The Crown’s final season on Netflix dives deep into the lives of the British royal family, and specifically focuses on the early signs of tension between Prince William and Prince Harry. As Peter Morgan brings this compelling story to a close, viewers get a glimpse into the struggles that the two brothers faced as they navigated their way through adulthood and their royal duties. This article delves into the intricate details of the final episode, analyzing the portrayal of their relationship and the potential foreshadowing of the infamous royal feud.
The Princes’ Reaction to Charles’ Marriage
In an intense scene, the princes, masterfully played by Ed McVey (William) and Luther Ford (Harry), are informed by Queen Elizabeth II, portrayed by the talented Imelda Staunton, that their father, Prince Charles, intends to marry Camilla Parker Bowles. Their reactions are palpable, with Prince William begrudgingly accepting the idea for the sake of his father’s happiness and the future of the monarchy. However, Prince Harry remains less keen and remains silent as his brother offers their blessing. The dialogue between the two brothers highlights the widening divide: “I can’t believe you caved like that,” Harry snipes. William, in response, asserts, “I didn’t cave, I’m just being a realist.” It becomes clear that their perspectives on the institution and their roles within it are growing apart.
The quote “Such a f***ing company man” by Prince Harry during the episode can be seen as a subtle dig towards the royal family. This term, “The Firm,” has been used by Meghan Markle, Harry’s wife, multiple times in interviews to express her criticism of the institution. The portrayal of the brothers bickering over the dinner table on the eve of their father’s wedding further emphasizes the mounting tension. Harry accuses William of betraying him by referencing a past incident where he was photographed wearing a Nazi uniform at a costume party. He questions the authenticity of his brother, asking the jury, “How many faces does this man have?” These moments seem to echo real-life allegations made against Prince William by Harry’s allies that he had leaked stories to the press to undermine his younger brother.
In a poignant moment, Queen Elizabeth II offers William some wisdom about his relationship with Harry and indirectly alludes to future events. She advises him to be kind to his brother, acknowledging that being the second in line to the throne requires extra care and attention. This scene provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by the younger sibling, indicating the eventual rift that might develop between William and Harry, leading to Harry’s well-documented exile from the royal family.
It is worth noting that while this fictional portrayal might be a projection of the writer’s imagination, it raises intriguing questions about the dynamics between the royal brothers. Prince Harry has previously admitted to watching The Crown, and although he decided to skip the final season due to the sensitive storyline surrounding Princess Diana’s death, it is plausible that he might have taken note of the parallels between the show and their own lives. On the other hand, Prince William has never admitted to watching the show, leaving room for speculation about his thoughts on the representation of his relationship with his brother.
The Crown’s final season masterfully explores the potential seeds of discord between Prince William and Prince Harry. Through powerful performances and gripping dialogue, viewers are given a unique perspective on the challenges faced by these two royal brothers. While the events depicted in the show are fictionalized, they serve as a catalyst for deeper discussions about the real-life dynamics within the royal family. As audiences bid farewell to this remarkable series, it leaves them pondering the complexities of sibling relationships in the face of responsibility, duty, and standing in the shadow of the crown.