by Venus Sanders
As the acclaimed series "The Crown" approaches the culmination of its sixth and final season later this year, ardent fans await with bated breath to witness the portrayal of the tragic demise of Princess Diana on screen.
The show's executive producers, Andy Harries and Suzanne Mackie, are resolute in their claim that they approached the depiction of Diana's passing (portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki) with the utmost sensitivity. The heart-wrenching death scene, which occurred when the Princess of Wales tragically perished in a car crash in Paris at the age of 36 in 1997, is set to unfold in the early episodes of the concluding season.
Image Credit: Tim Graham / Contributor / Getty Images
Mackie emphasized the meticulous approach taken during the process, acknowledging the show's magnitude while maintaining a nuanced portrayal. During a session at the Edinburgh TV Festival, she elaborated on the deliberations that paved the way for this poignant portrayal. "The show might be big and noisy, but we’re not. We’re thoughtful people and we’re sensitive people. There were very careful, long conversations about how we were going to do it," Mackie asserted.
She further shared insights into the actress embodying the late Princess, Elizabeth Debicki. Debicki's commitment to encapsulating Diana's essence and her empathetic approach towards the role were highlighted. "Elizabeth Debicki is an extraordinary actress, and she was so thoughtful and considerate. She loved Diana. There’s a huge amount of respect from us all — I hope that’s evident," Mackie added, underscoring the reverence the production team holds for this pivotal moment in history.
Image Credit: Elizabeth Debicki / Marc Piasecki / Contributor / Getty Images
At the time of publication, She's SINGLE reached out to Netflix for an official comment regarding these sensitive portrayals.
Notably, past instances have seen "The Crown" face scrutiny for its approach to depicting Diana's tragic accident. The Irish Sun reported in October that scenes depicting the accident had ignited criticism. The depiction of Diana's final days and the circumstances of her passing in the heart of Paris stirred discomfort, with some crew members expressing reservations. A source shared concerns, stating, "To be going back to Paris and turning Diana’s final days and hours into a drama feels very uncomfortable. Finally, some of the crew members are pushing back."
As the series navigates closer to contemporary times, the challenge of sensitively treading the line between fictional storytelling and real-life events becomes more pronounced. The delicate nature of presenting recent and poignant moments in history has led to contemplation on how to uphold respect and emotional integrity.
In a poignant twist of fate, Queen Elizabeth's passing in September 2022 occurred while the cast was amidst filming. Andy Harries touched on how this event reverberated through the creative process, adding a layer of depth to the storytelling. "The passing of Her Majesty impacted on us all … It didn’t change [the story] fundamentally, but it did change it in a sense. When you see it, I think you will know what I mean," Harries shared, hinting at the profound impact this turn of events had on the series.
Mackie eloquently characterized the show as a "love letter" to the sovereign, underscoring the creator Peter Morgan's intent to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth's legacy.
As the final chapters of "The Crown" unfold, viewers will be transported to the late 1990s and early 2000s, immersing themselves in significant events of that era. The portrayal of Tony Blair's tenure as prime minister, the initial meeting between Prince William and Kate Middleton, and other pivotal moments will grace the screen.
Returning Season 5 cast members, including Dominic West as Prince Charles, Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, and Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, will contribute to the series' grand finale.
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Among the turning points awaiting depiction is the aftermath of Prince Harry's 2005 Nazi costume scandal. The Duke of Sussex, now 38, donned a Nazi officer's uniform at a costume party, a controversial incident that reverberated widely at the time.