
Concerns about The Crown's creative license continue to echo around Britain. In late November, UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden told the Mail on Sunday that he worried viewers could "mistake fiction for fact" when watching the show, and that he planned to write Netflix requesting the company add a "health warning" to clarify that the series is fictional.
"It’s a beautifully produced work of fiction, so as with other TV productions, Netflix should be very clear at the beginning it is just that," Dowden said, adding, "Without this, I fear a generation of viewers who did not live through these events may mistake fiction for fact."
After at first declining to comment, Netflix made its stance clear, with a spokesperson telling Variety on December 6 that no such warning would be implemented. "We have always presented The Crown as a drama—and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events," the spokesperson said. "As a result we have no plans — and see no need—to add a disclaimer." The streaming service also reportedly privately responded to UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden, who sent Netflix a private letter about his concerns.
Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) and Princess Diana (Emma Corrin) on The Crown.
Josh O'Connor, who plays Prince Charles on the royal drama, clearly agrees with the streaming service's decision. "We were slightly let down by our culture secretary, whose job it is to encourage culture," O'Connor said during an interview with the the Los Angeles Times for The Envelope: The Podcast. "In my opinion, it's pretty outrageous that he came out and said what he said. Particularly, in this time when he knows that the arts are struggling and they're on their knees, I think it's a bit of a low blow."
Subsequently, former education secretary Damian Hind took issue with O'Connor's sentiments. "Mr. O’Connor says Oliver Dowden’s intervention is outrageous, but what would be truly outrageous would be trying to stop our Culture Secretary holding the streaming giant to account. Oliver has every right to call for the series to carry a disclaimer," Hind said, adding, "This is not some dramatization of a novel. It is based on the lives of real people and it relays many events people will recognize, so although it contains fiction, it certainly isn’t 'pure' fiction."
Emma Corrin, the actress who plays Princess Diana, is the latest person to defend Netflix's decision. "It is very clearly a dramatized version of events," she told Variety, adding, "This is fictitious in the same way people don’t mistake Succession for what actually happened with the Murdochs." Corrin noted that she did respect where the other side was coming from: "I also understand [the request] comes from a place of sensitivity and protectiveness of the royal family and Diana."
In the past, when asked, The Crown's creators aren't shy about saying that they've taken liberties with the truth—the show doesn't, after all, claim to be a docu-series. Robert Lacey, the show's historical consultant, previously explained to T&C, "There are two sorts of truth. There's historical truth and then there's the larger truth about the past."
Subscribe here with the code HOLIDAY50 to save 50%
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com, where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve.
-
Beyoncé Released a Surprise Song for the 'Renaissance' Concert Film
Hear the movie's end credits song, "My House."
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Beyoncé Is a Literal Jewel in an Extravagant Balmain Mini in London
Queen B shone in a bejeweled Olivier Rousteing piece in honor of her 'Renaissance Tour' film.
By Gabriella Onessimo
-
Sandra Day O'Connor, the First Woman to Ever Serve the Supreme Court, Has Died
Justice O’Connor played a pivotal role when issues like abortion, affirmative action, gender discrimination, and voting rights took center stage in American politics.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn