Netflix is under fire from all corners of the British establishment with its latest series of The Crown, due for imminent release and controversy.
The accuracy of the show has been called into question of late, with the former British prime minister Sir John Major describing it as a “barrel load of nonsense”. The somewhat surprising remark came after news that the new storyline of The Crown could damage the reputation of the new king, Charles III. Reports have suggested that the new series of the show could depict Charles attempting to oust the late Elizabeth II from her throne, having a discussion in the programme with Major as to how this could take place.
Since then, a spokesperson for Netflix has come out to defend the show, stating, “The Crown has always been presented as a drama based on historical events”.
Continuing, they adds, “Series five is a fictional dramatisation, imagining what could have happened behind closed doors during a significant decade for the royal family – one that has already been scrutinised and well-documented by journalists, biographers and historians”.
Prince Harry, who is also depicted in the show and has since taken a step back from the royal family in real-life, told James Corden in an interview last year, “They [The Crown] don’t pretend to be news. It’s fictional”. Continuing, he adds, But it’s loosely based on the truth. Of course, it’s not strictly accurate, of course not, but loosely it gives you a rough idea about what that lifestyle, the pressures of putting duty and service above family and everything else, what can come from that”.
The latest series of The Crown will be released on Netflix on November 9th.