What Was The Royal Family’S Response To The Crown?

The Crown, a Netflix series that chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and royal family scandals, has been met with mixed reactions from the royal family. Some members of the royal family have denied watching the show, while others have openly admitted to its interest. Prince William and Prince Harry have expressed their concerns about the portrayal of royal family life in the show.

The Crown, which focuses on Prince Charles and Diana’s relationship, has been hit and miss with members of the royal family who have reacted to it. The cast of The Crown has admitted that they are worried about how the British royal family feels about the Netflix series, but do they tune in? They create a perceived friendship with their fans and monetize the sharing of their ups and downs, giving the appearance of being an open book.

Eugenie likely watched the show, while Charles and Camilla probably never watched it, but they were tempted and had their private secretaries. Over the last seven years, “The Crown” has been criticized by numerous prominent Britons on behalf of their royal family.

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, sources revealed that Prince William has never watched The Crown and is “not expected” to watch this season. The Crown’s portrayal of events in the royal family has stirred controversy, with some members of the royal family expressing their feelings of hurt and disappointment over the show’s portrayal of royal family life.

Is 'The Crown' Based On A True Story?

Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, and other members of the late Queen Elizabeth II's family have shared their views on "The Crown," a Netflix drama inspired by royal history that premiered in 2016 with Claire Foy portraying the Queen. The first season depicts actual events, including personal struggles and family dynamics within the British monarchy. It incorporates real historical incidents, such as the rumored feud between Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher, though some elements are dramatized.

The show illustrates the complexities of royal life, including Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend, which mirrors real-life events. The creators have emphasized that while the series is researched meticulously, it remains a work of fiction, combining true stories with imaginative storytelling. Josh O’Connor, who plays Prince Charles, has mentioned the balance between factual accuracy and the need for creative expression. Critics argue about the responsibility of dramatizing real lives while interpreting the monarchy's history.

Despite its fictional nature, "The Crown" resonates with audiences, revealing hidden details about the royal family's experiences throughout the mid-20th century. The series highlights significant historical events, such as Winston Churchill's tenure and the impact of personal choices, ultimately providing a captivating portrayal of an iconic era in royal history.

How Did William Feel About Diana?

Prince William fondly recalls how Princess Diana ensured her sons experienced life outside the palace. He reminisced about her influence in "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy," expressing the profound pain of her loss, stating, "There's nothing like it in the world." Following Diana's tragic death, both William and Harry quickly engaged with their father about the painful event. The royal family came together to discuss their mother, and William made a heartfelt promise to Diana after her HRH title was stripped during her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996.

At 15, William described the immediate aftermath of her death as leaving him "completely numb, disorientated, dizzy." The brothers participated in the funeral procession, a haunting memory that lingers two decades later. William and Harry shared a close, nurturing relationship with Diana, but their perspectives on her funeral differed due to William's role as the heir. He also acknowledged the complexities of Diana's life, reflecting on her struggles alongside her motherhood.

William has been cautious discussing mental health in relation to his mother, despite the trauma of her loss impacting him profoundly, as he often provided her emotional support. Throughout the years, he has openly confronted the lasting impact of her absence.

How Did Prince William React To The Crown?

Prince William and Prince Harry have contrasting views on the Netflix series The Crown. While William has never watched the show and reportedly has no intention of doing so, Harry takes a more relaxed stance. During a 2021 interview with James Corden, Harry noted that the series does not claim to be factual but is "loosely based on the truth." As the show released Part 1 of its sixth season, which addresses the tragic death of Princess Diana, the differences in the brothers' perspectives became clearer.

The new season includes a confrontation where Prince William accuses King Charles of being responsible for their mother's fatal car accident. Notably, royal biographer Robert Hardman has mentioned that both William and Kate Middleton have chosen not to engage with the series. Although William's attitude toward The Crown is reportedly unenthusiastic, Harry's comments reflect a more accepting viewpoint.

The series has been a topic of heated discussion, highlighting divergent feelings within the royal family about its portrayal of their lives, particularly during sensitive moments like Diana's death. As the show continues, discussions surrounding its authenticity and impact on the royal family remain prevalent.

Did The Queen Enjoy Watching 'The Crown'?

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly enjoyed watching 'The Crown' thanks to Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who are devoted fans of the series. The couple encouraged Her Majesty to watch it with them, even sharing their Netflix account. While she appreciated the show, the Queen found certain dramatized events overly exaggerated. A senior royal source confirmed that she watched the entire first season.

The series, which debuted in 2016, stars Claire Foy as the Queen and Matt Smith as the young Prince Philip. Despite her enjoyment, the Queen reportedly stopped watching when the portrayal of Prince Philip's infidelity was introduced.

Matt Smith shared that he had heard the Queen had indeed watched the series, and that acknowledgment was echoed by royal commentators. Additionally, Princess Eugenie expressed her fondness for the show. However, it was noted that the Queen understands that many viewers perceive 'The Crown' as an accurate depiction of the royal family, a notion she is aware she cannot alter. Ultimately, despite differing opinions and portrayals, it’s confirmed that Queen Elizabeth II watched and appreciated 'The Crown', giving it a royal seal of approval.

Did William And Kate Watch The Crown?

The sixth season of Netflix's "The Crown" explores the early years of Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship, though its portrayal has drawn mixed reactions from the royal couple. While the show has captivated audiences, Prince William and Princess Kate are reportedly not fans, particularly criticizing how their family's dynamics have been depicted. Episode 9, titled "Hope Street," portrays a fictional encounter where a young Kate, played by Meg Bellamy, catches William's attention while shopping.

The series depicts real events, like their meeting while studying at St. Andrews, yet also incorporates imagined scenes for dramatic effect. Viewers witness key moments, including Kate's mother, Carole, meeting Princess Diana and William during Christmas. Despite some elements being based on reality, insiders reveal William's displeasure with the series, particularly regarding the portrayal of his parents' relationship. As fans await the second part of season six, the accuracy of these representations remains a topic of intrigue.

Does Camilla Watch The Crown?

Prior to the premiere of The Crown's third season, Camilla's nephew, Ben Elliot, shared with Vanity Fair that the Duchess of Cornwall enjoys the series but is apprehensive about the upcoming portrayal of her affair with Prince Charles. Camilla and Charles are known to watch shows together at their Scottish estate, Birkhall. Despite concerns about her depiction, sources revealed that Camilla has enjoyed previous seasons of the show, including season four, which highlights her long-term relationship with Charles amid his marriage to Princess Diana.

The late Queen Elizabeth II never publicly commented on The Crown, but reports indicate that Camilla is curious about her portrayal. Vanity Fair noted that she watched it with a sense of humor and a glass of red wine. With the release of the fifth season approaching, Camilla’s reaction remains mixed. While she has shown interest in past seasons, she may skip the latest as it hits too close to home. Despite feeling highlighted as a potential villain, there’s an acknowledgment of the show's storytelling.

Camilla’s more relaxed attitude towards the show contrasts with her husband Charles, who reportedly has no plans to watch the latest season. Overall, Camilla seems to have engaged with The Crown, demonstrating a curious yet cautious interest in how her life story has been portrayed.

What Does Prince Harry Think Of The Crown?

In a recent interview with James Corden on an open-top bus in Hollywood, Prince Harry discussed his thoughts on Netflix's series The Crown. He described the show as "fictional but loosely based on the truth," indicating that he finds it more relatable than some news narratives about his family. He acknowledged watching the series and expressed discomfort about sensationalized press coverage of his family, which he feels is often presented as factual news.

Harry mentioned he feels more at ease with The Crown's dramatization than the stories about him, his wife, and the royal family, which he sees as potentially misleading. Sources indicate that Prince William has never watched the series and is unlikely to watch the latest season. Despite the dramatized nature of The Crown, Harry believes it provides a rough portrayal of royal life and its pressures.

In reflecting on the series, Harry stated, "I'm way more comfortable with The Crown than I am seeing the stories written about my family or my wife or myself." He maintains a neutral stance on the show despite not planning to watch the final season. The discussion has reignited interest in the royal family's reactions to their portrayal in popular media.