As the final episode of The Crown Season 6 unfolds on Netflix, viewers are given a glimpse into the early signs of discord between Prince William and Prince Harry. Peter Morgan, the creator of the show, has delved into the imaginations of these two royals, played by Ed McVey and Luther Ford, respectively, as they navigate adulthood and their royal responsibilities. With Imelda Staunton’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, the brothers’ relationship takes a frosty turn when they learn about Prince Charles’ intention to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, portrayed by Olivia Williams.
Prince William, acknowledging the importance of his father’s happiness and his future role as the future king, is reluctantly accepting of the idea. However, Prince Harry, portrayed by Luther Ford, is less inclined to support the marriage and remains silent as his brother offers their blessing to the Queen. In a bitter exchange, Harry criticizes William, saying, “I can’t believe you caved like that.” William defends himself, asserting, “I didn’t cave, I’m just being a realist.”
Interestingly, the dialogue between the two princes appears to reference “The Firm,” a nickname for the royal family that has been used by Meghan Markle, Harry’s wife, in interviews where she expressed criticisms of the institution. The quote from Prince Harry, “Such a f***ing company man,” seems to allude to his wife’s previous comments. This subtle reference adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, delving deep into family dynamics and personal struggles.
The tensions between the brothers continue to escalate around the eve of their father’s wedding. Prince Harry accuses Prince William of “stabbing me in the back,” alluding to a real-life incident in which Harry was photographed wearing a Nazi uniform at a costume party. These heated dialogues, both on the show and in reality, contribute to the public fallout and tabloid rumors that have dogged the brothers for years.
In recent years, allies of Prince Harry have accused Prince William of leaking negative information about his younger brother to the press. Omid Scobie, who is considered close to Harry and Meghan, reiterated these allegations while promoting his book, Endgame. The claims suggest that William shares private information that ends up on the front pages of newspapers, further fueling the rift between the brothers.
Within the finale of The Crown, Queen Elizabeth II imparts some wisdom to William. She advises him to be kind to his brother and acknowledges the challenges faced by the second in line to the throne. Her words resonate, as “number two tends to need extra care and attention,” hinting at the difficulties confronting Prince Harry as he finds his place within the royal family.
While Prince Harry has admitted to watching The Crown in the past, it is reported that he will not be tuning in to the final season due to its portrayal of the events surrounding Princess Diana’s tragic death. On the other hand, Prince William has never publicly acknowledged watching the show.
The Crown’s portrayal of the strained relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry serves as a reflection of the growing tensions in the real world. The imagined conversations and conflicts depicted in the show offer viewers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by members of the royal family. As these two individuals continue to navigate their roles within the monarchy, it remains to be seen how their relationship will unfold in the future.