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Many people have tried to portray the late Princess Diana on screen, but none have done the job quite as perfectly as 24-year-old actress Emma Corrin.
Corrin, who plays Diana in season four of Netflix’s hit show, The Crown, is not only the spitting image of the royal, she also masters her accent, wardrobe, and demure, empathetic nature. But, of course, you can’t please them all – especially when it’s involving one of the most beloved women in the world.
Recent reports suggest that the royal family and members of British Parliament are displeased with the “cruel and unfair” portrayal of the Prince Charles, played by Josh O’Connor. Specifically, the series’ depiction of Diana’s marriage to the Prince of Wales, and his subsequent affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles, played by Emerald Fennell.
“It’s a difficult one,” Corrin said in reference to the reports while a guest on Tamron Hall. “I think for everyone in The Crown, we always try and remind everyone that the series that we’re in is fictionalised, to a great extent. Obviously, it has its roots in reality and in some fact, but Peter Morgan’s scripts are works of fiction.”
Corrin also acknowledged that it’s valid for some viewers to have trouble accepting that liberties were taken with a narrative about a real-life figure as beloved as Diana. “I understand why people would be upset because this is history,” Corrin continued. “Even with Diana, you know, it’s still very much fresh, I suppose, everything that happened.”
“Peter writes such rich and complex characters,” Corrin continued. “And as an actor, it’s such a joy to be able to really bring a lot to them.”
Prince Charles’ friends have also criticised the series for dredging up old drama. Per Daily Mail, Charles’ friends called the season “trolling with a Hollywood budget.” The Times also reported that Prince William is upset that his parents are “being exploited and presented in a false, simplistic way to make money.”
While, yes, it would be difficult to watch your family drama be embellished and played out on the TV for millions to watch – and, of course, Diana’s death would have been incredibly traumatic for her sons and wider family – there’s no denying that The Crown is a very, very good show. I’m sorry, but look away, Windsors.
