The Crown: Fact vs. Fiction in the Final Season

Unveiling the Royal Narrative: How Accurate is The Crown’s Final Bow?

Netflix’s “The Crown” has long fascinated audiences with its opulent portrayal of the British Royal Family. As the final season concludes, the recurring question of historical accuracy versus creative license once again takes center stage. This inquiry is more than mere curiosity; it highlights the delicate balance a historical drama must strike between compelling narrative and factual integrity. The final season, covering events still fresh in many memories, intensifies this scrutiny, prompting viewers to meticulously examine its authenticity.

The Delicate Dance: Peter Morgan’s Approach to History

It’s essential to acknowledge that “The Crown” has always presented itself as a historical drama, not a documentary. This distinction is crucial for evaluating its accuracy. Peter Morgan, the series creator, consistently states that while the show is thoroughly researched, it remains a work of fiction inspired by real events. Annie Sulzberger, the head of research for “The Crown,” clarified that discrepancies are not inaccuracies but rather “decisions to deviate from history” [1]. These intentional deviations serve to enhance the narrative and emotional arcs, creating a more cohesive and engaging story. Viewers are thus presented with a plausible interpretation of events, often filling emotional gaps where historical records are silent.

Key Moments: Fact vs. Fiction in Season 6

The final season explores some of the most poignant and well-documented periods of recent royal history, making fact-checking an almost irresistible endeavor. Let’s dissect some key storylines to distinguish historical fact from dramatic embellishment.

### Princess Diana’s Actions in St. Tropez (Episode 1: “Persona Non Grata”)

The series depicts Princess Diana vacationing in St. Tropez shortly before her tragic death, interacting with the paparazzi. Historically, Diana did spend time in St. Tropez and was frequently photographed. However, the show suggests a calculated move on Diana’s part: a deliberate attempt to overshadow Camilla Parker Bowles’s 50th birthday. While Diana was undoubtedly media-savvy, and her presence did dominate headlines, whether this was a pre-meditated plot remains unconfirmed and falls into dramatic interpretation.

### Dodi Fayed’s Proposal to Princess Diana (Episode 3: “Dis-Moi Oui”)

One of the season’s emotionally charged storylines involves Dodi Fayed’s alleged proposal to Princess Diana. “The Crown” portrays Dodi purchasing a diamond ring with the intent to propose. Historical records confirm Dodi bought a ring, named “Dis-Moi Oui” (French for “Say Yes”), from a Repossi store in Paris. Yet, there is no concrete evidence that Dodi formally proposed or that Diana accepted. The ring was reportedly found in his apartment after their deaths. This narrative choice amplifies the tragic “what if” surrounding their relationship, adding a layer of romantic tragedy not entirely grounded in fact.

### Prince William’s “Willsmania” in Canada (Episode 5: “Willsmania”)

The portrayal of Prince William as a global heartthrob, mobbed by screaming fans during a royal visit to Canada, is largely accurate. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, following his mother’s death, William’s public appearances generated immense excitement, particularly among young women. The term “Willsmania” accurately describes the genuine public fascination and adoration he commanded, capturing a true cultural moment.

### Obscure Royal Roles (Episode 6: “Ruritania”)

In a lighter, yet equally fascinating, moment, the series highlights unusual historical roles within the royal household, such as the “Yeoman of the Glass and China Pantry” and the “Warden of the Swans.” Surprisingly, these roles are entirely real. The Yeoman of the Glass and China Pantry meticulously cares for royal crockery, while the Warden of the Swans oversees the annual “swan upping” – a census of the monarch’s mute swans on specific stretches of the River Thames. These details, though minor, underscore the deep-rooted traditions and often quirky aspects of the British monarchy.

### Kate Middleton and Princess Diana’s Meeting (Episode 7: “Alma Mater”)

One of the most significant fictionalizations is the depiction of a young Kate Middleton meeting Princess Diana. The show portrays a chance encounter where a young William, accompanied by his mother, sells copies of the Big Issue magazine, and Kate buys one from Diana. This scene, while emotionally resonant, is entirely fabricated. According to Prince William, Kate never met his mother. Furthermore, there is no historical record of Princess Diana selling the Big Issue, though she occasionally bought it. This creative liberty intertwines William and Kate’s destinies earlier, adding dramatic foreshadowing.

### Porchey’s Heart Attack on 9/11 (Episode 8: “Ritz”)

The series features Queen Elizabeth II’s close friend, Henry Herbert, the seventh Earl of Carnarvon (Porchey), suffering a heart attack on September 11, 2001, potentially while watching news reports of the Twin Towers attacks. Historically, Henry Herbert, a lifelong friend and racing manager to the Queen, did pass away on September 11, 2001. However, whether his heart attack occurred specifically while watching the 9/11 tragedy remains unconfirmed. This detail, though plausible, exemplifies the show weaving historical events into personal narratives to heighten emotional impact.

### Kate Middleton’s See-Through Dress (Episode 9: “Hope Street”)

The pivotal moment where Kate Middleton catches Prince William’s eye at a university fashion show, wearing a now-famous see-through dress, is historically accurate. Kate and William met at St. Andrews University, and at a student fashion show in 2002, Kate modeled a sheer dress, reportedly prompting William to remark, “Wow, Kate’s hot.” This moment is widely credited as a turning point in their relationship, shifting Kate from the “friend zone” to a romantic interest. The dress later sold at auction for a significant sum, cementing its place in royal lore.

### Queen Elizabeth II Planning Her Own Funeral (Episode 10: “Sleep, Dearie, Sleep”)

The final episode poignantly depicts Queen Elizabeth II actively involved in planning her own funeral, known as “Operation London Bridge.” This is entirely factual. It is well-documented that the Queen, like many monarchs, meticulously planned her funeral arrangements, including music and ceremonial details. Similarly, Prince Philip also planned his own funeral, famously modifying a Land Rover to serve as his hearse. These scenes offer powerful and accurate insight into the solemn preparations undertaken by the Royal Family for their eventual passing.

The Impact of Creative License

The use of creative license in “The Crown” consistently sparks debate. On one hand, it fosters a more engaging and emotionally resonant narrative, allowing viewers to connect with characters on a deeper level. Without these dramatic embellishments, the series might become a dry historical account. On the other hand, it raises questions about the public’s perception of history, especially when fictionalized events are presented with such realism. The show’s creators navigate a fine line, aiming to capture historical truth’s essence while crafting a compelling story. The audience, in turn, is challenged to discern between documented fact and artistic interpretation.

Conclusion

“The Crown’s” final season, like its predecessors, masterfully blends historical fact with fictionalized drama. From the largely accurate portrayal of “Willsmania” and the Queen’s funeral plans to the more speculative moments surrounding Diana’s intentions in St. Tropez and Dodi’s proposal, the series offers a rich tapestry of royal life. While not a definitive historical record, its strength lies in its ability to spark conversation, encourage deeper research, and ultimately, keep the enduring fascination with the British monarchy alive. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most meticulously researched historical narratives often require a touch of dramatic flair to truly resonate with an audience.

References

[1] [Variety: How Accurate Is ‘The Crown’ Season 6? Everything Fact Vs. Fiction](https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/the-crown-season-6-accuracy-fact-fiction-1235836339/)