The Lady (2026) s01e01 Episode Script

1
Morning, sir.
On the top floor.
Thanks.
Uniforms are talking
to the neighbours.
It's a pretty bad one.
Right. We're going to need
to speak to friends and family.
Sure.
Apparently there's a live-in girlfriend,
Jane Andrews.
But nobody's seen her.
Britain and the world will celebrate
the wedding of the Prince
and Princess of Wales.
Just after half past 10,
from Clarence House
came the glass coach,
and our first chance
to see Lady Diana.
Dress half lace.
Veil tantalizingly low.
The bride's procession passed
under Admirality Arch
towards the roar
of the Trafalgar Square crowd.
And so Lady Diana,
in that truly stunning dress,
is well and truly launched on
her way to the cathedral.
As the British people celebrate
their new princess,
it's like something
out of a fairy tale.
Well, they're going
to cheer until they're hoarse.
And they're not going to let them go in
until they've had the proper…
- Oh, for God's sake.
- Now what's this shit?
- I'm not watching this.
- Turn it off, Jane.
- No.
- Yes!
- No! Don't change it!
- Get off me!
Why would you do that,
you stupid cow? That hurt!
- Stop! Enough! I don't care!
- Mum!
You're gonna do what
your mother says, you!
Andrew, you might
as well go as well. Go.
Bloody psycho.
She looks so beautiful.
And so happy.
So she should.
She's set for life.
And I'm sure every girl in the land
will dream of being a princess today.
Now, this one
also comes in white.
But I always think the ivory
is ever so elegant.
There you go.
It's nice.
I find lace
can scratch a bit, though.
No, feel how soft that is.
And the underwiring
is cushioned, see?
Yeah, so it's wonderfully
comfortable all through the day.
We've been told Princess Diana
actually has several in this style.
Diana shops here?
Well, not in this branch
specifically,
but she's very down-to-earth.
All right. Go on, then.
I'll take the ivory.
Wonderful.
If you'd like to come over to the till.
Don't worry, Jane.
I'll take the lady over.
Those boxes need unpacking.
If you'd like
to come this way with me.
I thought you were
heading off to London in June?
Actually, we're not
leaving until July now.
And this is still the… You and Timo?
The one in the band?
That's right.
His cousin lives in Earls Court,
so we can crash there for a bit.
So what are you gonna do
for money?
Or is Timo dead rich?
We'll get jobs, of course.
Basically, if I want a career in fashion,
London's where I need to be.
Well, so long as
you've got a plan.
Oh yeah!
Yeah, keep going!
Keep going!
Oh, oh, yeah!
Oh, that's good.
That was fun.
- So, did you speak to your cousin?
- What's that? Careful.
About us crashing with him?
Yeah, that's not
going to happen.
I thought you said
he'd be cool there?
No, no, he needs someone
to split the rent up.
Shit, just had these cleaned.
But wait, I'm already
applying for jobs.
I know, but these things
take time.
Listen, I've got to get going.
I'll drop you at the bus stop, yeah?
Aren't we
getting something to eat?
No, I can't.
I'm seeing the lads tonight.
Hey, it's band business, Janie.
Music always comes first,
you know that.
- Yeah, right.
- Yeah? All right, good girl.
Oi, Andrews! I heard you're
flogging women's knickers now.
Thought our jobs smelt like fish.
Guess you didn't make out
in London then, did ya?
Snooty bitch!
- She's not changed.
- Stupid, fat, ugly.
At least I'm not packing cod
like all them braindead morons.
Steady up.
She's just jealous because I'm actually
gonna make something of myself.
Get over yourself, will ya?
You work in Mark's and
your boyfriend's on benefits.
You're going nowhere.
Timo, are you in here?
You're not going to believe
what Becks has just said.
Oh, shit!
You bastard!
All right, all right. Let's just stay
calm.
We're starting
a new life together!
Don't get dramatic, Janie.
And you're off shagging
some slag from the pub?!
- Oi, fuck off.
- You don't even speak to me!
Or what? You're going to go try
to hurt yourself again?
Yeah. He said, "I can't dump the nutter
'cause of what she might do."
Janie! Oh, Jesus Christ.
Janie!
Janie? Janie!
Hey.
Jane? Jane?
There's a letter come for you.
You're not gonna believe this!
Jane?
Why would they be writing to you
from Buckingham Palace?
- No idea.
- Well, open it. Find out.
"You are invited
to attend an interview
"for the position
of assistant dresser…
for Her Royal Highness
the Duchess of York."
- Bloody hell.
- No way.
Janie, I don't believe it.
That's fantastic.
This is what
I've been waiting for.
Where did they find them?
They were
on the side in the kitchen.
And we've confirmed it's
the girlfriend's writing?
As far as we can.
I don't know what you think,
but to me,
this reads like a confession.
"I am so sorry.
No more hurt inside me anymore."
Yeah, but there's the other
stuff about him hurting her.
What, are you thinking…
self-defense?
Actually, I think it reads
more like a suicide note.
Could be. Right now,
we've only got the one body.
No forced entry.
Weapon of convenience.
I mean, textbook domestic,
isn't it?
Right. Let everybody know
that as from now,
we're treating Jane Andrews as
the prime suspect in this investigation.
The brother's here.
And the friends of Jane Andrews
and the deceased are on their way in.
They said you want me
to identify him?
We do, yes, sir.
But first, we need to ask you
a few questions.
What about Jane?
Have you found her yet?
Well, when I heard
that Janie was missing…
I just didn't know what to do.
You have no
idea where she might have gone?
No. None.
And I've been calling and texting,
but she just isn't answering.
We've been friends for a long time.
It just doesn't make any sense.
You…
You sure this is a good idea?
Of course it is.
But what if it goes badly?
- You know how she gets.
- She'll be fine.
See? Told you it'd be fine
once you hemmed it.
And I've barely worn it.
Isn't she smart?
Very professional.
- You sure you've got everything?
- Think so.
Make sure you tell them
you got a distinction on your course.
Yes, Mom. I've got to go.
- Be good.
- I will.
- Good luck.
- See ya.
Don't forget the girls.
Bye, Jane!
See you, love!
Raquel!
Who does she think she is?
What the hell?
Jane? Do you want to follow me?
Right. Shall we make a start?
You've no previous experience
in domestic service?
No.
I've been working in retail
since college.
And I assume
this course you did,
it involved sewing,
caring for clothes and so on?
Oh, yes.
I mean,
it was a foundation course.
So my main focus was on design.
But as well as original designs,
we learned about styling,
and putting together outfits,
accessories.
I'm very good
at planning a wardrobe.
But I'm also good
at ironing and mending.
Well, that's certainly
what's needed here.
And like my CV says,
I'm very organised.
Very good with detail.
And I'm punctual
and hard-working.
And I got a distinction
on my course.
Have you seen this? I mean,
seriously, I can't bloody win.
Oh, hello there.
This is Jane Andrews, ma'am,
for the assistant dresser position.
Your Royal Highness.
Just look at what they've done.
I wore that months ago.
But still,
I'm the one copying Diana.
- Oh, for heaven's sake.
- The whole thing's bloody ridiculous.
- They're nothing like each other.
- They're not even from the same period.
What's that?
I mean…
Yours is clearly
Victorian-inspired, ma'am.
The…
…style is more nautical.
Whereas hers has the lace.
Exactly. Clever girl.
So, have you come far?
Jane Andrews?
Quite far, ma'am.
From somewhere up in the north,
I'm guessing.
- That's right, ma'am.
- And why are you leaving?
Did you find it too grim?
Up north?
Not quite, ma'am.
I just think I'd be better suited
to a palace.
Well, then I think she'd better
join us, then, don't you?
You'll find that we're
a bit of a mixed bunch.
But we're pretty friendly.
I'm sure you'll settle in
in no time.
All right. Here you go.
Well, I'll leave you
to get yourself sorted.
Thanks very much.
The Duchess rises between
7 and 10,
so you need to be ready
with the wake-up tea.
Hot water and chamomile,
and don't forget to take the bag out.
Does she take milk?
We don't usually put milk
in chamomile tea.
No, of course not.
Place the tea by the bed,
open the curtains, and leave.
Do not speak.
As soon as she's awake,
you need to draw the bath,
but hot water only.
She'll put in her own cold.
Fold the robe so she can
sit and pull it up around her.
And always, always wash your hands
before you touch the clothes.
This is you.
Right.
You'd better get started.
"I've run you a bath, ma'am."
Poor thing
is doing her best.
Didn't herself say it made her feel like
she'd been down the pit?
I told you,
she didn't look suitable.
Well, the Duchess wants
to give her a chance.
But it's not fair on her,
though, is it?
I mean, she's obviously
out of her depth.
Exactly.
I mean, just look at her shoes.
I think she still
may get the hang of things.
I'd give her a month, tops.
I mean, where on earth is
her accent even from?
Murderer?
You couldn't be more wrong.
I've known her for years!
Jane doesn't have
a violent bone in her body.
Should we be worried? I mean,
Jesus, if she's on the run,
do you think any
of the rest of us are in danger?
Well, she must have done it.
Why run if she's not guilty?
Hello. Waltby 54083.
- Hiya, Mum. It's Jane.
- Oh, hi, Jane, love. How are you?
I'm surprised you've got time
for phone calls.
I just wanted
to say a quick hello.
You don't want them to think
you're slacking, do you?
It's fine, Mum.
I was telling your auntie Kay
about the thing with
the dressing gown.
Mom, I told you,
you mustn't repeat stuff.
Well, it's only Kay.
She couldn't believe what you were
saying about the shoes.
That you actually had to stretch out
the new ones by wearing them.
Yeah, but I was getting
blisters on engagement.
Well,
that's what I told her.
I don't know. It's a
whole other world, isn't it?
Yes.
It's not really what
I thought it would be.
Well, it's early days.
And it's like I always say,
nothing worth having comes easy.
No, I know.
I'm just not really sure
it's a good fit.
- Don't be daft.
- What's up?
I've been telling everyone
how well you're doing.
- I know, but…
- But nothing.
Look, most of the girls around here,
they're stuck in factories
or having babies
to get themselves a house.
You have always been
better than that.
I'm just not really
feeling good, Mum.
Oh, Jane.
Please don't go
starting all that again.
I'm not. I just…
You weren't any happier
when you were here.
And this job, it's…
It's a chance to start afresh.
You could be a whole new person
if you want to be.
- Do you hear me?
- Yes, Mum.
Good girl.
Welcome to
Elocution for Beginner.
Chapter One: The Alphabet.
A is for articulation.
A is for assurance.
We begin here
for elegance and ease.
A as in bath, calm
and laughter.
Allow the vowel to lengthen gracefully,
without strain.
"R". Not "ah,"
not "I," But "R".
Repeat after me.
Ask the gardener to pass the path
to the last glass vase.
Excellent.
Now breathe in, shoulders back,
and once again
with clarity and poise.
Your bath is ready, ma'am.
Oh, thank you, Jane.
You're a star.
Of course, when I first met her,
she was this sweet little thing
who'd just landed
this super job.
She had this very clear idea
of the life that she wanted.
She was determined to have it.
Of course she was ambitious.
Why shouldn't she be?
I know it feels impossible.
Darling, believe me, I do.
You just have to tell
him how you feel.
Oh, darling, what's the use?
Because nothing will change
until you do.
This is what I keep saying.
There comes a point where you
just have to seize the bull…
Morning, Jane.
- Is that…
- The Princess of Wales?
They usually have a girly lunch
when she comes to use the pool.
I mean, between you and me,
I think she just likes to get out of
that god-awful house.
Of course, the Duchess
loves playing agony aunt.
- Really?
- Lord, yes.
She likes nothing better than advising
people about their love lives.
Wait till she starts
asking about yours.
Super shoes, by the way.
Are they Italian?
- Uh, yes.
- Very nice.
Jane, there's a parcel
for you downstairs.
Can't they send it up
with the food?
Oh, goodness me, Lady Jane.
There's a reception tonight,
so they're busy.
Fine.
Of course, the Duchess had enough
of her own problems to deal with.
People can be so cruel.
Oh, it's you, Jane.
I'm sorry, Your Royal Highness.
I didn't see you there.
It's all right.
Here, do you want one?
- Uh, no, thank you, ma'am.
- I shouldn't either, but hey-ho.
Did you see this?
They're doing polls now, apparently.
"Who would you rather sleep with,
the Duchess of York or a goat?"
- What?
- I know. Vile, isn't it?
I'm so sorry, ma'am.
It's like the Duke says, once you join
the firm, you're fair game.
He tells me I'm too sensitive.
That sounds like my ex, Timo.
Yes?
He was always saying
I was too sensitive.
That I couldn't take a joke.
The trouble is
he wasn't very funny.
What did this Timo
do for a living?
Well, he said he was in a band,
but he spent most of
his time polishing his car.
- Is that why you dumped him?
- No.
That's because I caught
him shagging a barmaid.
What a shit.
I hope you gave him what for.
Oh, I did, ma'am.
Although she was welcome to him,
to be honest.
He was rather underwhelming
in the manhood department.
Well, you don't want that.
You know…
You're a lot like me, Jane.
You've got spirit.
- Oh, sorry Your Royal Highness.
- What's going on?
Jillian finally
bagged the Viscount.
About bloody time.
That's excellent news.
We'll take her out for champers
to celebrate.
Surely good.
Well, make sure that you put
the first round on my card.
That's very kind of you, ma'am.
Oh, and take Jane with you.
You know what they say,
best way to get over an ex,
get under someone better.
Right, girls.
Who's up for wedgies?
When I first knew Janie,
she was…
very much the girl about town.
Always going to lovely parties.
She really mixed
in a very sophisticated crowd.
- You want something to drink?
- Yeah.
Come on! Lady Jane!
- I'm gonna sort you out.
- Okay, thank you.
I'm gonna introduce you.
Come with me.
Henry, have you met Jane?
- Hello there!
- Hi!
She's from the North,
so she knows all about rugby.
- Outstanding!
- Thank you!
- So, you work with Ange?
- I do, yeah.
Does the Queen sign
your paychecks?
- As a matter of fact, she does.
- Nice one!
So tell me, what do you do?
Oh, Rory! Banger! Hey!
These guys…
I'll tell you, Janie.
They're mental.
Come on!
Hello?
Is anyone there?
Someone's abandoned their post.
- Looks that way.
- I guess we're trapped.
Had a good night?
- Not particularly.
- No, me neither.
I've decided I'm officially
too old for nightclubs.
I'm Charles, by the way.
Jane.
Assuming we ever make our escape,
could I possibly interest you
in a nightcap?
- Is he handsome?
- Very.
Well done! Come on!
Tell me everything.
Well, he is an executive at IBM,
which he says is terribly dull,
but he's clearly
very high-powered.
- And he's single?
- At the moment.
He says he's
a self-confessed romantic.
Doesn't see the point
of getting involved with someone
unless you think
it's going to go somewhere.
Well, that's a good sign.
And he's just
so sweet and funny.
- And a good kisser.
- Oh, yes. And everything else.
Is that for tonight?
Oh, yes, ma'am.
We thought it would work well
with the black patent courts.
Oh, sounds good.
What's the matter?
Don't you like it?
I just… I think it might be a bit
old for you, ma'am.
- Maybe it's the cut.
- Well, what would you suggest?
Perhaps something more fitted?
More vibrant color?
There are several other options…
What about that designer
you showed me?
The one in Vogue with the sequins?
Can't we give him a call?
Of course, ma'am,
if that's what you'd like.
Better yet, Jane could head down
there and pick something up.
I'd be happy to, ma'am.
Right, then. Here's your chance.
Go and find
me something fabulous!
Well, she was absolutely
in her element.
Dashing here and there,
jumping into cabs, saying…
Buckingham Palace, please.
I mean, who wouldn't enjoy it?
All in here, please.
Thank you.
Those over to the mirror.
Boxes over here.
I mean, the shoulders are great.
Seeing your shoulders.
Yes, that works.
Try one of the gloves on.
See, I like the gloves.
The leaves at the front.
That suits perfectly.
Very dramatic.
Olé!
Give that back. I need that back.
I definitely need that back.
Just…
Let me just try something.
Oh, yeah.
Smashing, ma'am!
Oh, I thank you.
It is rather lovely, isn't it?
It's by a new young designer.
I always think that
they just have a…
What are you doing?
I just thought we might want
to shorten the sleeves a touch.
They look all right to me.
They do.
It just always suits you so well
when you show off your wrists.
You might be right.
You're not out with
your chap this evening?
Uh, no. No, not tonight.
Everything's
still dreamy there?
Yes, he just had to work.
- Well, don't let him get off the boil.
- Ma'am?
If I were you,
I'd get a ring on that finger
before he loses interest.
Men can be very fickle.
Yes, ma'am.
- Poached eggs a la mode, madame.
- Thank you, darling.
So what are we watching?
There's
a new thing about bankers.
Oh, a bit of
a busman's holiday.
- Shall I find something else?
- No, no, no.
I realize this shows
a lack of imagination,
but I could happily eat poached eggs
every day for the rest of my life.
I think I could, too.
If it was with you.
Really?
You wouldn't find it too dull?
We might need to scramble them
on occasion, but in principle…
All right, then. It's agreed.
Your Auntie Kay's
been such a tizzy.
I kept telling her the Duchess
won't actually be coming.
Well, she did want to.
It's just not palace protocol.
Wait till you see the presents
she got me though, Mum.
The most beautiful
cut glass bowl.
It's the same design as the glassware
they use at the palace.
She obviously thinks
very highly of you.
Just like a princess.
Our princess.
- You happy, love?
- Yeah.
And of course, she was terribly
young when she got married.
She was only just starting out
in her career.
Alexandra.
- Good Lord, we've been overrun.
- I know.
There must be 20
who didn't RSVP?
Are we still all right
for brochures?
- I kept a box in reserve.
- Oh, aren't you clever?
Right. Let us see if our
auctionneer has found his gavel.
Jane.
Don't look now. Don't look now.
That's her new friend.
The American.
But I thought Prince Andrew
was coming tonight.
Canceled at the last minute.
So she's lined up a replacement.
Oh, she's playing with fire,
and she knows it.
She might as well put up a sign.
I very much feared that.
Has divorce written all over it.
Well, better start
polishing up our CVs.
When a household splits,
it tends to be last in, first out.
He says he's going
to earn enough money
so that he can marry me.
I mean, can you imagine?
I keep telling him I don't
give a damn about all that.
I'd throw it away in a minute.
Oh, and while I remember, I want
that pencil skirt for Tuesday.
The black denim one.
He says it makes
my arse look magnificent.
- Right, ma'am.
- Oh, hell.
I'll wear it when he takes me
to lunch on Tuesday.
- You're going out for lunch?
- Oh, why shouldn't we?
We're just two good friends
sharing a meal.
Nothing to see here.
Isn't it a bit of a risk?
Oh, for God's sake, Jane.
I thought you of
all people would understand.
You know what it's been like!
I've been beaten down till I
felt completely dead inside!
And now I feel alive.
Wonderfully, gloriously alive.
And believe me,
that's worth any risk.
Because a life without passion?
Well, that's no life at all.
Hey.
How was the party?
It's like she doesn't care
who sees them.
Well, would it be the end of the world?
What do you mean?
Well, say she did leave Andrew
for this American chap.
You could always
do something else.
What are you talking about?
I'm just saying you could find something
a bit less all-consuming.
- It's only a job, after all.
- Only a job?
It's not only a job.
She relies on me.
I am the only one
looking out for her.
And she understands me.
We're friends.
Without her, I have no one!
- What am I, chopped liver?
- Oh, for fuck's sake, Charles.
You know what I mean!
All right, all right, old girl.
No need to get upset.
I just meant we could have
a bit more of an ordinary life.
I don't want an ordinary life!
You have to remember,
she'd come from nothing,
and she'd made a lovely life for herself.
Janie took enormous pride
in her job.
She was very good at it.
Totally loyal. Very discreet.
I think she spent so much time
with the bloody royals,
she started
to think she was one of them.
Her devotion to the Duchess
was really quite extreme.
She practically worshipped
the ground she walked on.
Frankly, I found it a bit much.
Ma'am?
Her Majesty knew everything
about the American and me.
Where we met, what we…
She says I'm to cease
all contact immediately
before I bring disgrace
on the family.
What are you going to do, ma'am?
The truth is…
I don't know how much longer
I can do this.
It feels like…
…death.
But to make that change,
to throw everything over
and strike out on my own,
I just don't know
that I have the strength.
You are the strongest person
I know, ma'am.
You realise it'll mean
leaving everything behind.
The minute I say the word,
I'll be out on my ear,
persona non grata.
I mean, I'll have my girlies,
and they'll still be
protected, but…
The rest…
I'll have to let everyone go.
It'll just be me and you, Jane.
Assuming
you'll stand by me?
Always, ma'am.
You're late back.
- Are you hungry?
- Not really, no.
Shall I just get something
for myself, then?
Do whatever you want.
Sarah and I have an early start.
Of course,
if you're trying to reach Jane,
you do know
who you should talk to.
Come.
We appreciate you giving up
your time like this, ma'am.
Not at all. The least I can do.
Although I honestly have to say,
I can't believe it. Jane.
She was always so…
Well, it's the last thing
I would have expected.
No, sure, ma'am.
Anyway,
this shouldn't take long.
Right. What exactly
do you want me to do?
Jane?
It's Sarah, the Duchess of York.
The police need to talk to you,
so if you get this message…
Please. You must
come forward and help them.
I know you must be afraid.
But it's really
the only thing you can do.
Oh, Jane.
We've been through
so much together, you and I.
However did it come to this?