October 25th 2023.
The Crown creator Peter Morgan has responded to reports about a controversial decision to show Princess Diana's 'ghost' in the sixth and final season of the award-winning Netflix drama series. Notable historical events to be included in the season are the premiership of Tony Blair, the early relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.
However, last month it was revealed that the late Princess, played by Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki, would also feature as a 'ghost' following her death. It was reported that 'distressing' moments including Diana being covered in blood in hospital, and in an open casket after her death would also be shown on screen.
In light of this, Peter has clarified that the intent was never to have the princess' posthumous appearance to be supernatural. ‘I never imagined it as Diana’s “ghost” in the traditional sense,’ he said. ‘It was her continuing to live vividly in the minds of those she has left behind. Diana was unique, and I suppose that’s what inspired me to find a unique way of representing her. She deserved special treatment narratively.’
Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Diana in the series, has also reflected on the role. She said it felt like a 'really unique challenge as an actor, to portray those days'. Elizabeth added that she 'just trusted in Peter’s emotional blueprint that he created for us to follow'. ‘It’s his interpretation and I think it made emotional sense to me, so I clung to that. Because, obviously, it’s devastating and it’s fraught and we can never know.’
The Crown season 6 is due to be released on Netflix in two parts on November 16 and December 14. It will feature Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons, Olivia Colman succeeding her in seasons three and four, and Imelda Staunton playing the Queen in her later years for seasons five and six.
Princess Diana's portrayal in the final season of The Crown is sure to be a point of discussion amongst viewers. However, with Peter Morgan's clarification and Elizabeth Debicki's trust in his vision, it is likely that the series will be remembered for its powerful and respectful representation of one of the most iconic women of the 20th century.
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