Would the Royal Family Be Able to Sue 'The Crown' Producers?
Close friends of the royals' have "sought legal advice."
![The Royal Family](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UmEAjQqi8Q6X9VaR8osAbc-415-80.jpg)
The Crown, which dramatizes the story of the Royal Family from then-Princess Elizabeth's marriage all the way up to more recent events, has opportunities galore to—ahem—royally p*** off the real-life royals. On that front, the award-winning Netflix series certainly doesn't disappoint.
Members of the Firm have reportedly taken issue with many of the plotlines explored by The Crown throughout its four existing seasons and in anticipation of the fifth season's release in 2022. For instance, Prince William was reportedly "frustrated" with the show's decision to dedicate an episode to Princess Diana's controversial BBC interview with Martin Bashir. It's also been said that the family is (understandably) not super excited about The Crown's intention to detail Prince Philip's very close friendship with Penny Knatchbull.
Now, The Sun reports that friends of the royals have taken legal advice on whether or not they would have grounds to sue The Crown for portraying them in a certain light in season 5—and the answer is a resounding yes. "Friends of the Royal Family sought legal advice," a source told the paper. "The advice they received would also apply to the Royal Family. Although this is not direct legal advice given to the Queen and her family—they have been made aware of this advice."
Asked to weigh in, lawyer Helena Shipman of Carter-Ruck, told The Sun, "One battleground is the main message of the programme. Is it that the Queen acted coldly following the death of Diana? That would be a statement of opinion and Netflix would have an easy defence saying it is simply their own honest account."
Shipman then laid out more solid grounds for legal action on the Queen's part. "However, where The Crown has potential to overstep the mark is by suggesting something more serious—such as the Queen failing in her duties as sovereign and harming the country.
"That’s arguably a fact a defendant would have to prove true and the defence threshold for that is much higher.
"There are also other elements to having the potential for a libel claim, which is whether viewers believe what they’re watching is true or not. If they understand the show is fiction, and it’s a drama, their opinion of the Queen would not be lowered.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"But the fact she is being given initial advice about libel action says that she considers her portrayal a false one."
For now, though, it still seems unlikely that the Royal Family would choose to sue the show's producers in the first place.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Interestingly, the Showrunner of ‘The Crown’ Admits He’s “Not Really That Interested in the Monarchy”
Peter Morgan also admitted that, after Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022, “I didn’t really want to do it anymore.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Well, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ Might Not Be Completely Done After All
The success of ‘Scoop’ is reportedly prompting the streaming giant’s bosses to bring ‘The Crown’ back in a new, interesting form after the show concluded last year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Dominic West Says He Got in Bed and Didn’t Leave for Two Days After Reading Reviews of ‘The Crown’
Much like the character of Prince Charles that he portrays, West is “a sensitive soul.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
If You Want One of 450 Items from the Set of ‘The Crown,’ Now’s Your Chance to Claim It
A replica of Princess Diana’s revenge dress? Could be yours. How about your very own Gold State Coach? Up for grabs, too.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Queen Elizabeth II's Childhood Drawing, Which Her Mom Called "Very Poor," Is Up for Auction
Savage.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published