The popular Netflix series, The Crown, has come under fire for its portrayal of the events surrounding Princess Diana’s death. Dickie Arbiter, the former press secretary for Queen Elizabeth II during the depicted period in Season 6, has criticized the show’s creator, Peter Morgan, for what he calls “dramatic license gone bonkers.” Arbiter specifically takes issue with scenes in which Prince Charles breaks the news of Diana’s death to her sons, Princes William and Harry. He claims that the portrayal is insensitive and unnecessary, as the death of their mother is still a raw and painful memory for both of them. Furthermore, Arbiter disputes other scenes in which Charles discusses Diana’s return in a Harrod’s van, stating that it simply did not happen that way in reality. He emphasizes that the Queen was the first one to agree to provide an aircraft to bring Diana’s body home from France.
Arbiter also challenges the accuracy of the show’s depiction of the preparations for Princess Diana’s funeral. In the series, it suggests that Queen Elizabeth II arranged for a public ceremony overseen by Buckingham Palace. However, Arbiter clarifies that it was actually Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, who made this decision. As the individual in charge of media arrangements during that week, Arbiter explains that Spencer believed Diana’s funeral should be a public event due to her popularity and the adoration people had for her. The portrayal in The Crown incorrectly attributes this decision to the Queen.
Contrary to what is shown in the series, Arbiter refutes the claim that Prince William disappeared for 14 hours at Balmoral Castle after learning of his mother’s death. While it is true that William and Harry went for walks as a means of coping with their grief, the suggestion that William vanished for such an extended period is misleading. Arbiter acknowledges the challenges the young princes faced during that time but emphasizes that they did not vanish without any contact or support.
Arbiter dismisses the depiction of Diana’s so-called “ghost” in the series as a desperate attempt to add dramatic effect. In the show, certain scenes portray Diana’s lingering presence, which Arbiter finds unnecessary and far from reality. This fictional element only adds to the already heavy embellishments present in The Crown’s portrayal of historical events.
The producers of The Crown have defended their approach to representing Diana’s death, claiming that they handled it with care. However, they acknowledge that each viewer will ultimately form their own opinion on the matter. Suzanne Mackie, the executive producer, emphasizes that they are thoughtful and sensitive people who engaged in careful and lengthy discussions about how to approach this sensitive topic. Peter Morgan, the show’s creator and writer of every episode, has openly admitted that The Crown is not a strictly faithful depiction of history. He incorporates elements of imagination into real-life events, taking creative liberties for the sake of storytelling.
Arbiter, who has voiced his criticisms of The Crown in the past, argues that audiences around the world believe the show’s portrayal as if it were historical fact. He suggests that Netflix should provide a disclaimer to clarify the heavily embellished nature of the series. While he does not believe the show has caused any lasting damage to the reputation of the royal family, he raises concerns about the potential for misinformation and the blurring of lines between fact and fiction.
The Crown has faced significant criticism for its handling of Princess Diana’s death. Dickie Arbiter, the Queen’s former press secretary, accuses the show of insensitivity and embellishment in its portrayal of events. The series has been called into question for its inaccurate depiction of key moments, including the news of Diana’s death being broken to her sons, the arrangements for the funeral, and Prince William’s alleged disappearance. As viewers, it is essential to recognize the fine balance between historical accuracy and creative license in a show like The Crown.