Top 10 Most Shocking The Crown Moments
#10: Philip Issues a Warning to Diana “War”
As a fellow outsider, Prince Philip was always Diana’s greatest ally. However, when she declares that she wants out of the royal family, this changes almost instantly. Taken aback by her defiance, he realizes that they’re not as alike as he first thought. The atmosphere turns ominous as Prince Philip issues a threatening warning. Our foresight makes this moment even more sinister, especially considering the rumors that would later emerge. As he leaves, Diana realizes she is now more alone than ever and decides that she must raise her shields. And of course, as we know, this is just the beginning.
#9: The Queen Unveils Her Political Side “48:1”
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It’s practically unheard of for the constitutional monarchy to interfere with politics. But the Queen vocalizes her disapproval when Margaret Thatcher refuses to join the Commonwealth in condemning apartheid. Rumors of a rift between them were already buzzing and it doesn’t help that Elizabeth decides to fuel the rumor mill, despite her press secretary’s warnings. Inevitably, the story erupts, leaving the Queen to face public backlash and of course, Thatcher’s wrath. Immediate damage control gets underway to rectify this royal faux-pas. But, to save face, Michael Shea is dismissed from his post before he can even utter “I told you so.”.
#8: Lord Mountbatten’s Death “Gold Stick”
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The first episode of season four briefly addresses the Troubles that afflicted the United Kingdom and Ireland. We follow the various Royals as they enjoy some downtime during the 1979 August Bank Holiday weekend. “Dickie” embarks on a family fishing trip, but not before writing a heartfelt letter to his beloved great-nephew. While the sense of foreboding never disappears, nothing can quite prepare you for this explosive climax. The provisional IRA claimed responsibility for the attack that claimed the lives of several onboard, including two teenagers. Even if you remember that fateful day, it’s no less startling to watch here.
#7: The Tragic Past of Princess Alice “Bubbikins”
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Struggling to bounce back from their panned BBC documentary, Princess Anne sneakily gets a journalist to interview her grandmother, Princess Alice. He uncovers so many unimaginable details about her painful past and still, they only just cover the tip of the iceberg. She was born deaf, diagnosed with schizophrenia, and committed to a mental institution, where she was mistreated by psychoanalysts. She endured so much, overcame immense obstacles, and made incredible sacrifices for the good of others. Her story is as heartbreaking as it is extraordinary, and it’s shocking that this interview is fictional because she deserves to have her story known.
#6: Buckingham Palace Has a Spy “Olding”
While suspicions are raised over a potential KGB spy infiltrating Downing Street, the real culprit is right under the Queen’s nose, showing her artwork. Sir Anthony Blunt is revealed to be part of the Cambridge Five, a ring of spies who leaked confidential information to the Soviet Union. Almost unbelievably, security chooses to turn a blind eye just to save face and protect ties with the U.S. While Elizabeth subtly drops hints about his treachery during their next meeting, Philip opts for a more “blunt” approach. But he’s stopped in his tracks when Sir Anthony drops another bombshell revelation.
#5: Camilla & Diana Have Lunch “Fairytale”
Audiences were surprised to learn that Diana and Camilla really did meet for lunch. Although, reality probably wasn’t quite as scandalous as “The Crown’s” imagining of the event. Bored and lonely, Diana takes Camilla up on a lunch date invitation and the pair meet at a restaurant called, “Ménage à Trois”. While there, Camilla makes numerous digs at the future princess, while either choosing to ignore or being completely oblivious of her increasing irritation. Diana was well aware of Camilla and Charles’ prior relationship. But at this moment, she realizes that while she might have the ring, Camilla ain’t going anywhere either.
#4: The Queen Discovers Her Uncle’s Dark History “Vergangenheit”
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Years after abdicating the throne, the Duke of Windsor starts growing wary of non-palace life. However, his plans to rally support for his restoration instantly evaporate due to the revelation of “The Marburg Files”. The documents uncovered his ties with top-rank Nazis as well as a plot to put him back on the throne. The evidence against him is harrowing as Elizabeth learns just how far he was willing to go simply to wear the crown once again. It’s no wonder the Royals tried to keep this evidence from the public, as it’s too heinous to even imagine that this could have happened.
#3: The Aberfan Disaster “Aberfan”
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This season three episode is dedicated to the real-life tragedy that wiped out almost an entire generation of Aberfan’s youth. On this fateful day in October 1966, an avalanche of coal waste hurtled into the village, destroying everything in its path and taking the lives of 116 children and 28 adults. The depiction of the funeral is particularly heart wrenching and will stay with you long after the end credits roll. While the village mourns, the government focuses on deflecting blame, and the Queen is nowhere in sight. In 2002, the Queen reportedly described her delayed response as her “biggest regret”.
#2: The Royal Cousins “The Hereditary Principle”
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This revelation from season four left us scooping our jaws up off the ground. In an episode that puts a spotlight on mental health, Princess Margaret discovers that cousins she long-thought to be dead were alive and living in a care facility. To make matters worse, we are just as horrified as she is when the Queen Mother justifies the family’s decision to essentially erase all memory of the pair from public knowledge. While many elements of this episode are fabricated, there is a foundation of truth behind it, which came as a great shock to many viewers, too. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Camilla, Prince Charles & Diana, “War” Can You Think of a More Infamous Love Triangle? No Exceptions for Prince Philip, “Smoke and Mirrors” The Royal Couple Comes to Blows Over an Age-Old Tradition Prince Andrew, “Favourites” The Writers Clearly Took Influence from Recent Events The Profumo Affair, “Mystery Man” Even the Royal Family Couldn’t Avoid Getting Embroiled in This Scandal A Question of Fidelity, “Assassins” Philip’s Jealousy Over the Queen’s Friendship with Porchey Causes an Explosive Argument
#1: The Queen Breaks Her Promise to Princess Margaret “Gloriana”
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Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend’s whirlwind affair had its fair share of obstacles in season one. But it seemed that the dust was finally settling and, with the Queen’s blessing, the nuptials could go ahead. Little did she know, however, that their mother had been conspiring with the government to make sure that this marriage wouldn’t happen. Elizabeth is backed into a corner, forced to decide between her promise to her sister and her duty to the Church. As Elizabeth breaks the news to her sister, we can almost feel Margaret’s heartbreak, utter devastation, and the agonizing pangs of betrayal.
