5 Times The Crown Took Creative Liberties with Royal History
It's not a documentary series after all.
Though classified as a historical drama, the Crown can be seen as a rather humourless satire poking fun at many of the royal family's misdeeds. The writers strive to be cautious with historical facts, but numerous plot twists are clearly designed to highlight the flaws of the United Kingdom's monarchy.
Nevertheless, Peter Morgan, the show's creator, has claimed to be sympathetic towards the royals. Additionally, for the sake of drama or profit, the show sometimes deviates from historical accuracy, embellishing or distorting reality. Let's look at five such distortions and embellishments.
5. Prince Philip's affair with Penelope Knatchbull
Season 5 explores Prince Philip's relationship with Penelope Knatchbull, showing them holding hands and discussing the issues arising from his marriage. There is no evidence to support the truth of this portrayal.
However, it is important to note that the Duke of Edinburgh did have affairs, and the depiction of his 'friendship' with Knatchbull is a plot device to explore this topic.
4. Queen's affair with Lord Porchester
The third season hints at a romantic relationship between Elizabeth II and Henry Herbert, 7th Earl of Carnarvon, her racing manager. This, however, is also a fabrication, as she was never alone with him for extended periods, and whenever the two of them did spend time together, either Herbert's wife or Prince Philip accompanied them.
3. Lord Mountbatten's letter to Prince Charles
The relationship between the future King of Great Britain and his current consort began even before Charles met Diana. Nevertheless, many royal family members were unhappy that Camilla, though an aristocrat, was not of royal birth and was already married at the time.
In Season 4, Lord Mountbatten writes a letter to the Prince, urging him to find a sweet, innocent, well-tempered girl with no past. Peter Morgan admits this was a creative liberty on his part. However, even though Lord Mountbatten may not have written such a letter, there was certainly pressure on Charles.
2. Prince Charles discussing Queen Elizabeth's abdication
In Season 5, Prince Charles talks with then-Prime Minister Sir John Major about the possibility of Elizabeth II abdicating the Crown, which would result in Charles ascending the throne. The former Prime Minister's office denied this claim.
However, Patrick Jephson, Diana Spencer's former private secretary, revealed that Charles did have such a conversation, but not with Major—rather, with one of his advisors.
1. Glossing over Camillagate
Season 5 highlights the scandal known as Camillagate, featuring a leaked intimate phone conversation between Prince Charles and the then-married Camilla. This is followed by an almost unrelated scene about how The Prince's Trust has helped millions of children nationwide.
The issue lies in the writers' apparent attempt to whitewash Charles's reputation. They remained silent about British intelligence previously leaking phone calls of Diana discussing her mental state in her marriage to Charles. Furthermore, the season reduced her concerns about being bugged to mere paranoia.