In "Alma Mater," the seventh episode of the sixth and final season of "The Crown," the narrative shifts its focus to the early days of the royal romance that would capture the world's attention: the courtship of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The episode, while historically significant, suffers from a lack of dramatic tension, given the well-known outcome of their relationship.
The episode begins with a flashback to December 1996, where a young Prince William, played by Rufus Kampa, and Princess Diana, in a brief cameo by Elizabeth Debicki, are handing out copies of The Big Issue in London. This scene, though fictional, serves to establish the charitable interests that would later define William's public image. In a serendipitous encounter, a young Kate Middleton, shopping with her mother Carole, crosses paths with the royals, setting the stage for their future relationship.
The scene then shifts to the Middleton family home, where Carole Middleton, in a performance by Eve Best, encourages her daughter to aim high, planting the seeds of ambition that would later blossom into a strategic pursuit of Prince William. This portrayal of Carole as a "momager" adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, suggesting a calculated approach to Kate's eventual romance with the future king.
Skipping forward to 2000, the episode follows William as he graduates and announces his plans to take a gap year before attending St. Andrews University in Scotland. Carole Middleton, ever the attentive mother, absorbs every detail of William's plans, setting the stage for her daughter's own academic trajectory.
At St. Andrews, the young Prince William, now played by Ed McVey, begins his studies in art history, and the audience is introduced to Kate Middleton, played by Meg Bellamy, as a fellow student. The episode carefully navigates the pair's initial interactions, maintaining a respectful distance that reflects the reality that their relationship was not immediate or without complications.
The Crown creates a parallel narrative with William's fictional relationship with Lola Airdale-Cavendish-Kincaid, a character designed to highlight the differences between the royals and the "commoners." This relationship serves to underscore the natural chemistry between William and Kate, as well as the pressures faced by the future king.
The episode reaches its climax with a confrontation between William, Kate, and Lola, which forces William to confront his privilege and the impact of his actions on others. This scene, while dramatic, serves as a catalyst for William's self-reflection and eventual pursuit of Kate. The final act of "Alma Mater" sees the Queen, in a tender moment with her grandson, encouraging him not to give up on love. This scene, reminiscent of the Queen's own traditional approach to marriage, offers a glimpse into the evolving attitudes within the royal family towards love and companionship.
The episode concludes with a hint of the future, as William, after a brief period of separation, reconnects with Kate, suggesting that their relationship is worth the effort, despite the challenges. This ending, while predictable, offers a glimmer of hope for the couple's future, setting the stage for the next chapter in their love story.
In "Alma Mater," The Crown delivers a nuanced portrayal of the early days of a royal romance, balancing the pressures of public life with the personal desires of its characters. While the episode may lack the high-stakes drama of previous installments, it serves as a fitting tribute to the quiet beginnings of a relationship that would one day captivate the world.