In "Aftermath," the fourth episode of the sixth season of "The Crown," writer and creator Peter Morgan navigates the treacherous waters of the royal family's response to Princess Diana's sudden death. This installment is a stark and emotional depiction of the British monarchy's internal struggles and the public's outcry following a tragedy that gripped the world.
The episode commences with the somber reality that the royal family must confront the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Queen's choice to remain at Balmoral Castle during the crisis—a decision met with public disapproval—is revisited, underscoring the clash between royal protocol and the populace's desire for a more visible display of mourning. The episode includes a poignant reenactment of the Queen's televised address to the nation, a moment that reverberates with the real-life tribute and Helen Mirren's portrayal in the 2006 film "The Queen."
Prince Charles emerges as a complex figure in this narrative. Portrayed by Dominic West, Charles is shown as deeply affected by Diana's passing, advocating for a public funeral that befits the nation's affection for Diana. This depiction contrasts sharply with the Queen's more reserved approach, as she insists on maintaining a sense of "normalcy" for the sake of her grandsons, William and Harry.
"Aftermath" does not flinch from depicting the raw emotions of the royal family. From Mohamed Al Fayed's gut-wrenching grief over his son Dodi's death to Prince Charles's emotional collapse in the morgue, the episode offers a visceral portrayal of loss. The Queen and Prince Philip, true to their characters, exhibit little outward emotion, reflecting their stoic demeanor in the face of tragedy.
The public's reaction to Diana's death is a central theme of the episode. The outpouring of grief from Parisians as Charles repatriates Diana's body is a testament to her global impact. The episode also highlights the public's demand for the royal family to acknowledge the depth of feeling stirred by Diana's death, with the Queen's eventual televised speech being a pivotal moment.
The inclusion of ethereal appearances by Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki, adds a surreal dimension to the episode. While these moments may be dramatic license, they serve to remind the characters and the audience of Diana's enduring presence and influence. Diana's "ghost" interacts with both Charles and the Queen, providing a supernatural twist that underscores the emotional turmoil within the royal family.
The episode also delves into the complex dynamics between the royal family and Mohamed Al Fayed. Al Fayed's delusions about Diana and Dodi's relationship and his exclusion from the royal family's grieving process highlight the cultural and emotional chasm that emerges in the wake of the tragedy.
Tension within the royal family reaches a boiling point when Prince William, played by Rufus Kampa, goes missing, sparking a search across the Scottish moorlands. This incident, while perhaps a dramatic embellishment, illustrates the emotional turmoil within the family and the pressure on the young princes to uphold their royal duties amidst their personal grief.
Ultimately, "Aftermath" is a powerful and emotional episode that captures the raw emotions and public outcry following Princess Diana's death. It stands as a testament to the writing and acting that the episode can evoke such a strong response, even two decades after the events it portrays. As the series begins to shift its focus to the next generation, "Aftermath" serves as a reminder of the lasting impact Diana had on the royal family and the nation she left behind.