The Crown gained worldwide popularity thanks to its exceptional acting, rich period atmosphere, and dramatic storytelling. However, despite its commitment to historical accuracy, the creators often took artistic liberties to enhance the drama. Which moments in the series don’t align with real history?
Churchill’s Assistant Dies in the Great Smog (Season 1, Episode 4)
In the show, young assistant Venetia Scott tragically dies after being hit by a bus during the Great Smog of 1952. This moment highlights the disaster’s scale and prompts Winston Churchill to take action. However, in reality, Venetia Scott never existed. Her character was created to symbolize the real victims of the smog, which did claim thousands of lives.
Prince Philip Refuses to Kneel Before the Queen (Season 1, Episode 5)
The series depicts Prince Philip refusing to kneel before his wife during her coronation, emphasizing his struggle with playing a secondary role. However, historians insist this never happened. Philip was born into royalty, and for him, such a ritual would have been a natural tradition.
The Queen’s Ghana Visit Was a Reaction to Jackie Kennedy (Season 2, Episode 8)
In The Crown, Queen Elizabeth II travels to Ghana after Jackie Kennedy’s visit to the UK, implying that the trip was a reaction to Kennedy’s criticism. In reality, the visit was politically motivated and planned well in advance, with no connection to the First Lady’s opinions.
Prince Philip Is Blamed for His Sister’s Death (Season 2, Episode 9)
The show suggests that Philip’s sister, Cecilie, boarded a fatal flight due to changes in his plans, and after her death, their father cruelly blames him, saying, "You are responsible for my daughter’s death." In truth, Philip had no influence on Cecilie’s travel plans, and there was no such accusation from his father. However, Philip did attend his sister’s funeral.
Diana Warns the Queen About Her BBC Interview (Season 5, Episode 8)
In The Crown, Princess Diana personally informs the Queen about her upcoming BBC interview. However, in reality, she never did. The interview was a complete shock to Buckingham Palace, and they only learned about it moments before it aired.
Edward VIII Apologizes to the Queen (Season 3, Episode 8)
According to the series, Edward VIII asks his niece for forgiveness before his death for abdicating the throne and even hands her letters from Prince Charles about Camilla. However, historians argue that their real-life meeting was formal and reserved, with no apologies exchanged. The letters from Charles are pure fiction.
Michael Fagan’s Visit to the Queen Was Politically Motivated (Season 4, Episode 5)
In The Crown, Michael Fagan breaks into Buckingham Palace to discuss Britain’s economic crisis with the Queen. In reality, his actions weren’t politically driven at all. He later stated that the idea of entering the palace simply came to him on a whim.
Prince Charles Plots Against His Mother (Season 5, Episode 1)
The series suggests that Prince Charles secretly conspires against Queen Elizabeth, even discussing the possibility of her abdication with Prime Minister John Major. However, Major strongly denied this ever happened. His press secretary later stated that such a conversation never took place.
The Verdict
The Crown is an outstanding Netflix series, but it is not a historical documentary. The creators intentionally altered real events to make the narrative more emotional and dramatic.
If you love The Crown, it’s important to remember that many scenes are fictionalized. But that doesn’t make the series any less captivating.
