Princess Diana’s butler rubbishes ‘grotesque’ scenes from ‘The Crown’

Netflix’s acclaimed series “The Crown” has once again stirred public interest with the release of its sixth and final season on November 16, 2023. This latest installment has become a significant topic of conversation, particularly for its portrayal of the final days of Princess Diana, including the depiction of her fatal car accident in 1997.

These dramatizations have sparked widespread discussion and reactions across various social media platforms, drawing both acclaim and criticism. Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler and a close confidant, has voiced strong disapproval of the series, particularly its handling of the scenes depicting the car crash that resulted in Diana’s death.

In a candid interview with The Mirror, Burrell expressed his discomfort with these portrayals, labeling them as “grotesque” and “macabre,” especially the inclusion of the vehicle in which Diana died. He criticized the final season for being “distasteful,” reflecting a sentiment that the show may have crossed a line in its depiction of such a sensitive event.

Burrell also discussed the potential impact of these dramatizations on Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. He emphasized the traumatic nature of these events for them, expressing concern that the show’s depiction could rekindle painful memories. “It’s a nightmare that keeps revolving and coming back to haunt them,” Burrell remarked, conveying a sense of empathy for the princes who have had to relive their mother’s tragedy in the public eye.

Additionally, Burrell addressed longstanding rumors surrounding Diana’s death, particularly the speculation that she was pregnant with Dodi Fayed’s child at the time of the accident. He categorically denied these rumors, urging for a respectful and accurate portrayal of events. His plea to the creators of “The Crown” was to handle the depiction of the crash with “elegance and style,” and to avoid delving into the more gruesome aspects of the incident.

“The Crown,” known for its dramatic retelling of the British Royal Family’s history, has often been at the center of debate over its blend of historical accuracy and artistic license. With the final season covering such a pivotal and sensitive period in recent royal history, it has once again ignited discussions about the responsibilities of historical dramas in portraying real-life events and figures, especially those still fresh in public memory.