- King George V (the duke's father) gives a flawless Christmas speech over the radio, urging the British people to remain strong during tough times. This is, after all, the middle of the Great Depression.
- When he's finished, the king turns to the duke and says, "Easy when you know how."
- Now it's the duke's turn to sit down and say something. The king tells him to sit straight and show the mic who's in command.
- The duke doesn't think he can give the speech, but the king tells him that the age of radio has begun and now the royal family needs to speak publicly. In the words of the king, they have become actors on a public stage.
- George then goes on a rant about how his son Edward (the duke's brother and the next in line for the throne) is ruining the royal family's reputation by having a sexual relationship with an American woman who's been divorced twice.
- He's also worried about what will happen to England when he (the king) dies, leaving people like Hitler and Stalin to run Europe.
- That's why the king thinks it's crucial for the duke to learn how to be a leader and speak publicly, since Edward can't be relied upon.
- The duke tries to read, but he can barely get a word out before his father becomes impatient and starts trying to coach him through the words, which only makes things worse.