The film begins in 1925, with Prince Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth), nervously preparing to address a large crowd at the closing ceremony of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium. As the second son of King George V (Michael Gambon), Albert—known as “Bertie” to his family—has long struggled with a debilitating stammer, which makes public speaking a nightmare for him. Despite his efforts, his speech is halting and awkward, causing visible discomfort among the audience and deep humiliation for Bertie.
Bertie’s wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), is determined to help him overcome his speech impediment. She consults various doctors and specialists, but none of their treatments prove effective. Finally, Elizabeth learns of an unconventional speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian immigrant living in London. She arranges for Bertie to meet Lionel at his modest office, where their relationship begins with tension and skepticism.
Lionel insists on addressing Bertie informally and treating him as an equal, rather than as a member of the royal family. This approach irritates Bertie, who is accustomed to deference and protocol. Despite his initial reluctance, Bertie agrees to try Lionel’s methods, which are unorthodox and often eccentric. These include physical exercises, breathing techniques, and psychological probing into Bertie’s personal life and childhood traumas.
As they work together, Lionel learns that Bertie’s stammer is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Bertie was raised under strict and emotionally distant parents, King George V and Queen Mary (Claire Bloom). His older brother, David (Guy Pearce), often teased him about his speech, further damaging his confidence. Bertie’s nanny also mistreated him as a child, favoring David and neglecting Bertie. These experiences left him feeling insecure and unworthy, emotions that continue to manifest in his stammer.
Their sessions are interrupted when King George V’s health deteriorates, thrusting Bertie into the public eye as a representative of the monarchy. During a heated conversation with his father, George V laments the increasing importance of radio broadcasts in modern monarchy, underscoring the pressure on Bertie to overcome his speech issues. Shortly after, George V dies, and Bertie’s older brother, David, ascends to the throne as King Edward VIII.
David’s reign is immediately controversial due to his relationship with Wallis Simpson (Eve Best), an American divorcée. As head of the Church of England, the King is forbidden to marry a divorcée, and his insistence on pursuing the relationship creates a constitutional crisis. Bertie, who disapproves of David’s actions but feels powerless to intervene, grows increasingly anxious about the possibility of having to take the throne if David abdicates.
Meanwhile, Bertie and Lionel’s relationship deepens. Lionel challenges Bertie to confront his fears and insecurities, using empathy and humor to break down the prince’s defenses. Bertie begins to trust Lionel, and their sessions yield gradual progress. However, their friendship is tested when Lionel casually suggests that Bertie has the potential to be a great king, a comment that infuriates Bertie. Feeling that Lionel has overstepped his bounds, Bertie accuses him of disrespect and dismisses him as his therapist.
The crisis reaches its peak when David abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, leaving Bertie as the reluctant heir. Bertie assumes the throne as King George VI, but the weight of his new role exacerbates his insecurities. Elizabeth persuades him to reconcile with Lionel, recognizing that he cannot face his duties without his support.
World War II looms on the horizon, and Britain finds itself on the brink of conflict with Nazi Germany. King George VI must address the nation in a live radio broadcast, rallying his people to unite against the looming threat. The speech, a moment of profound significance, represents both a test of Bertie’s abilities and an opportunity to solidify his place as a leader.
Lionel accompanies Bertie to the recording room, where the two men prepare for the broadcast. Drawing on everything they have worked on together, Lionel guides Bertie through the speech, offering encouragement and support. Despite his lingering nerves, Bertie delivers a clear and heartfelt address, inspiring confidence and solidarity among his people.
The film concludes with Bertie and Lionel walking together after the broadcast, their friendship cemented by their shared triumph. A postscript reveals that Lionel remained a trusted advisor to King George VI throughout his reign and that their friendship endured for the rest of their lives.
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