For Charles, Gordonstoun is "Colditz with Kilts". He is depicted as a lonely, unathletic boy struggling through grueling physical challenges and relentless bullying.
The episode’s emotional peak is the 1937 plane crash that killed Philip’s favorite sister, , and her family. The Crown Recap: Episode 9, Season 2 : Paterfamilias Watch The Crown - s02e09 Paterfamilias
The episode centers on the choice of secondary school for Charles. While favors the nearby and traditional Eton College , Philip insists on his alma mater, Gordonstoun , a rugged Scottish boarding school designed to "toughen up" its students. For Charles, Gordonstoun is "Colditz with Kilts"
This is easily the most serious episode of the season, and it focused on male relationships; fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, The History Chicks "The Crown" Paterfamilias (TV Episode 2017) - IMDb The Crown Recap: Episode 9, Season 2 :
Through haunting flashbacks, we see a young Philip (played by an "outstanding" Finn Elliot ) arriving at the same school as a displaced, penniless prince. For him, the school’s rigid structure was a lifeline during his family's collapse. Historical Tragedy and Accuracy