10 Reasons the Royal Family is Worried About The Crown Season 5
#10: Support for the Royal Family Is Currently at an All-Time Low
The Royal family hasn’t had the best press in recent years, and polls in mid-late 2022 reported that public opinion was at an all-time low. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, some started pondering if now was the time for a change. Given that they largely live behind closed doors, worldwide audiences turn to “The Crown” almost as if they were “Keeping up with the Kardashians.” While many of us race to the internet to decipher the fact from the fiction, there’s no denying we’re slightly swayed by their more accessible fictional counterparts. So, understandably they might be concerned that anything from character traits to dramatized plot points could cause their approval rating to plummet even more.
#9: The Queen & Prince Charles’ Tricky Relationship
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Seasons Three and Four have tackled the difficult mother-son relationship between the monarch and heir to the throne. Seemingly Season Five will delve even deeper with a scene where the then-Prince blasts his parents’ negligence and suggests they only got away with it because of their privileged positions. While we don’t know if this is true or not, Jonathan Dimbleby, who wrote the King’s authorized biography back in 1994, discussed the now King’s “emotionally distant” parents and lonely childhood at length. We imagine this subject could divide Royal fans or compel them to draw parallels to the King’s relationship with his sons. However, many might feel that this critique is too soon given the family’s still very recent loss.
#8: Annus Horribilis
According to the trailer, Season Five will address the Queen’s infamous Annus Horribilis. This was the year three of her children’s marriages broke down, and a fire ravaged Windsor Castle. We hardly need to tell you that reliving your worst memories is no picnic. Now, imagine someone taking the worst years of your life and dramatizing them on television. The season couldn’t have come at a worse time for the family. They continue to mourn the loss of two beloved figureheads while stumbling ahead with a new Monarch on the throne. Meanwhile, households across the world are being reminded of some of their worst moments and reveling in the drama.
#7: Reliving the Panorama Interview
You're probably familiar with Princess Diana's controversial 1995 "Panorama" interview with Martin Bashir. Well, in recent years, a private investigation uncovered that the host used fake documents to secure this exclusive chat with the Royal. In response, Prince William blasted the BBC for their negligence, and expressed anger toward those who use the exploitative incident for commercial or financial gain. So as you might imagine, he's not too happy with "The Crown" either. The show will address the infamous interview while apparently also examining Mr. Bashir's deceit. While it will be interesting to see how they frame it, we can sympathize with the Prince. After all, who would want their family's lowest points rehashed so publically?
#6: Prince Philip’s Alleged Affair
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Prince Philip’s alleged infidelity is hinted at during the show’s first two seasons. Seasons Three and Four made way for the next generation’s romantic dramas, but Season Five is set to remind us of the Queen’s husband’s apparent wandering eye. When their marriage hits a rough patch, Prince Philip begins an affair with Penelope ‘Penny’ Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma. In reality, The Countess was a family friend, but her relationship with Prince Philip was likely just platonic. This plotline has not been well received by royal pundits who dismissed it as “cruel rubbish” and “in exceedingly bad taste.” They’ve also accused the showrunners of ignoring that their characters are based on actual people with real feelings.
#5: The Royals Like to Be in Control of Their Image
In a world bridged together by modern technology, the Royals still strive to maintain their distance. According to author and journalist David Dimbleby, the lengths they’ll go to protect their public image are quite astounding. For instance, following the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, broadcasters were forbidden from showing Prince George touching his nose or Mike Tindall checking his watch— you know, typical human stuff. It also doesn’t help that the Queen’s passing drew in new audiences seeking to learn more about the late Monarch. You’re probably also aware that some have called for the episodes to begin with a disclaimer. Something tells us that the Royal family won’t be gathering around the TV with popcorn to watch the latest season.
#4: Queen Consort Camilla’s Image
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The infamous love triangle between Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Camilla Parker Bowles will take center stage in the fifth season. Public perception of the Queen Consort has always been tainted due to her role as “the other woman” in King Charles’ life. Emerald Fennell did a fantastic job at creating a three-dimensional character who had us seething during her lunch date with a newly engaged Diana or pulled at our heartstrings as she accepted her lot in life. But, since the Royals choose to shroud themselves in mystery, many might turn to the fictional counterpart to form their opinion about the new Queen Consort. And based on what we know so far, we’re not sure they’re going to like what they see.
#3: Prince Charles’ Tried to Overthrow His Mom?
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Before you hurriedly search whether or not this actually happened, let us reassure you there is no evidence it did. In fact, John Major, who was Prime Minister at the time, is particularly unhappy with this fabrication. It suggests that the heir to the throne approached him with a plot to force the Queen to abdicate. Until now, “The Crown” has taken historical events and sprinkled them with fictional interactions, and this, of course, is no different. However, it does feel like a major leap from what we’ve seen so far, and no doubt, some might even believe it to be true. You can certainly understand why it angered the ex-Prime Minister, and it’s not the best start for the king’s reign either.
#2: King Charles’ Reputation
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All eyes are on King Charles as he steps into his mother’s mammoth legacy. The fact that this coincides with a rather turbulent season of “The Crown” is pretty unfortunate. Those who recall the 90s will be reminded of some unpleasant events, and by the sounds of it, the fictionalized elements won’t do him any favors either. The Palace has worked hard at improving the King’s image over the years, and now they’re concerned that “The Crown” could unravel it all. So, as you might imagine, the Royal PR team is already trying to get ahead of the storm, denouncing the series and jumping in with pre-emptive damage control. What a time for a rebranding, eh?
#1: The House of Wales’ Breakdown
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The breakdown of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage and subsequent divorce is extremely well documented, so there’s likely little more to add. We expect that rather than shed new light, this storyline will remind us of how messy the whole ordeal was— the trailer alone looks pretty explosive. During their separation, both parties tried to one-up each other in public opinion; you can even expect to see that iconic revenge dress. Insiders are reportedly most concerned about the backlash the new King and his wife might endure and criticized the show for exploiting the institution. What do you think? Are they right to be on the verge of a royal meltdown? Or is the whole thing overblown?
