Netflix's The Crown is a dramatic spectacle of history revolving around the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth the second has primarily been the main character until the introduction of Princess Diana in season 4. True to her name as the people's princess, Diana is now the series' star. While the show has gone into greater depth about Diana and Charles' broken marriage, her complicated relationship with the royal family is further explored in season 5.
The latest season feels different for a variety of reasons. While the first part of the series builds up Elizabeth's childhood and reign against a backdrop of a primarily supportive country, her story begins to fall apart towards the latter end.
10 The Royal Family Isn't The Ideal Portrait Of Perfection
Throughout much of the series, the Windsor family are prim, proper, and every bit the stiff royal family that the public believes them to be--for the most part. Though audiences see intimate and vulnerable moments that may or may not have happened for these figures, they remain the untouchable forces of power on the English throne.
Elizabeth and Philip may carry the traditional values of the past, but their children try not to. Season 5 sees Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew going through the motions of divorce and various scandals, one right after the other.
9 Difficult Situations Make The Family More Relatable
It isn't easy to relate to a group of individuals who carry a significantly large amount of power and wealth. For some of Europe, the royal family is the picture of tradition and values. However, they are human, after all. The decline of the Windsor children's marriages and their vulnerabilities on display make them relatable for the first time.
As sad as it is, their broken relationships and finding love again make them engaging. Of course, Diana's involvement as the black sheep of the royal family puts a harsher light on the family once again.
8 The Recent History Is More Well Known
Seeing as Season 5 takes place during the 90s' for the most part, it's easier for a broader audience to remember or at least understand the historical events that occur in the series. Like the seasons before, the characters evolve with time and step into the nineties with differing attitudes that retain their lasting impression on the public.
Diana's BBC interview and the leaked phone calls between Charles and Camilla occurred slightly over twenty years ago. Though The Crown undoubtedly has a diverse audience, it's refreshing for more recent events to be covered.
7 Diana Has A Complicated Relationship With Everyone
Princess Diana, now portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki, initially does her best to maintain her unhappy marriage with Prince Charles (played by Dominic West). However, this attempt failed just as quickly as it began, and the couple split. Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles puts an ever-increasing strain on the marriage, unbeknownst to the Queen.
When she's given the opportunity to speak out, Diana speaks her truth and tells the public how challenging the relationship has been. Though everyone has an opinion about Diana, it seems she has no one to turn to but herself, making for an entirely relatable experience for some.
6 Mental Health Is Spoken About More Often
It's refreshing and somewhat surprising to see Queen Elizabeth struggling with her mental health. This is because of several factors, including the public's opinion about the monarchy; she struggles mentally and writes a speech about it. Though her mother is unhelpful and scolds her for being so forthright about personal matters, Philip stands up for his wife.
Diana is another individual who's unafraid to speak up about her mental health and darkest moments. Though they are only two characters whose mental health is the topic of conversation, it's essential for the series to touch upon such an important subject.
5 Camilla And Charles Might Not Be The Villains They're Made Out To Be
The previous season detailed Charles' confrontation with his mother, in which he admitted he didn't want to marry Diana. Unfortunately, his position was more important, and he had a duty to fulfill that Camilla was unfit for. Had the couple been given a chance to be with each other in the first place, both Diana and Charles would have been spared a painful and unhappy marriage that would dissolve anyway.
The latest season provides a glimpse at how much more content the couple is together, yet how harshly the world looks at them.
4 It's Fun To See How Nineties Technology Is Handled
Of course, the series has detailed many technological moments in history. Still, the introduction of satellite cable television in the palace has to be one of the most amusing moments of the show. Young Prince William is recruited by his grandmother and great-grandmother to instruct them on using the newer TV format.
For anyone with older family members that aren't tech-savvy, they understand this lighthearted moment immediately. As he scrolls through the channels and shows them the remote control, they jest and enjoy the newer accessory.
3 It Provides More Glimpses Of Tradition Being Broken For Modern Times
The fascinating evolution of the royal family from staunch traditionalists to modernized individuals is wild. The royal family's struggle with adapting to the times is further explored when Prince Charles goes to Hong Kong following their independence from Great Britain.
The political movement of England at the time was moving in the opposite direction quickly, and the royal family was struggling to accept the fact. Charles' handling of the new Prime Minister's attitude toward his lineage is admirable, especially when he takes it up with his mother and discusses their future. They admit that adapting to modern standards is the only way to survive.
2 Diana Is Just Like Everyone Else, Yet Not
The people's princess is once again the center of controversy and the most relatable character. Diana does her best to stay in the good graces of everyone, even when it seems as though they're all against her.
Most individuals understand what it's like to sometimes feel like an outsider or hurt by loved ones. However, most individuals don't know the luxury of living inside castle walls. As much as she tries, Diana is still a privileged individual, even if she's the most heartbreakingly understandable person.
1 It Touches On Popular Conspiracy Theories Without Running Wild With Them
Of course, the royal family is the center of many conspiracy theories. However, many have stemmed from the latest years of Elizabeth's reign involving Princess Diana. While the show doesn't go overboard with a dramatization of events or suspected occurrences, they skirt the more incendiary subject matter.
The scenes surrounding Diana being followed and watched are unnerving but don't seem like a reach. From hinting at Prince Philip's insinuated infidelity once again to Diana's tapped phone calls, the theorized events play out in the series without ever feeling like an exaggeration.