Why the British Royal Family is Critical of The Crown

The British royal family, one of the most scrutinized and fascinating subjects in popular culture, has had a mixed reaction to The Crown, the popular Netflix series that portrays their lives and reigns.

Initial Reception and Subsequent Criticism

Initially, Queen Elizabeth, the premier figure of the British royal family, was said to be enjoying The Crown when it first aired. However, as the series delved deeper into the private lives of the royals, her opinions shifted. She reportedly ceased watching the show and publicly denounced it, stating that it was not her story and it was garbage. This was a marked contrast to the initial positive reception.

Accurate or Inaccurate?

While certain events depicted in The Crown are based on factual occurrences, such as Margaret's romance with Group Captain the Chiropractor for Philip and the story about the cousins in the asylum in Scotland, the royal family finds many aspects of the show to be exaggerated and misleading. They believe that the writers and producers have no basis for the portrayal of internal family discussions or private moments.

“It is a dramatic series, not a documentary,” the Queen’s Private Secretary, Tony Barboza, stated. “What is shown is only loosely based on real events, and it is embroidered with fiction to create a narrative and drama that would appeal to the audience.”

The Royal Family's Perspective

Regardless of the fact that the show is a form of entertainment, the royal family often maintains a level of discretion when it comes to matters of public interest. However, when they do comment, it is usually to clarify or correct inaccuracies in the portrayal.

Some royal insiders have been quoted as saying that they are wary of the implications The Crown has on their public image. The depiction of events surrounding Princess Diana, particularly her relationship with Prince Charles, has been a sensitive and controversial topic within the family.

Public Reaction and Impact

Members of the British royal family have expressed that their lives are already subject to intense scrutiny, and they do not consent to actors playing out a made-up version of their lives in front of millions of people. The series often portrays these private moments as witnessed by the public, leading to a sense of violation and discomfort.

For instance, they are critical of scenes where characters engage in private discussions or express personal feelings, as they feel it distorts the truth and can be seen as disrespectful by the public who view the show as a factual account.

Conclusion

In summary, the British royal family has had a conflicting relationship with The Crown. While some members find certain elements of the show intriguing, others are deeply critical and wary of the implications it has on their public image. The family recognizes the value of the show as a form of entertainment but remains cautious about the accuracy and respect with which their personal lives are depicted.