Top 10 Things The Crown Season 6 Part 1 Got Factually Right & Wrong

Among other qualities, Diana’s status as a style icon remains unforgettable. “The Crown” recreates some of her most recognizable looks, from the famed blue one-piece to the chic ensemble she wore that terrible night. The costume team sourced swimsuits from a brand believed to be a favorite of Diana’s. Dedicated Royal enthusiasts may recall that iconic photo of Diana seated in contemplation on the yacht's diving board. Actress Elizabeth Debicki shared that this was her favorite look, saying, “recreating that moment that felt very sacred and important, and it was very important we got it right.” Costume designer Amy Roberts also noted how Diana's distinct fashion taste made it easy for the costume team to create and visualize outfits that suited her style.

In episode two, Palace staff raise concerns about Diana’s blossoming relationship with Dodi Fayed. Their greatest worry being that it would be harder to deny British citizenship to his father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, if he were in any way tied to the royal family. It's true that Al-Fayed tried to get British citizenship at least twice and was turned down both times. Some sources say no clear reason for the refusal was offered. Some suggest he was also denied British passports after failing to meet the government’s “good character” criteria. His situation was likely exacerbated by allegations of paying politicians covertly to raise business-related queries in Parliament. His feud with businessman Roland Walter “Tiny” Rowland over the Harrods acquisition may have worked against him, too.

In the first episode, Diana and Prince William visit the Blair family at Chequers. Later, the Prime Minister updates the Queen on Diana's interest in continuing her public service role. Although a meeting occurred, it likely didn’t lead to the PM formally proposing work for Diana. Sure, they had a chat, but job discussions weren't necessarily in the mix. In his memoir, the ex-Prime Minister spills on a “frosty exchange” over Diana’s partner, Dodi Fayed, who left him feeling inexplicably “uneasy.” Still, Blair remembered the sorrow he experienced after the Princess's passing and how he coined the term “People’s Princess.” At that moment, it seemed like the ideal way to encapsulate Diana’s profound impact on the world.

If you’ve ever glimpsed the royal family on TV or maybe even in person, you know they’re always under watchful eyes. So, the notion of someone slipping out of a royal residence unnoticed seems highly unlikely. The pain felt by the young Princes at their mother’s passing must have been indescribable. Yet, as far as we know, Prince William never went AWOL. The real Prince mentioned that the Scottish countryside provided “solace” during those “dark days of grief,” perhaps inspiring this storyline. Also, Prince Harry's memory of learning about his mom’s passing differs from what “The Crown” depicts. He recounted his father, still grappling with the news himself, waking him with the devastating blow and offering little more comfort than a hand on his knee.

In the first part of the final season, we dive into Diana’s last summer, from her Saint-Tropez getaway to her powerful call to outlaw landmines. While the season captures these significant moments, it omits several others. Also, her activism somewhat takes a back seat to her relationship with Dodi. The media’s obsession with the Princess is widely documented, with some speculating she played a part in stoking the flames. In one scene, Diana confronts a pack of photographers, pleading with them to leave and hinting at a “big surprise” in return. The series implies it was a strategic move to overshadow Camilla’s big birthday bash. However, it appears Diana was gearing up to announce that she’d contemplated moving abroad, although she'd later deny it.

Also, in the first episode, we see Prince Charles throw Camilla a 50th birthday party—a move widely seen as his attempt to shape public perception of her. In the episode, his aunt Princess Margaret attends the soiree while his parents are notably absent—though reports suggest neither royal sister attended. The vibe suggests the Queen isn’t exactly Team Camilla at this point, and history seems to back that up! Rumor has it the Queen once dubbed her son’s now-wife “that wicked woman” and said, “I want nothing to do with her.” Over time, the Queen softened up. In fact, during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, she announced that when then-Prince Charles ascends the throne, she'd like Camilla to step into the role of Queen Consort.

At the close of season five, Dodi proposes to his girlfriend, model Kelly Fisher. Then, in season six, he jets off, leaving her behind when his dad summons him to join the family and Diana in Saint-Tropez. Fisher eventually joins, too, but believe it or not, Dodi really did keep her out of sight on a separate yacht. Supposedly, neither woman was aware she was entangled in a love triangle until the paparazzi spilled the beans. Unsurprisingly this spelled the end for Dodi and Fisher’s engagement. It’s also true that she sued for breach of contract. However, “The Crown” omits the part where Fisher reportedly offered to meet Diana and spill the tea on her new beau. After the tragedy, Fisher understandably dropped any legal action.

In the second episode, we see Mohamed Al-Fayed plot to tip off photographers over the whereabouts of his son and the Princess, leading to that famous intimate photo. But was he really behind it? The evidence is elusive. Someone seemingly gave photographer Mario Brenna a heads up on their location, but who that might’ve been remains an enigma. In response to the controversial picture, the episode shows Charles agreeing to a photo shoot with his sons to portray himself as the responsible parent compared to their wild mother. The shots are pretty spot on, but they weren’t staged vengefully. It’s believed they agreed to the private photoshoot in return for privacy for the rest of their vacation.

When Diana died, the Queen faced criticism for her initial silence. But let’s think about it: her grandsons had just experienced an unimaginable loss, and the entire family was likely in shock, needing time to grieve privately. Yet the British public interpreted their silence as a lack of caring. “The Crown” imagines what might have happened behind closed doors during this tumultuous time, echoing the public backlash. It suggests that Charles fought with his parents to take an RAF plane to bring Diana home and give her a public funeral, but apparently, in reality, it was reportedly the Queen who instigated both. Publicly, she delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Diana and broke protocol at the funeral by bowing when the coffin passed by.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Prince Charles Travelled Alone to Paris after the Accident to Bring Diana Home, Wrong
He Joined Diana’s Sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale & Lady Jane Fellowes

The Time Diana Was Pronounced, Right
It Was at Approximately 4 a.m. As Can Be Seen on the Clock behind the Surgeon in This Scene

Mohammed Al-Fayed Asks to Go to the Accident Site, Probably Wrong
Even if He Had Wanted To, It Seems Highly Unlikely It Would’ve Been Possible

Diana’s Driver Had Been Drinking before the Accident, Right
An Investigation Revealed That He Had Surpassed the Legal Allowance of Alcohol before Getting behind the Wheel

Dodi & Diana Went to See a Psychic Together, Right
Supposedly, Dodi Was Intrigued by Diana’s On-Call Psychic, They Helicoptered over So He Could Get His Own Reading

In the third episode, just before their fatal accident, Dodi gets down on one knee, but Diana stops him before he can finish popping the question. According to Paul Burrell, formerly butler to the late Princess, she once quipped, “I want another marriage like I want a bad rash.” While there’s no solid evidence of any engagement, it’s possible that Dodi had wedding bells in mind. A 2007 investigation revealed he bought a ring with “Dis-moi oui” engraved, and CCTV captured him ring shopping in Paris. Whether Diana saw the ring or if he intended to propose is uncertain. Mohamed Al-Fayed insisted they were betrothed or intended to be, but the truth of what transpired in their Ritz Paris suite remains unknown.

Which moment or plot point were you most shocked to find out is true or vice versa? Let us know in the comments.