The Crown’s Emotional Recreation
The latest season of The Crown delves into the heart-wrenching final moments of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before their tragic car crash in Paris in 1997.
As the first installment of the season is released, the show intricately recreates the ominous events leading up to the fatal incident.
Scene Unveiled: Diana and Dodi’s Departure from the Ritz Hotel
In a daunting clip, Princess Diana (played by Elizabeth Debicki) and Dodi Fayed (played by Khalid Abdalla) are depicted getting into a car outside the Ritz Hotel in Paris, owned by Dodi.
The intense scene unfolds as Dodi seeks assurance from Henri Paul, the deputy head of security at the Ritz, about their safety for the upcoming journey.
The Ill-Fated Journey: A Blend of Anticipation and Tragedy
Speaking in French, Henri Paul assures Dodi that a decoy vehicle has been used, ensuring a safe departure. However, as the couple walks to the Mercedes-Benz W140, they are surrounded by paparazzi. Ominous music plays as the driver checks on Diana’s well-being, and Dodi signals the departure with the word ‘allez.’
Netflix’s Approach: Leading Up to Diana’s Death
While Netflix has confirmed that the show will not depict the crash itself, the scene captures the moments before the tragedy, including Diana’s attempt to call her sons at Balmoral.
The emotional clip portrays Diana’s anguish as she realizes she missed speaking to William and Harry, setting a poignant tone for the unfolding narrative.
Additional Clips: Charles’ Despair and Diana’s Last Conversations
Newly released clips offer glimpses into Charles’ despair upon informing William and Harry of Diana’s death. The show also explores Diana’s frustration and her desire to return to the UK to see her sons.
While the series dramatizes her last conversation with William and Harry, it diverges from their actual recollections, as discussed in a 2017 documentary.
Controversial Scenes: Charles and Camilla’s Conversation
The Crown introduces scenes where Prince Charles (Dominic West) speaks to Camilla (Olivia Williams) after Diana’s death.
The conversation revolves around the challenge of informing the boys and the enormity of the upcoming events. These scenes unfold against the backdrop of news coverage of Diana’s tragic passing.
Sensitivity and Depiction: The Crown’s Unique Approach
The emotional first four episodes cover the tragic events surrounding Princess Diana’s death, incorporating sensitivity in handling the delicate subject matter.
The show’s portrayal of Diana as a continuing presence in the minds of those left behind sparks discussions about its unique approach to historical events.
Closing Insights: The Crown’s Evolving Narrative
The Crown, created by Peter Morgan, revisits the Royal Family’s reactions to Diana’s death, using fresh information gathered in the 17 years since Morgan’s film, “The Queen.”
The series covers familiar ground but brings new perspectives, evolving its narrative amid ongoing developments within the Royal Family.