Early scenes…Margaret Thatcher meets the Queen who, as played by Olivia Colman is, it must be admitted, a lot sparkier and funnier than the actual queen who probably can’t allow herself too many flashes of whimsical humour.

Later, various member of the British aristocracy are fulfilling their destinies by engaging in royal pastimes: fly fishing in Finland, grouse shooting in Scotland, stalking in the moors, and lobster trapping in Sligo, Ireland. Ominous music in the background telegraphs that all of these wholesome activities are about to be interrupted by something rather disturbing.

The funeral comes as no surprise. Charles walks around in these early scenes bowed as if a boulder of expectation had been placed across his back since childhood and he is utterly unable to shrug it off. He stands as though he were at least two inches shorter.

Gloom all around and Charles utters the prophetic words: “We could all do with a bit of cheering up.” Enter Lady Diana. According to her distant relative, Barbara Cartland, writer of goopy romantic novels: “I’m afraid she read too many of my novels.” It all starts happily enough. Charles needs a new start given that his true love is married and he carefully considers Diana’s character before deciding to ask her out. Diana is portrayed as being smitten by the idea of princedom.

Tremendous character work by actor Josh O’Connor, but, though he does his best to furrow his brow and look older, he’s entirely too young and dishy to look like a much older swain to Lady Diana. Emma Corrin is splendidly cast: thin, fey, starry-eyed, and also rather intent on making an impression on Charles. The episode ends with a new beginning.