Netflix’s ‘The Crown‘ has been a hit with audiences since its premiere in 2016. The show chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and her family, depicting the ups and downs of their personal lives as well as the historical events that took place during the 20th century. However, as with any historical drama, questions have been raised about the accuracy of the show’s portrayal of real events and figures.
So, is ‘The Crown‘ historically accurate? The answer, as with most things, is not a simple one. While the show does take some creative liberties with the facts, it is generally rooted in historical facts and strives to remain true to the overall historical narrative. While some members of the royal family may take issue with how they are portrayed on the show, others have praised it for its attention to detail and accurate portrayal of events.
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‘The Crown’: Dramatization Versus Reality
One of the main criticisms of ‘The Crown‘ is that it often takes liberties with the facts in order to create a more compelling story. While the show’s creator, Peter Morgan, has acknowledged that some scenes are fictionalized, he has also maintained that the show is rooted in historical fact. The show’s depiction of the Aberfan disaster in Wales, which killed 116 children and 28 adults, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and accurate depictions of the tragedy. The show also takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect. In the show’s first season, the episode ‘Assassins’ depicts a young Queen Elizabeth being saved from an assassination attempt by a mentally ill teenager. While the scene is a dramatic one, it is not entirely accurate. In reality, there was no assassination attempt on the Queen during this time period.
However, it is true that there were concerns about the Queen’s safety following the murder of a British MP by a mentally ill man. Similarly, the show’s portrayal of Prince Philip has also been criticized for being overly dramatic. In season two, the show suggests that Prince Philip had an affair while on a royal tour in Australia. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it is known that the couple faced marital difficulties during this time period. Overall, while ‘The Crown‘ may take some creative liberties with the facts, it does strive to remain true to the overall historical narrative.
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The Royal Family’s Response To The Series
The accuracy of ‘The Crown‘ has also been a topic of discussion within the royal family. Some members of the family have expressed concern about how they are portrayed on the show, with Prince Harry going so far as to suggest that it should be categorized as fiction. However, the show’s accuracy has been defended by others, including Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer.
Spencer has praised the show for its portrayal of his sister, who is a central figure in season four. He has stated that while the show is dramatized, it accurately captures the essence of the events and the people involved. The show has also received praise for its attention to detail in terms of costume and set design. The show’s creators have gone to great lengths to ensure that the clothing and décor are accurate representations of the time period.
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