The Queen and I: A Royal Transformation
Chapter 1: A New Reality
The Crown’s Fate
Why did the Queen resist a republican government? What did Jack Barker tell the Royal Family about their new homes? He informed them they would receive a pensioner’s bungalow, their entitlement as ordinary citizens.
A Symbolic Gesture
What did Jack Barker do with the Queen’s crown, and what did it signify? He held it aloft for all to see, symbolizing the monarchy’s end.
Chapter 2: Life in Hell Close
Introducing the Threadgolds
Beverley and Tony Threadgold are introduced. Tony wore a T-shirt and jeans; Beverley, fat and blonde, wore clothes a size too small.
The Queen’s Observations
- Foul smell (burning tires)
- Broken windows
- Damaged fences
- Rubbish-filled gardens
The Carpet Conundrum
The first problem: oversized carpets. Solution: a handyman.
Chapter 3: Troubles Mount
Trish’s Exclusion
Why wouldn’t the Queen let Trish in?
A Cold Reception
Why couldn’t the Queen warm the room? Rats.
The Queen’s Injury
How did the Queen injure herself and escape her house?
Chapter 4: Autographs and New Experiences
Diana’s Visitors
Women visited Diana seeking autographs, revealing the residents’ fascination with royalty.
Diana’s Adjustments
Diana missed her Mercedes-Benz 500SL.
Beverley’s Lesson
Beverley taught the Royal Family how to make tea.
Chapter 5: Philip’s Struggle and Philomena’s Plight
Philip’s Discontent
Philip was saddened and discouraged by his surroundings, preferring to stay indoors.
Philomena’s Meager Resources
Philomena’s limited food supplies highlight her financial struggles.
Chapter 6: Jealousy and Anne’s Uniqueness
Diana’s Distress
Diana’s jealousy led her to decide to gain weight.
Anne’s Distinction
How did Anne differ from her family?
Chapter 7: Financial Woes and Unexpected Friendship
The Queen’s Urgent Need for Money
- Borrowed money for gas
- No food or heating
- Imminent power outage
- Empty fridge and cupboards
Fitzroy’s Promise
How did Fitzroy keep his promise about betting shops?
An Unlikely Bond
The Queen Mother and Fitzroy’s mutual fondness stemmed from a shared moment of kindness.
Chapter 8: Bureaucratic Hurdles and Canine Hunger
Denied Payment
The Queen couldn’t get emergency payment due to her short residency.
Desperate Measures
The Queen secured money, driven by her dog’s hunger.
Contrasting Customers
Compare the butcher’s treatment of his two customers.
Chapter 9: School Struggles and Diana’s Despair
Conflicting Priorities
Diana and Charles disagreed on how to spend their limited funds.
Marigold Road Junior School’s Problems
Summarize the school’s issues (e.g., outdoor toilets, lack of resources).
Diana’s Sadness
Diana’s sadness stemmed from her lack of social life and deteriorating appearance.
Chapter 10: Spiggy’s Kindness and Edward’s Retreat
Spiggy’s Compassion
Spiggy’s act of making a coffin for the Queen Mother showed his kindness.
Edward’s Escape
Prince Edward sought refuge at Grimstone Towers mental hospital.
Jack Barker’s Proposed Changes
Jack Barker planned to reduce taxes and increase funding for social services.
Chapter 11: Unstable Neighbors and Royal Turmoil
The Threadgolds’ Instability
Trish McPherson considered the Threadgolds unstable due to Beverley’s aggressive behavior.
The Queen’s Mounting Problems
The Queen’s life was filled with financial worries, family issues, and a delinquent dog.
Trish’s Unread Letter
What would Trish have realized if she had read the letter?
Chapter 12: Courtroom Drama and Royal Detachment
Charles’s Attire
The Queen was angry with Charles’s courtroom appearance.
Emotional Restraint
Diana perceived the Royal Family as unemotional due to their stoicism in court.
Charles’s Letters
Charles planned to write letters about prison conditions.
Chapter 13: Anne’s Equestrian Skills and Sayako’s Wealth
Anne’s Expertise
What demonstrated Anne’s experience with horses?
Charles’s Prison Problems
Charles faced issues due to the governor’s preferential treatment.
Sayako’s Affluence
Sayako’s manageress, limousine, and hotel stay indicated her wealth.
Chapter 14: Longing for Freedom, Admiration, and Humor
Charles’s Desire for Escape
Charles yearned for freedom while looking out of his cell window.
Diana’s Attraction to Fitzroy
Diana admired Fitzroy’s appearance, manners, and kindness to his mother.
Diana’s Wit
Diana’s joke about Anne’s hat showcased her sense of humor.
Chapter 15: Spiggy’s Act of Kindness and Neighborly Support
Spiggy’s Compassion
Spiggy’s coffin-making for the Queen Mother demonstrated his kindness.
Neighbors’ Kindness
The neighbors’ support during the Queen Mother’s funeral highlighted their warmth.
Charles’s Escape Plan
Charles prepared to escape while the guard was occupied.
Chapter 16: Royal Chaos and a Farewell Gathering
Jack Barker’s Actions
What evidence suggested Jack Barker had misspent the Japanese funds?
Family in Disarray
The Royal Family faced numerous problems: Philip’s hospitalization, Charles’s escape, Andrew’s absence, Edward’s disappearance, Anne’s relationship, Diana’s possible affair, and unruly children.
A Potential Goodbye Party
Why did the Queen decide to host a party, and why did she consider it a potential farewell?
Chapter 17: Barker’s Confession and Sayako’s Misstep
Barker’s Revelation
Jack Barker’s announcement had significant implications for Britain.
Balcony Upsets
What events on the Buckingham Palace balcony disturbed the Queen?
Sayako’s Blunder
Sayako’s attempt to win public favor by holding Harry backfired.