How Realistic Is Netflix's 'The Crown'? Is It A True Depiction Of What Really Happened In Real Life Versus On-Screen?

By Rita Mendoza - 14 Nov '16 05:05AM

Netflix's new series "The Crown" is based on the early life of Queen Elizabeth II released on November 4, 2016. This is a series that uses real-life events of royals in the Buckingham Palace. Aside from the striking resemblance of some cast members to their real-life counterparts, are all of these really true?

King George IV - A Stammerer, Short-Tempered Royal Fond Of Limericks

The first episode of "The Crown" featured the King as a stammerer with a temper. King George was a known stammerer that is terrified of public speaking. They say that he really did have a temper, and known for using coarse language. Sources say that the dirty limericks in the first episode were a selection that was put forth by an email exchange with the production team and Stephen Daldry, "The Crown" director.

Elizabeth & Philip's Restrained Relationship

Gyles Brandreth, a royal biographer says that Prince Philip allegedly constantly complained about being the only man that couldn't name his own children. The eighth episode of "The Crown" showed a huge fight in Australia during a royal expedition. After their fighting ensued in real life, the Queen apologized stating that fights are normal in every marriage.

The Great Smog

In episode 4 of "The Crown" there was a smog that descended in London. People actually died in the great smog, and the urgency in the movie did not measure up to the real situation. But, Winston Churchill's secretary that dramatically died is a fictional character to bring more emotion to the series.

Princess Margaret & Peter Townsend's Relationship

Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend's relationship happened in real life. "The Crown" accurately depicted their relationship. When Peter proposed to Margaret, she accepted. But due to a law that disallows the divorced to remarry, they sought advice from Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen advised them to wait until Margaret reached 25, which they did. But eventually, she chose not to marry publicly citing the Commonwealth and respect for the Church's Laws are the reasons for her decision.