Prince Charles says he’s ‘not prepared to perform’ in 1994
The series sparked controversy from some commentators following the depiction of Charles and Princess Diana’s relationship. Although Netflix has declined to do so, some have even called for a message to be played before each episode to tell viewers the series is based on fiction. In light of the latest series of the hit show, former butler to Charles, Grant Harrold has claimed the portrayal of the royal was inaccurate.
Commenting on Josh O’Connor’s role as Charles, Mr Harrold told The Independent’s Insider the royal is much more compassionate than he comes across in the series.
Mr Harrold added: “He’s not at all the way they portrayed him.
“He’s strong, powerful, and compassionate.
“And I think he’ll make an amazing king.”
Royal news: Portrayal of Charles and Camilla sparks backlash (Image: GETTY)
Royal news: Prince Charles (Image: PA)
Both Charles and Camilla have faced a severe backlash from fans over the series.
Such has been the backlash towards the pair, the Clarence House Twitter account has now moved to limit who can reply to Twitter posts.
Although this has not been confirmed by the house, only those who the account follows or are directly mentioned can comment on posts.
Former aide to Camilla, Deborah Mitchell, spoke out about the royal and how pleasant she had been.
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Royal news: Prince Charles and Princess Diana (Image: PA)
She said: “She’s a very thoughtful person, she’s very much for women’s rights, and when she does any charity work, she does it because she wants to.
“Not because she has to, or for the fame.
“She doesn’t do anything for any other reason than that it’s the right thing to do.”
Despite calls for a message to be played before The Crown, Netflix has stated it will not do so.
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Royal news: The portrayal of the pair sparked backlash (Image: GETTY)
Royal news: Prince Charles and Diana (Image: PA)
They instead said The Crown has always been understood to be a work of fiction despite some criticising the portrayal of events.
A spokesperson for Netflix said: “We have always presented The Crown as a drama – and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events.
“As a result, we have no plans – and see no need – to add a disclaimer.”
Cast member, Helena Bonham Carter, who played Princess Margaret, stated the programme had a moral responsibility to tell viewers it’s a drama.
Charles and Diana timeline (Image: Express)
Speaking on the official podcast of the TV series, she stated there was an important difference between the programme’s version and the real version.
She said: “It is dramatised. I do feel very strongly, because I think we have a moral responsibility to say, ‘Hang on guys, this is not it’s not a drama-doc, we’re making a drama.’
“So they are two different entities.”
The programme has also drawn calls for a disclaimer to be played before each episode by Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden.
Royal news: Netflix has refused to post a message (Image: PA)
In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, he praised the drama but stated some viewers may be unaware of the fictitious element of the series.
He said: “It’s a beautifully produced work of fiction, so as with other TV productions, Netflix should be very clear at the beginning it is just that.
“Without this, I fear a generation of viewers who did not live through these events may mistake fiction for fact.”
