A Fictional First Encounter: A Romanticized Meeting
Netflix’s “The Crown” offers a mesmerizing portrayal of royal life, often blending reality with elaborate fictional elements. In its sixth and final season, the series delves into the romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton, crafting a love story that occasionally deviates from the facts.
For example, the show portrays a whimsical initial meeting between Kate and William at a charity event. Yet, Kate’s own recollections contradict this depiction. She remembers herself as a bashful, reserved figure who discreetly departed the event, rather than engaging in any notable interaction.
Imaginary Bedroom Confessions
To infuse a dramatic touch, “The Crown” suggests that Kate decorated her bedroom with images of Prince William. In reality, Kate’s décor was far more ordinary, featuring posters of Levi’s models rather than the future king. This detail, while romantically appealing, strays from the truth.
The Myth of the Pre-University Encounter
The series hints at a serendipitous pre-university meeting between William and Kate. However, Katie Nicholl’s accounts depict their interactions as more casual and sociable within high society, rather than a fated encounter. The truth reflects a coincidence rather than destiny.
The Misrepresentation of the Press Conference
“The Crown” dramatizes William’s gap-year press conference as a grand celebration on his 18th birthday. In reality, William was focused on his exams at Eton, with no such celebratory event occurring. This aspect of the show presents an inaccurate timeline.
The Myth of Maternal Matchmaking
Speculation about Carole Middleton orchestrating the royal romance has been fueled by “The Palace Papers” and other gossip. However, there is scant evidence to support these claims. The idea of a mother meticulously engineering her daughter’s royal romance remains largely unfounded.
The Fictional Lola Airdale Cavendish Kincaid
The series introduces a dramatic love interest for William named Lola Airdale Cavendish Kincaid—a character existing purely in fiction. While Carley Massy-Birch was a real individual, the Lola subplot is entirely fabricated.
The Condensed Friendship-to-Romance Timeline
“The Crown” compresses the timeline of William and Kate’s shift from friends to lovers. In reality, their relationship remained platonic for over a year before evolving into romance. Their shared living space was more a hub of friendship than a romantic haven.
The Fiction of the Queen Mother’s Passing
A poignant scene in “The Crown” depicts an emotional kiss interrupted by news of the Queen Mother’s death. However, William was not in Scotland when the news was announced, highlighting a discrepancy between the series’ portrayal and actual events.
The Fabricated Middleton Family TV Scene
The series shows a cozy TV session with the Middleton family during the Golden Jubilee, a depiction that conflicts with Prince Harry’s memoir, which suggests such moments did not occur. Thus, the show’s representation of the Middleton family dynamics diverges from reality.
While “The Crown” crafts a captivating narrative with dramatic flourishes, its portrayal of William and Kate’s story frequently diverges from the truth. The allure of the series often takes precedence over historical accuracy, demonstrating how compelling storytelling can overshadow factual precision.
