Fayed is a slimy pos with money who tried to buy his way into the British aristocracy.
Believe me that the 'aristocrats' all came from 'nothing' is one goes far enough in their past. Their status is man-made.
So in the beginning Al Fayed was brown and prejudice go figure🤔.
@@leono7380 You make a ridiculous post but are unable to reply to a simple question. What’s the problem?
As a Bahamian this story made me squeal with delight. Character and excellence will always magnify a person’s impact even if they fills what others see as a humble role. So proud of you Sidney 💙💛🖤🇧🇸
I guess Sidney is a popular Bahamian name. Sidney Poitier came to mind. My dad's name was also Sidney.
I so agree. I'm also more than a little proud of my fellow Igbo tribesman (and superb actor) Jude Akuwudike, who played the older Sidney so movingly in the latest series.
How wonderful.
Yes .242 🇧🇸 to the world
I just finished the season and this was the only episode I cried in. Such a remarkable man, I'm so happy part of his story was told on screen
And yet Sydney was still in servants' clothes at the last reception....
@@liisaks1 even though duchess sacked him after passing of duke, he still treated the job with utmost professionalism and pride, in months before his departure from world .
@@liisaks1 I guess we will never know for sure but he seemed like he wanted to wear the outfit. It bothered me too.
I can't find this episode can anyone tell what episode this is?
Seems like he took great pride in his role that he had for 30 years and wanted to wear the outfit.
I think the respect, attentiveness and care the producers of 'The Crown' took in interweaving Sydney's story into the overall fabric of the series was an act of remarkable grace and chivalry. I was not familiar beforehand of the tale of Mr. Johnson and, as it unfolded, I found it equally enthralling and delightful. The level of humanity reflected in the presentation of his story was refreshing and endearing. I was moved.
Whenever I convince people to watch the crown and they refuse to, I simply tell them to watch the episode “mu-mu”. The humanity of Al Fayed towards Sydney is beautiful and so was their friendship.
That’s theater. AlFayed was notoriously biased against Black people. He used Sydney to learn the ways of the English
Jude Akuwudike’s portrayal was brilliant!
A seriously underrated actor!
I agree. I can't believe I had never even heard of him until this series.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
He is also in the tv show Gangs of London
So true ; his portrayal of his character down to the accent showed the depth of his mastery of the craft. Truly astonishing! I’m so proud !
He's going to be in the new little mermaid
If it weren’t for Netflix, I would have never learned about this man and his amazing story.
Why do people hate the Crown? I don’t see it.
It's because they want us to focus on what they spoonfeed us to and the narratives they carefully crafted. The crown lifts the veil on this. They USED teenager Diana and messed up her life, now homewrecker is queen and they hate that truth is exposed to the new generation.
People hated it for being a royalist or republican propaganda . But in no regards of politics , we only see complicated portraits of different people during that period. From Queen to ordinary people (Aberfan , Fagan episode), politicians (Churchill & thatcher) to nun (Princess Alice ), I really enjoy watching the show .
@@s20031102 you do realise that they relied heavily on artistic licence and it is not historically true.
@@bluebutterfly4594 the showrunners have never claimed that The Crown is a true story, but are based on true events. What we have seen so far from the episode 1 of season 1 up to the current season are all imagined conversations, imagined dialogue that are meant to be taken with a grain of salt
@@bluebutterfly4594 The Crown production team published a book by Historian, to demonstrate the difference between history & show. Peter Morgan did his research and presented his own version of Royal history. But the importance is that he raised our interest in British history and politics during that time. And Peter did present the portraits of different figures encompassing all social statuses, like Monty Python in session 2, the Moon-landing astronauts in season 3.
RIP Mr. Johnson, now your life’s story will never be forgotten, I can only imagine how proud your children and grandchildren must be. Mr. Johnson lived a truly remarkable life and made the absolute best of what life in his situation had to offer. This episode was beautiful and touching and I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks that.
I ❤️ how the Crown depicted Sydney's expertise in British society mannerisms/culture. At first, I was pissed with Al-Fayed for discriminating against him. The scene before that, AL Fayed himself had been discriminated against by the French. To see him do that b/c Sydney was Black was extremely upsetting. But to see them bond and become friends was great. Still, I wonder was Sydney's influence enough to change AL Fayed's perception of all Black people b/c he never would've allowed Sydney into his life, if it weren't for the knowledge he taught him. 🤔
I think it was sad to see but also a realistic depiction IMO
Well said! My thoughts exactly 💯
Mmmmmm to be fair Mrs. Ritz's rejection to Al Fayed's proposal had valid points, he did not have experience in the hotel industry, his finances were a little unconventional and the Ritz's reputation mattes a lot to her!
He was still a racist as many of the black employees at Harrods will tell you.
I think it did change his perception because he came to appreciate Sydney as a true friend.
This was my favourite episode of this season, what a loving gentleman, I'm so happy that they decided to portray his story, many people that dedicated their lives to serve were remarcable, as they say in La Vita e Bella "You're serving. You're not a servant. Serving is a supreme art. God is the first servant. God serves men but he's not a servant to men". What an inspiring life he led.
Sydney Johnson was truly a remarkable man. For anyone questioning The Crown and it’s fact vs fiction screenplay, it’s a drama not a factual documentary series, and I think it’s amazing, especially that it has shone a light on Sydney and his quiet achievements ❤ In a time where a person of Sydney’s heritage would have had huge barriers against them, he was able to hold his head proudly and be the very best of men ❤I found this particular episode of The Crown very moving indeed.
Well, the personal conversations are fiction, but the major events are accurate in The Crown
@@lindseystein9676 No they are not. The ex Prime Minister John Major issued a statement saying that the scene in which he and Charles collude to try and get the Queen to abdicate was 'categorically untrue' and simply didn't happen. His office then issued a statement '“Discussions between the monarch and prime minister are entirely private and-for Sir John-will always remain so. But not one of the scenes you depict are accurate in any way whatsoever. They are fiction, pure and simple.”
Lovely story
The Crown, like the musical "Hamilton" are historical fiction that contain just enough historical fact to get people interested in history without being boring. They're definitely not good as sources, but they are fun to watch.
I loved Al Fayed and Sydney's storie, they did really well with this season by introducing more people other than the family.
best episode of the series 5 ...showing how Mou Mou and Dodi's humanity attracted the humanist, Princess Diana, is a beautiful episode. I found myself crying a lot during the episode because of how much Mou Mou loved his son, Dodi. And sadly, most of us know Dodi's and Diana's fate. Such a tragedy. I feel horrible for Moiu Moun; what an amazing human he was. And not to mention the story of Sydney Johnson, another story of a beautiful human
@@Owlnow6 Episode 3
Humanity? Didn't Mohamed initially have Sydney sacked because of very obvious biases and only had him back in service because he had an agenda? He did grow fond of him eventually but still.
@@magicmarvel If that was your take away from the episode, I would suggest watching it again.
@@magicmarvel Mohamed was a pick me racist......
@@magicmarvel in incredibly simple words for you,
mohamed started out racist in this episode, he was close minded with only one goal in mind which was to fit in.
the british are notably racist and he thought that sydney wouldn’t fit in and would tarnish this image he was trying to build for himself.
although i have to mention that egyptians as well are a bit racist.
in the end of the episode we see mohamed a changed man, keep in mind that the episode’s time period wasn’t just a year. these events all happened throughout years.
by the end mohamed understands that no matter how hard he tries he’s still going to be a type of outsider, he’s still not enough. mohamed has a bigger heart and he doesn’t care as much, he didn’t have the same type of aggression he had in the beginning.
it’s a gradual character development.
if you missed that then you missed the entire point of the episode. the mohamed in the beginning of the episode would be EXTREMELY displeased if he was sat next to diana instead of the queen while at the end mohamed doesn’t care as much and he’s satisfied. the fact that he got into diana’s heart shows us how he developed as a person.
“The story of Sydney Johnson and Al-Fayed is one of outsiders treating each other with dignity, respect and grace all while their societal “betters” treat everyone they encounter like garbage.”
This episode brought me to tears. I desperately want to learn more about him. I hope Netflix will bring his story to the screen as a separate film. Rest In Peace Mr. Johnston 🙏🏾❤
yep, his lifestory is incredibly interesting. A drama would be great
I immediately Googled Sydney after this episode. Loved it! He really was a treasure.
❤I literally did the same thing I had to know what he really looked like and more about him
"dislike to hiring black employees" IT'S CALLED RACISM ! Tell the word
Right
You’re a grown adult I hope. You should know it’s racism without being told so.
Said as if it were a plausible sentiment. Shocking
*SAY the word… Learn how to speak, for goodness sake!!!
@@idontgiveafaboutyou we're both adults. It's okay we can say the word
We have 3 men. 1 abdicated, 1 wanted the approval of the royal family, 1 through service brought out the similarities between each of them… loved this episode…
VERY well said!!!
This episode - "Mou Mou" - touches brilliance, and is as rewatchable as past episodes like "Aberfan" "Vergangenheit" "Beryl" and "Dear Mrs. Kennedy". Watch for the so-called 'Dangerous Corner' moment (ref Priestley) when Elizabeth at the Westminster Horse Show says "Oh, there's Porchey" and goes to her right instead of her left.....which may have changed history.
I'm a big history buff and this story caught me by surprise, and it definitely is a story that needed to be told.
This is basically an episode of Downton Abby that was made for the Crown. We Americans find the direct comparisons between the Nobility and the common man fascinating. This episode gives you a beautiful insight on British High Society through the lense of an outsider. BRAVO!
But not about racism?
I do wish Sydney Johnson had written a book. Nothing salacious but just to let us into the world of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
As a black man it always surprises me when someone who is steps from being black themselves would have a bias hiring blacks. (al fayed) I take his admiration with a grain of salt as essentially he grew attached to him as he was being "served" not exactly an equal relationship
Al Fayed was racist towards the Black employees of Harrods.
Agreed, it's best to not give cookies to racists who do the bare minimum by being nice to servants.
@@kirsten_305 And Nazis too.
The sad part is, even though Mohammad was from Africa, Egypt, he looked down on darker tone skin . Sad 😢
North Africans, most of them mixed with European blood, look down on those of us from West, East...of Africa! SHAMEFUL indeed!
Sub saharans and North Africas are indeed different
Egypt is an arabic country and many arabs and other asian countries look down on black people.
Sydney Johnson is my favorite part in Season 5. It really made me cry.
God bless his beautiful soul ❤
This 3rd episode of Season 5 is the best one I've seen. Magnificent.
Sydney sounds like an amazing, elegant, intelligent person. Love the story.
This episode touched me deeply. It was one of the best. I was shocked to discover it was all true. What a remarkable man and fascinating story. It's sad that the royal household barred black employees and still continues to discriminate in their hiring practices. It makes me lose respect for the Queen who allowed that to continue. But I'm so happy to learn of Sydney Johnson. Thanks to the Crown for spotlighting his story.
Fascinating! Sydney was a real life shadow...who lived his entire life in the shadows. So heavy in every way. I wonder if he was ever truly happy being the" other" all of his life, although he seemed to have had more class and grace than all of the royals and world leaders put together. What a kind, good man he was. Wow
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I just watched this episode and it was simply perfect. I loved getting to know Sydney and I would definitely watch a whole show about his story. The actors that played both Sydney and Mohamed made a great duo together.
I wished he said sorry to him though
Which episode and season are you referring to?
This storyline saved this season. Episode 3 was absolutely impeccable.
i wasn't convinced that i wouldn't be disappointed with season 5 until this episode came along. the show is definitely on form.
So far, this is my favorite episode of the season. I love the ones where they talk about the lesser known stories.
What a beautiful tribute to this gentlemen. ❤ I’m so glad they made this episode.
One of the best episodes of the crown! It just goes to show you that the people that are behind the scenes can be an important part of someone’s life. Who knew??!! I would like to know how his wife and children are doing now.
His wife died. Did he remarry? Would love to know what happened to his kids and I hope Fayed paid him a lot of money.
I’m really glad this great previously unknown figure had some of his story brought to life. I applaud the show runners for this. Sydney was pure class.
I'm from The Bahamas and never knew about him. I knew the duke and duchess of windsor were here but never knew about their staff. It took this show to reveal that too me. He had such an interesting life.
Im glad they talked about Sydney
I was greatly overwhelmed by this story so unexpectedly in this particular episode. I shed tears while watching this episode. So much kindness and love and connection between a servant and a master. The Duke of Windsor and Mr. Muhammad Al Fayed shared common respect and treatment for their servant/employee. Sydney Johnson was a true and loyal servant even to his death. Couldn't believe Mr. Al Fayed left in tears upon his death. I wish Netflix will have more stories like this.❤️
Sydney’s story was the best part of this season in my opinion. I am so glad I got to learn about him
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I was conflicted by this episode. We are conditioned to believe that working in a service capacity is demeaning, but Sydney was portrayed with such grace and humanity. It was ultimately very endearing, though I believe he deserved better opportunities. He seemed to be a very loyal intelligent man.
The Al fayed and Sydney's episode is perhaps the best one in the crown S5.
It was great to see another story of someone who was a real person. Also great so see a personal side of Edward too. Wonder what happened to their home and if it was true as we saw
Great story! You forgot to mention Queen Victoria and her life-long friendship with "Munshi". I got this from the internet: "Mohammed Abdul Karim CVO CIE (1863 - 20 April 1909), also known as " the Munshi ", was an Indian attendant of Queen Victoria. He served her during the final fourteen years of her reign, gaining her maternal affection over that time. Karim was born the son of a hospital assistant at Lalitpur, near Jhansi in British India."
If I never hear the word Munshi uttered again, I will be happy. In that movie, they say it at least 10000 times.
Queen Victoria also adopted a black princess from Africa after the Portuguese killed her family.
What y'all fail to understand it's that there is no real friendship in this type of relationship. For theses royals espacially in Europe it's like having pets or exotic creature . Just like they're ancestors were keeping drawfs and "freaks" at the court. It's much more complex than a cute friendship for them it's to have the special one , the one in 10000. Don't put your coumbaya , non political antiracism filtre on theses tories.
@@the8thchurch461 how humane if only her armies were not roaming Earth invading countries left n right.
It’s amazing he was looked down upon due to his race but could only welcome him because they could benefit from him . Again, a black person in a servant role. History is still real today.
well, yes, but also trusted advisor. And the fact is, he didn't have money whereas the royal family and Al-Fayed did, so their respective positions weren't necessarily because of race but because of economic difference. That's not to excuse Al-Fayed's original ignorant racism though. And the Queen's restriction on hiring ethnic minorities is suprising given how much importance she attached to the Commonwealth.
His story left a tear in my eyes as I watched the episode
I had no idea that Sydney Johnson was a Bahamian man. I don’t like the idea of any POC working for the royal family, I appreciate his hard work. Mohamed Al fayed however, is awful. He discriminated against Sydney and only gained interest once he found out who he was.
He wasn’t a slave, but the highest paid employee for the the former king. Why should this be a bad thing? And yes, Al Fayed was racist, but he was humbled in the end
The Windsors were pretty racist too. As we know, they were Nazi supporters and Prince Edward said some horrible things about Bahamians. He said this in a letter when he visited the Caribbean: "It looks a proper bum island this Barbados. It's a unique sort of scenery very ugly & I don't take much to the coloured population who are revolting." He also said some crazy stuff when he visited Sierra Leone something about a Black priest leading service being disgusting because of his dark brown skin.
Sydney was just ‘one of the good ones’ to them, much like Al Fayed's way of thinking. Sydney took the opportunities available to him at the time, but I can't imagine working for Al Fayed or the Windsors.
Sometimes you have to work for the people in power that you don't like in order to get what you want. They have literally taken/stolen everything so in order to get some of it back, you have to deal with them directly in a subservient role unfortunately.
Fey Rol: In fairness the ex King also said the exact same kinds of things about his own family and the Royal courtiers. He spoke with venom about many people, called them repulsive, ugly, cold, common, viscous, grotesque etc. Watch series 1, it was his resentment about needing to abdicate and being posted to the Caribbean before then being exiled and needing to live in Paris
Fey Rol: The Windsors including the Queens grandparents, the Queen Mother, etc were racist, Churchill was racist and said far more vile things about Africans and Indians, and Arabs. The ex King was less so, spoke with more venom about his own family being ugly and repulsive than anyone else.
This episode was fantastic, both these actors gave Oscar worthy performances! Anita is also a brilliant presenter, very engaging and warm.
Just read a book about the Traitor King. After the Duke of Windsor died his wife died. He had several children and asked Mrs Simpson could he leave at 5pm . She said yes and then said if he did leave at 5:00 pm don’t come back. And he didn’t ever come back.
This is one of the best episodes of the entire series.
I was so happy you guys told his story, this is one of the best episode of The Crown.
One of my favorite episodes of the Crown S5!!! 😭🥳 May Sydney Johnson rest in peace for everything he has done through this career. ❤
I started out hating this episode but by the end I loved it. Accurate portrayal how exposure to different people helps you to become empathetic towards different people.
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This episode was beautiful and heartbreaking to watch at the same time
Just finished episode 3 and wow, my favorite of the season and one of my favorites of the series as a whole.... I needed more of Mou and Sidney
In my opinion one of the best episodes I've seen, Sydney Johnson was a true Adel mensch, his dedication to the abdicated King was amazing 👏 a steadfast man who took pride in every aspect of his service and never saw it as a job but an honour.
Too often we label and negate each other, Sydney would have saw a side of the abdicated King that we didn't and perhaps this is why he was resolute in his capacity, either way its only my opinion as an observer but Sydney has my respect and admiration. 👍🖖👌👊👏
Too bad the abdicated King's wife didn't show the same dedication to Sydney Johnson that Sydney had shown to them. Neither did Edward, really; $30,000 is a pittance in the larger scheme of things.
What a tremendous treasure he was indeed. I wish Sydney had written a memoir of his experiences. Although he wouldn't it would have been a fascinating story. God bless, Sydney.
I BALLLLEEEED my eyes out at his episode, rest easy Sydney 🕊️🕊️
The actor should be nominated for something, even if he isn’t in the show long enough for a supporting actor nod. Like others have said, this episode was totally unexpected and a slight detour in story but ended up as one if not the best of the season.
I'd love to see a movie just about him. Honestly this was the best episode this season.
His story stood out the most this season for me and was by far my favourite episode. Glad this video was done as my initial google search didnt produce much results 🙌🏼
This was one of my favourite episodes!
Also, that shot of the narrator’s heels matching the slippers in the scene just before where Sydney was fussing over 👠
This was one of the most touching shows of the entire series . Mad respect for the writers, I’m American but this brought me to tears
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Wish the show had mentioned that Sydney had his own family. He seemed like such a sad individual.
the entire family was 'Sad'.....always irritable, always miserable.....the entire family IS SAD
CLASS personified! Thank you @Netflix for SHOWCASING this MAN of honor! sleep well Sydney. NEVER forgotten!
I'm so happy this story is being told. His story should not be in the shadows.
Netflix.. Please make a film about Sydney J.. Think every body is interested in this man's journey through his life.. He deserves that much.. It would be sooo interesting.
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this was such a change of pace. itll be interesting to see how they tell more stories around and not just about the royal family
This story was very interesting and I hope Mr. Johnson is resting peacefully and his family has been compensated. I understand that he took that chance as an opportunity out, BUT their treatment of him was probably a lot worst than what he puts on. Also, outside of lack of opportunities, idk why any POC would wanna work for them. They literally treat their own descendants who are possibly a third black, terribly.
Was he kept in chains and on bread and water?
@@a.t.c.3862 boo 🍅🍅🍅
You said it, lack of opportunities. It's because of people like him you and I even have opportunities today. Now scotus wants to do away with affirmative action. The further each generation is removed from the struggle we think they had it easy.
Pray, which descendants are a third black please?
@@the8thchurch461 Queen Charlottes ancestry means that the Royals have some black ancestry that was linked to the Black branch of the Portuguese royal family (Moors). It's an extremely distant relation but I suspect Charlotte to have passed (presented) as White, with minimal Black features. I believe it was the racism at that time towards her that led contemporaries of that time to describe her as plain, never as beautiful, which is highly unusual verbiage to describe a Queen of England. Just something to consider. An interesting possibility that is likely true
Sidney truly was a treasure💚💚💚💚May he rest in peace reunited with his loved ones
His story really touched me and made me tear up. 💛
What I find ironic is that while AlFayed always condemns the BRF as being racist, he himself is a racist! However, he seems to have ‘overlooked’ the colour of Sydney’s skin as he served his agenda to become a quintessential English ‘gentleman’, especially as he was his employer. I hope Sydney had a fulfilling life, he seems to have been a very kind, loyal and dedicated man, whose work ethic was commendable.
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I just binged season 4 of the crown and I thought the story of Sydney Johnson was one of the best episodes
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Such humility to do a job like that without resentment. Sydney is truly more admirable than all those he served ...in his next life he will be king and they will be his servants
How is not hiring blacks more admirable
What an extraordinary man Sidney was.
I am in awe of him.
I just watch the episode tonight and found this on YT. What a wonderful story is this of Sydney. I have never heard of it and this is one of the reason I love this show because it brings these details that were never brought to most of us attention. Well done!
it was one of the best episodes of the crown!!!!!!! loved the relationship he had with the ex king and al fayad sooo good
Thank you for putting His Story in the “SPOTLIGHT”🙏🏾….My Grandmother told me about him…The HE was the Man behind the king.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I was truly curious if Sidney was real after watching the episode and I'm glad to know he was. Especially after knowing The Duke of Windsors history I'm glad that he gave Sydney a chance and taught him and he became a beloved member of the staff.
Hello Amanda , how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
Thank you for this wonderful video! When I watched this season I was so curious about this man. It brought me to tears when he passed. He should be remembered always as a valuable part of history! RIP Sydney.
Hello Susan, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
This lady is fabulous the segments are so informative.
Hello Pam, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
“disliked hiring black employees”
Is calling him racist so hard???
The episode I didn't know I needed. It was the best episode by far.
I was bawling at the look on sydneys face when al fayed told him to leave from the hotel opening🥺
It felt so random to see a background character to get his own episode but I’m glad we did. It was almost like Fagan in series 4, a step outside the royal family
We are all of the same value and being a gentleman is about how we care for others with compassion. The Duke and Mr Fayed showed a lot of that. Mr Johnson was remarkable...
What a beautiful biography,narrated so wonderfully by Anita.
Many thanks.
As someone who's from Nassau, Bahamas. This really touched me.
Would’ve been nice to see Sydney Johnson’s story through the lens of, you know, Sydney Johnson. He was made into a prop. The show didn’t portray him as a fully realized human with thoughts and feelings, we didn’t see how he truly felt about Edward and Wallis and we saw even less about his relationship with Mohammad. We don’t know his feelings about the royal family as a Bahamian. We’re not shown anything about his life prior to Edward, we know nothing about him. All we see is a man who *likes* to be a servant, was given a life by a kind white man who could tolerate him, has no inner conflict, and silently suffers indignities from his employers while straightening their shoes. The Crown’s writers treated him as if he was one of the furniture servants in Beauty and the Beast.
Well said. However this is typical in this industry. Those funding the productions are mindful of their audience and "maximum yield on their investments. The current demographic is more comfortable with the subservient role of minorities, than "as a fully realized human" Very Sad indeed.
@@denniswilliams3934 such a missed opportunity too. It would’ve been a better episode had the writers actually confronted their own biases.
@@leannswan5029 Hello Leann, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
A quiet professional, a stately steward, a dedicated gentleman, a decent man. A shining beacon amidst the darkness of modern nobility. The finest qualities of professionalism laid bare to a world few have seen, and fewer still will ever know.
His story would be an incredible movie!
His character Arc in the series was so heartwarming. I am glad to know that it was a real man. You know how these shows are you don't know what is real and what is added for entertainment value
"Mou Mou" was actually my favorite episode. And I'm glad that Sydney Johnson's storyline was written with respect. And it also showcased that no matter how much money you have, if you are a person of color trying to penetrate the barriers of a White aristocratic society, these elitists will still see you as inferior to them. Money never stops a racist from plying their trade. Mohammed al-Fayed exhibited racism toward Sydney Johnson at first, only to find out he needed him later. Some non-Black people of color also have anti-Blackness. Sydney Johnson's story should become a film, because his career trajectory is fascinating. Rest Well Mr. Johnson, you deserve it.
Al Fayed WAS racist towards Black employees of Harrods.
Al Fayed is Egyptian and there are many Egyptians who don’t like black people so I’m not really surprised.