This first episode establishes the framework for a series of personal reflections shared by Louis Mountbatten, juxtaposed with a broader historical narrative. It explores Mountbatten's formative years, spanning from his birth in 1900 to the onset of his naval career as a midshipman under Beatty aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. Additionally, it examines his family's circumstances in the context of the Great War and its underlying causes, highlighting significant events such as the Dreadnoughts, Gallipoli, the Battle of Jutland, U-boats, and conscription.
These historical elements serve as a backdrop to the resignation of Mountbatten's father, Prince Louis of Battenberg, from his position as First Sea Lord, as well as the family's decision to adopt the surname Mountbatten in response to rising anti-German sentiment. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of what can be considered "the Mountbatten story," setting the stage for the family's evolving identity amidst the tumultuous events of the time.
