As the curtain falls on the final season of the acclaimed Netflix series “The Crown,” controversy surrounds its release. Having chronicled the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family since its debut in 2016, the show now concludes after seven years and six seasons. However, with recent historical events, like the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, still fresh in memory, questions arise about the appropriateness of such portrayals.
Part One Recap:
The first part of Season 6 delved into the aftermath of Diana’s death, showcasing Elizabeth Debicki’s stellar portrayal of the late princess. Imelda Staunton reprised her role as Queen Elizabeth II, joined by familiar faces Claire Foy and Olivia Colman. Newcomers Ed McVey, Meg Bellamy, and Luther Ford took on the roles of Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry, adding new dimensions to the storyline.
Separating Fact from Fiction:
As we navigate through the second part of Season 6, it’s crucial to distinguish between historical accuracy and creative liberties taken for dramatic effect. Here are five instances where “The Crown” Season 6 blurs the lines between fact and fiction.
‘Big Issue’ Bringing Kate and William Together – FALSE:
Episode 7 introduces a will-they-won’t-they narrative for William and Kate, suggesting that their meeting occurred during a charitable event for The Big Issue. While both Diana and William supported the publication, in reality, Kate had never met Princess Diana, as confirmed by Prince William in 2017.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, and THAT See-Through Dress – FACT:
Episode 9 portrays Prince William and Kate’s budding romance during a university fashion show, culminating in Kate wearing a revealing dress. This aligns with the real-life event at St. Andrews University in 2002, where William expressed his admiration for Kate.
The Queen and Tony Blair’s Uneasy Relationship – FACT:
Episode 6 showcases the Queen’s concerns about Tony Blair’s popularity and seeks his advice on modernizing the monarchy. While the specifics may be dramatized, Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair did have an uneasy relationship during the ’90s and early 2000s.
Prince William Watching the Golden Jubilee with Kate Middleton’s Family – FALSE:
Episode 9 depicts Prince William watching the Golden Jubilee celebrations with Kate’s family, expressing guilt and rushing back to London. However, Prince Harry’s memoir contradicts this, emphasizing the family’s grieving period after the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother.
Prince Harry and the Nazi Uniform – FACT:
Episode 10 recalls the infamous incident where Prince Harry wore a Nazi uniform to a costume party. While “The Crown” adds a creative touch by depicting a shopping scene with Prince William and Kate Middleton, the basic fact remains true. Prince Harry has acknowledged this as one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
As viewers immerse themselves in the final episodes of “The Crown,” it’s essential to appreciate the show’s role as a dramatization of real-life events. While certain liberties may be taken for storytelling purposes, the series provides a captivating glimpse into the complexities of royal history.