Directed by
Christopher Ashley
Made by
Netflix
As the clock struck 1980, Lady Diana Spencer, a vibrant and youthful 19-year-old, found herself wrapped in the threads of royal drama. Her introduction to Prince Charles’ circle occurred during an extravagant soirée at Buckingham Palace, where she encountered Camilla Parker Bowles, the mysterious mistress who had ensnared Charles’s heart. Unbeknownst to Diana, Queen Elizabeth II was actively pursuing a fitting match for her grandson, viewing the young Lady Diana as a potential bride, especially in light of Charles’s recent split from her elder sister, Sarah. The Queen’s excitement about this unexpected union was palpable, as she considered it a suitable remedy for “The Worst Job in England” that came with being the Princess of Wales.
In a twist of fate, Charles extended a peace offering towards Diana, presenting her with an exquisite necklace and inviting her to an enchanting performance by the acclaimed cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. This event rekindled Diana’s connection with Camilla, igniting her worries as she witnessed the furtive exchanges between Charles and his lover. Amidst the magic of the evening, Diana’s imagination took flight, envisioning a punk-rock-inspired concert that resonated more with her unique tastes. Meanwhile, Camilla began to realize that Diana was, in the minds of the public, the ideal princess—a perception that was soon to materialize.
As media attention honed in on Diana and Charles’s budding romance, the press surrounded her with the ravenous hunger of vultures. Although the prince himself grappled with his emotions towards Diana, Queen Elizabeth’s determination for him to propose only grew stronger. Surrounded by whispers of approval, Charles ultimately made the proposal, reassuring Camilla that their affair could persist if she allowed it. Camilla, with her pragmatic outlook, agreed, fully aware that Charles’s heart remained entwined with hers. As Diana uneasily embraced her new royal life and the expectations that accompanied it, she and Charles exchanged vows in an opulent ceremony. Yet even amidst the celebrations, Camilla’s husband Andrew was caught in his own web of betrayal, inspiring him to support his wife with words of encouragement as the chaos of their marital dynamics unfolded.
In her first public appearance in Wales, initial doubts from the locals faded, giving way to an overwhelming adoration for the new royal. Meanwhile, Charles’s discomfort was evident as he struggled to balance his aspirations with the overwhelming fame now conferred upon Diana. Camilla, ever the strategist, seized the moment to revive her connection with Charles by spreading rumors about the severance of ties between Andrew and his family, causing Charles to gravitate back to his wife.
The announcement of Diana’s pregnancy and the birth of their son William marked a pivotal change in her life. However, happiness quickly escaped her grasp as she overheard Charles’s secretive phone calls with Camilla, a gut-wrenching realization that left her shattered. The emotional burden of this revelation plagued Diana, deepening her depression even after the arrival of their second child, Harry.
With insightful advice from Sarah, Diana learned to harness her influence for good and turned her focus towards charitable endeavors, propelling her into an unprecedented level of popularity after a surprise performance at the Royal Ballet Christmas Gala. Enraged by her newfound success, Charles reminded her that her primary achievement was her marriage to him, an assertion that only solidified Diana’s resolve to change her narrative.
In a covert midnight rendezvous, Charles visited Camilla, who professed her unwavering affection for him and her eagerness to rekindle their affair. Seizing the opportunity for empowerment, Diana decided to leverage her media presence to counter Charles’s actions, boldly challenging the entrenched social expectations of British society. Despite his attempts to resist, Diana transformed herself into a symbol of change, her popularity soaring as she took charge of her destiny.
As the legendary Barbara Cartland, Diana’s novelist relative, weaves the intricate tapestry of royal intrigue, James Hewitt, a recently returned war hero, enters the scene, igniting a passionate affair with Diana. Cartland astutely notes that these extramarital dalliances—Diana’s with James and Charles’s with Camilla—were filled with genuine passion and joy, contrasting starkly with the stifled atmosphere of the royal couple’s marriage.
As tensions simmer under the surface, Diana approaches Charles regarding her sentiments for James, but he dismisses her concerns, choosing instead to pursue his own desires. It is Colin, Charles’s loyal valet, who delivers the news of Diana’s affair with James, only for Charles to turn a blind eye, as long as Camilla remains in his life.
Despite Charles’s escalating discomfort, Diana finds solace in her connections with men at an AIDS clinic. Yet the intensity of their marital issues reaches a boiling point, leading her to attend a gathering for Camilla’s sister, resulting in a dramatic confrontation among the trio. During the ride home, Charles disclosed his awareness of Diana’s relationship with James, reassuring her that as long as they both cherished their sons, everything would be fine.
Diana’s excitement at sharing her news with James turned to disappointment when he revealed his duty called him away to Germany for a two-year assignment. This only fueled Diana’s determination for retribution against Charles. Meanwhile, the press’s scrutiny of Charles’s crumbling marriage intensified.
To regain control of her narrative, Diana collaborated with Andrew Morton, an author researching her life. She consented to offer anonymous quotes, ruthlessly critiquing Charles, Camilla, and the Royal Family, resulting in a shocking exposé that sent ripples throughout the nation.
As tensions escalated between Charles and Camilla, his attempts to include her in royal engagements were met with defiance. In a decisive move, Charles bared his heart in a televised interview, discussing his affair in an attempt to repair his tarnished image. This prompted a reprise of the heart-wrenching ballad, as Charles’s emotions resurfaced.
Diana found herself unwittingly swept into this media frenzy when her loyal butler, Paul Burrell, informed her about Charles’s impending interview. Sensing an opportunity to shift focus back to her, Paul implored Diana to wear a striking outfit dubbed the “F-You Dress.” As the palace staff lamented this turn of events, the Queen ultimately consented to grant them a divorce.
In the wake of this decision, the Queen reflected mournfully on her own matrimonial journey, wishing Diana could steer clear of similar heartache. Filled with hope for her future, one that centered around her cherished sons, Diana’s fresh start was tragically cut short in a fatal car accident. In the aftermath of this harrowing loss, Charles and his allies shed a haunting reminder: “the people who will change the world are not those you think will change the world.” As the tale comes to a close, the audience is left to contemplate the intricate dynamics of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Diana's Introduction to Royal Life
In 1980, Lady Diana Spencer, a 19-year-old with a vibrant spirit, was introduced to the royal circle during a lavish soirée at Buckingham Palace. It was here that she met Prince Charles and became entangled in the royal drama surrounding his connection with Camilla Parker Bowles.
Queen's Matchmaking Ambitions
Unbeknownst to Diana, Queen Elizabeth II was actively considering her as a suitable match for Prince Charles following his split from Diana's older sister, Sarah. The Queen viewed Diana as a remedy for the burdens of being the Princess of Wales, leading to increased pressure on Charles to pursue a relationship.
Charles's Peace Offering
To ease any tensions, Charles presented Diana with a beautiful necklace, inviting her to enjoy a performance by renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. However, this event reignited Diana's worries about Charles's lingering affection for Camilla as she witnessed their secretive exchanges.
The Media Frenzy Begins
As Diana and Charles's romance began to blossom, the media's obsession with their relationship intensified. Diana became acquainted with the overwhelming attention, while Queen Elizabeth pushed Charles to propose, believing it would secure the public's approval.
Charles Proposes
Despite his emotional struggles and lingering attachment to Camilla, Charles proposed to Diana, assuring her that their relationship with Camilla could continue. This led to Diana's acceptance, marking a pivotal moment in her royal journey.
Diana's Public Debut
After marrying Charles, Diana made her first public appearance in Wales, where uncertainty among locals quickly transformed into overwhelming adoration. This marked the beginning of her ascendant role within the royal family and her public life.
Announcement of Pregnancy
The announcement of Diana's pregnancy brought excitement and hope, but it was soon overshadowed by her painful discovery of Charles's continuing relationship with Camilla. This revelation significantly impacted Diana's mental health, leaving her feeling vulnerable and betrayed.
Diana's Charitable Awakening
With guidance from her sister Sarah, Diana redirected her focus towards charitable work, gaining immense public support after a surprise performance at the Royal Ballet Christmas Gala. Her growing popularity highlighted her strength amidst her tumultuous marriage.
Diana's Affair with James Hewitt
As tensions escalated in her marriage, Diana embarked on a passionate affair with James Hewitt, igniting a newfound sense of freedom and joy. Their romance highlighted the stark contrast between the love she sought and the stifling environment of the royal institution.
Charles Confronts Diana's Infidelity
Both Charles and Diana grappled with their respective affairs, leading to a confrontational moment where Charles acknowledged Diana's relationship with James. Despite this, he reassured her that their shared love for their sons would keep their marriage intact.
Diana's Revelations to the Media
In a bid to reclaim control over her narrative, Diana collaborated with author Andrew Morton, allowing her voice to echo through anonymous quotes that sharply criticized the royal family. This move ignited a scandal, reverberating throughout the nation.
Charles's Televised Admission
In an attempt to manage his public image, Charles participated in a televised interview where he openly discussed his affair with Camilla. This candidness not only reignited their relationship but also intensified the scrutiny on Diana and her actions.
Diana's 'F-You Dress' Moment
As the media focused on Charles's interview, Diana seized the opportunity to shift attention back to herself by wearing the famous 'F-You Dress,' a bold statement against the royal establishment. This moment became a defining symbol of her defiance.
The Decision for Divorce
Amidst the chaos of their marriage and the media frenzy, the Queen ultimately agreed to grant Diana and Charles a divorce. This decision marked the end of an era, filled with personal tumult and public scrutiny.
Tragic End
Diana's hope for a future centered around her children was tragically cut short in a fatal car accident. Her death resonated deeply, leaving behind a haunting reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of one's own path.
Diana (Jeanna de Waal)
Diana is depicted as a vibrant and evolving figure, transitioning from a youthful girl to the Princess of Wales. Her charisma draws people in, yet she struggles with the constraints of royal life and Charles's infidelities. As she grapples with love, betrayal, and her identity, Diana emerges as a symbol of resilience and empowerment against the backdrop of royal expectations.
Charles (Roe Hartrampf)
Prince Charles is portrayed as a conflicted individual, torn between duty and desire. His relationship with Diana is marked by emotional turmoil, as he navigates the complexities of his affair with Camilla. Despite his royal status, Charles grapples with the repercussions of his choices, showcasing a deeply human struggle beneath the façade of royalty.
Camilla (Erin Davie)
Camilla is the enigmatic figure that embodies both allure and rivalry in Diana's life. Her relationship with Charles poses a significant challenge to Diana's marriage, revealing a complex web of desire and loyalty. Camilla's pragmatic approach reflects the harsh realities within the royal dynamics, further complicating her rivalry with Diana.
Queen Elizabeth (Judy Kaye)
Queen Elizabeth is depicted as a strategic matriarch, focused on preserving the monarchy's image. Her expectations for Diana and Charles reflect the traditional values of royal duty, often conflicting with the emotions at play. The Queen's perspective showcases the generational shifts within the royal family as they grapple with modern challenges.
Colin (André Jordan)
Colin serves as Prince Charles's loyal valet, acting as a confidant and messenger in the royal drama. He is caught in the middle of the tangled relationships, providing insight while navigating the complexities of royal life. His loyalty to Charles exposes him to the undulating currents of love and betrayal that define the narrative.
Time period
1980s
The 1980s was a remarkable decade marked by significant cultural shifts and the rise of media influence on public figures. It was a time when the British monarchy faced scrutiny and modern challenges, particularly with the emergence of new social norms and expectations. The complexities of personal relationships within the royal family became increasingly transparent to the public.
Location
Buckingham Palace, Wales, Royal Ballet
Buckingham Palace is the iconic London residence of the British monarch, known for its grandeur and historical significance. Wales represents the beautiful and rich culture of the countryside, often seen during royal tours. The Royal Ballet is celebrated for its artistry and elegance, hosting performances that draw audiences from around the world.
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Love & Betrayal
The themes of love and betrayal are intricately woven throughout Diana's narrative as she navigates her tumultuous marriage with Prince Charles. The emotional turbulence caused by infidelity, both on Charles's part and her own, highlights the personal sacrifices involved in royal life. This conflicting dynamic ultimately leads to profound consequences for both their relationship and public perception.
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Fame & Media
The overwhelming fame Diana experiences illustrates the press's voracious appetite for the intimate details of royal life. As her popularity skyrockets, she learns to harness the media's attention to redefine her narrative, illustrating the double-edged sword of celebrity. Diana's journey transforms her from a mere subject of gossip into an influential figure, paving her way to empowerment.
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Performance
The theme of performance resonates deeply within Diana's life, both literally and figuratively. From her appearances at royal events to her public personas, the expectations placed on her often feel like a stage. The contrast between her authentic self and the roles she is compelled to play underscores the challenges of maintaining one's identity under scrutiny.
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