The Crown (TV Series)

The Balmoral Test (2020)

Gillian Anderson: Margaret Thatcher

Photos 

Quotes 

• Margaret Thatcher : I do hope you enjoyed your holiday.

  Queen Elizabeth II : Very much. Scotland in the summer is such a blessing. I'm always mystified by those that don't feel at home at Balmoral. Some people just don't. They come and are bewildered by it, by the weather and traditions. They see only cruelty in the blood sports instead of kindness or necessity. But there have been blood sports here too I notice. You have a brand-new cabinet.

  Margaret Thatcher : I have.

  Queen Elizabeth II : Mostly older ministers that were culled.

  Margaret Thatcher : Yes, although it wasn't just their age that decided it.

  Queen Elizabeth II : Rather?

  Margaret Thatcher : Their background, mostly. And lack of grit, as a consequence of their privilege and entitlement.

  Queen Elizabeth II : Always a mistake to assume just because people are privileged, they lack grit. And a dangerous game, I think, to make enemies, left, right, and center.

  Margaret Thatcher : Not if one is comfortable with having enemies.

  Queen Elizabeth II : Are you?

  Margaret Thatcher : Oh yes. Inspired by the words of the Chartist poet Charles Mackay. "You have no enemies, you say?: "Alas! My friend, the boast is poor." "He, who has mingled in the fray Of duty, that the brave endure, Must have made foes! If you have none, Small is the work that you have done." "You've hit no traitor on the hip, You've dashed no cup from perjured lip, You've never turned the wrong to right, You've been a coward in the fight."