The realism of the series “The Crown” is highlighted, notably the alleged escape of Prince William from Balmoral following the death of Lady Diana, in the series released on Netflix on November 16.
Netflix often emphasizes that “The Crown” is a work of fiction, although it is inspired by real people and historical events. This becomes particularly relevant in the sixth and final season of the series, which deals with almost contemporary events. One of this season’s key episodes, titled “Aftermath”, focuses on the events following the tragic death of Lady Diana. Our colleagues from Gala.fr look at a specific scene from this episode to disentangle fact from fiction.
In the episode in question, the royal family is gathered at Balmoral to prepare for the funeral of the Princess of Wales. It was then that Charles III, then Prince of Wales, learned that his eldest son, Prince William, aged 15, had disappeared. The scene shows Prince Harry searching the castle for his brother, before discovering that his coat and shoes were gone.
A frantic search ensued, involving Princes Philip, Charles, Harry, and Princess Anne, who traveled the Scottish countryside in a Jeep. Prince William only reappears at Balmoral 14 hours later, providing a moment of intense emotion that reflects the young prince’s pain at the loss of his mother. Although this scene is narratively powerful, there is no concrete evidence that it is true. No British press reports mention this alleged escape.
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The silence of Prince Harry’s memories
Last January, Prince Harry released “The Substitute,” a memoir revealing details of his life as a young prince. He discusses personal and intimate subjects, ranging from his role as his brother’s “replacement” to his experiences with sex, alcohol, and drugs. Our colleagues from Gala.fr raise a relevant point: If Prince William had really run away after the announcement of Lady Diana’s death, it is likely that the Duke of Sussex would have mentioned it in his book. The absence of any reference to this event in Prince Harry’s memoir suggests that this scene, while dramatic, may just be a fictional creation on the part of “The Crown.”
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A fashionista at heart, Dora has always dreamed of writing for fashion. After having accomplished her dream and much more, she redirects herself towards current affairs, whether celebrity,…