Hey there, folks. Let's dive into the world of Netflix’s hit drama, The Crown, where history and storytelling blend seamlessly. You might have noticed how the show captures Queen Elizabeth’s life with both accuracy and a dash of creative flair. But what about the friendship between Queen Elizabeth and the late Reverend Billy Graham? Is it fact or fiction? Let’s find out.
The Royal Connection: Elizabeth Meets Billy Graham
In the sixth episode of The Crown’s second season, we see Queen Elizabeth watching Billy Graham's sermon on TV alongside her mother, the Queen Mother. She’s completely captivated by him. Later, she even tells Prince Philip that she finds the young evangelist "quite handsome." Now, this isn’t just a dramatic addition—it’s rooted in reality. Queen Elizabeth and Billy Graham were genuinely close in real life, according to People magazine. They visited each other whenever their paths crossed in the UK or the US.
A Warm and Informal Bond
Reverend Billy Graham, who passed away at the age of 99 in 2018, shared his fond memories of the Queen in his 1997 autobiography, Just As I Am. He wrote, "No one in Britain has been more cordial toward us than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II." Their interactions were often in relaxed, intimate settings like lunches or dinners, sometimes with just a few family members or close friends. This personal connection gives us a glimpse into the warmth of their relationship, far from the formalities of royal life.
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Graham believed that the Queen’s strong faith was deeply influenced by her mother’s devoutness, a fact corroborated by The Crown’s historical consultant, Robert Lacey. He mentioned that Elizabeth’s mother would kneel by her bedside every night to pray, setting an example for the young princess. It’s said that the Queen follows this tradition even today, reflecting her deep spiritual roots.
Religious Reflections: The Queen’s Faith
It seems Queen Elizabeth has a deep understanding of her faith. In his book, Billy Graham recounts an interesting moment after preaching at Windsor. During lunch, he mentioned he had almost chosen a sermon about the healing of the crippled man in John 5. The Queen's eyes lit up with excitement. "I wish you had!" she exclaimed. "That is my favorite story." This anecdote highlights her engagement with religious teachings and her personal connection to specific biblical narratives.
Peter Morgan’s Take: The Best Bit of Writing
Creator Peter Morgan considers the scenes between Elizabeth and Billy Graham as "the best bit of writing" in Season 2. These episodes explore Elizabeth’s desire to deepen her Christian faith. They also touch on her reflections about forgiveness—a central theme of Christianity—at a time when she is grappling with whether to forgive her uncle for his controversial past, including meetings with Nazis. Morgan cleverly weaves these themes together, making the storyline resonate on multiple levels.
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