Journalist Elizabeth Angell, who reported from Paris in the summer of 1997, on what really happened and what we might see depicted in the Netflix show.
Wow! This is a stunning essay. As someone who followed Diana in the news from the time she and Charles were engaged and vividly remembers the time around her death, I really appreciated this balanced recap. The wistfulness in the last couple of paragraphs was so moving. Diana truly had something that no dramatization could ever heighten. Thank you Elizabeth A. for this beautiful writing and Elizabeth H. for providing us access to it!
Charles and Diana married the same summer I did. I loved following the courtship, marriage and birth of their boys. As the marriage dissolved I was Team Diana all the way.
It was inspiring to see Diana blossom into a humanitarian and life after the Windsors. She was a beautiful soul gone too soon.
Before reading this article, I had never known about the Fayeds’ ownership and renovation of Villa Windsor. To think that Diana and Dodi might have lived there! That’s a rich irony.
Great piece! And so many thoughtful questions I’m not sure I myself had pondered over the years. Diana was truly one of a kind and this piece reminded me of all her facets. Thank you, Elizabeth A. for this thoughtful piece and Elizabeth H. for making it happen & sharing with us. 👑
In my heart of hearts, I’m avidly hoping the airing of The Crown this season brings Harry and William back together. There’s nothing Diana would have wanted more, than to see her sons supporting and loving one another against the backdrop of turbulent royal life.
I really appreciated this article and loved the perspective. If anyone has watched all the eps has also lost their mother while young, could you please comment on how viewing is going from a mother loss POV? I lost my mother when I was 11 on the same day (but different year) as Diana’s death and I’ve started feeling anxious that watching this could be rough. Harry’s chapters in Spare about the day of and immediate years after were very emotional for me to get through. Thank you!
Hi Laura, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I lost my mom when I was a bit older, 24, but definitely watched with anxiety over this. It's obviously a heart-breaking storyline but I think it was handled very tenderly. There are moments I think they had to show but it's done very carefully. (Happy to message more privately, not sure about "spoiling" anything for anyone). You can send me a note at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com.
Thank you so much. Even just asking the question and having your kind reply has lessened my anxiety. I rewatched parts of older episodes to remind myself of the focus on the context of royal family in general, and the general vibe of The Crown which isn’t overly sentimental or macabre about other deaths. Really grateful to have a safe space to ask questions if I need. I’m sorry we are in the same terrible club but I really appreciate that you get why I needed to ask. 🩷
Wow! This is a stunning essay. As someone who followed Diana in the news from the time she and Charles were engaged and vividly remembers the time around her death, I really appreciated this balanced recap. The wistfulness in the last couple of paragraphs was so moving. Diana truly had something that no dramatization could ever heighten. Thank you Elizabeth A. for this beautiful writing and Elizabeth H. for providing us access to it!
This is so kind of you. Thank you.
Charles and Diana married the same summer I did. I loved following the courtship, marriage and birth of their boys. As the marriage dissolved I was Team Diana all the way.
It was inspiring to see Diana blossom into a humanitarian and life after the Windsors. She was a beautiful soul gone too soon.
Thank you both for your coverage.
I watched the wedding with my mother. I remember waking up very early (obviously) and getting to eat cereal in front of the TV (a special treat).
What a wonderful, intelligent, sensitive piece. Thank you to both Elizabeths for this!
I somehow missed Elizabeth Angell’s coronation piece and am excited to read it now.
Thank you so much. It's the most complex topic — and somehow gets more so every year. Thank you for reading!
Before reading this article, I had never known about the Fayeds’ ownership and renovation of Villa Windsor. To think that Diana and Dodi might have lived there! That’s a rich irony.
This was so fascinating to read! I can’t wait to start this season of the Crown!
Great piece! And so many thoughtful questions I’m not sure I myself had pondered over the years. Diana was truly one of a kind and this piece reminded me of all her facets. Thank you, Elizabeth A. for this thoughtful piece and Elizabeth H. for making it happen & sharing with us. 👑
In my heart of hearts, I’m avidly hoping the airing of The Crown this season brings Harry and William back together. There’s nothing Diana would have wanted more, than to see her sons supporting and loving one another against the backdrop of turbulent royal life.
I really appreciated this article and loved the perspective. If anyone has watched all the eps has also lost their mother while young, could you please comment on how viewing is going from a mother loss POV? I lost my mother when I was 11 on the same day (but different year) as Diana’s death and I’ve started feeling anxious that watching this could be rough. Harry’s chapters in Spare about the day of and immediate years after were very emotional for me to get through. Thank you!
Hi Laura, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I lost my mom when I was a bit older, 24, but definitely watched with anxiety over this. It's obviously a heart-breaking storyline but I think it was handled very tenderly. There are moments I think they had to show but it's done very carefully. (Happy to message more privately, not sure about "spoiling" anything for anyone). You can send me a note at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com.
Thank you so much. Even just asking the question and having your kind reply has lessened my anxiety. I rewatched parts of older episodes to remind myself of the focus on the context of royal family in general, and the general vibe of The Crown which isn’t overly sentimental or macabre about other deaths. Really grateful to have a safe space to ask questions if I need. I’m sorry we are in the same terrible club but I really appreciate that you get why I needed to ask. 🩷