How much of The Crown is true in Season 1?
The Crown, a historical drama series, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the British monarchy. Set in the 1950s, the first season of The Crown delves into the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. However, the question on many viewers’ minds is: how much of the series is actually true? In this article, we will explore the accuracy of The Crown’s depiction of the royal family in Season 1.
Historical Accuracy in The Crown Season 1
The Crown, based on the books “The Crown” and “The Crown at War” by Robert Lacey and “The Queen” by Sally Bedell Smith, aims to be as historically accurate as possible. While the series is not a documentary, it does incorporate real events and figures from the royal family’s history. Here are some key aspects of Season 1 that are based on historical facts:
1. The Coronation: The series accurately depicts the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The ceremony, which took place at Westminster Abbey, was a significant event in British history.
2. The Early Years of the Reign: The first season of The Crown covers the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, including her wedding to Prince Philip and the birth of her first child, Prince Charles. These events are historically accurate.
3. The Suez Crisis: The Suez Crisis of 1956 is a pivotal event in the series. The Crown accurately portrays the British government’s involvement in the crisis and the subsequent fall of Prime Minister Anthony Eden.
4. The Abdication Crisis: The series also addresses the Abdication Crisis of 1936, which led to the abdication of King Edward VIII. While the series does not directly focus on this event, it does reference its impact on the royal family.
Departures from Historical Fact
Despite its commitment to historical accuracy, The Crown does take some creative liberties in its portrayal of the royal family. Here are some notable departures from historical fact in Season 1:
1. The Relationship Between Elizabeth and Philip: The series depicts a complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. While their marriage was indeed strained at times, the extent of their disagreements and the portrayal of their relationship may not be entirely accurate.
2. The Role of Princess Margaret: The character of Princess Margaret is portrayed as a troubled and somewhat tragic figure in the series. While she did face personal challenges, the extent of her struggles and the portrayal of her relationship with her sister may not be entirely accurate.
3. The Political Backdrop: The series takes some artistic license with the political backdrop of the 1950s. While it does touch on significant events, the portrayal of certain characters and their roles in these events may not be entirely accurate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Crown Season 1 manages to strike a balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling. While the series is based on real events and figures, it does take some creative liberties to enhance the narrative. For viewers who are interested in the British monarchy, The Crown provides an engaging and thought-provoking portrayal of the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. However, it is important to remember that the series is a work of fiction and not a historical documentary.
