The Crown Season 6 Part 2 has delivered an emotionally resonant conclusion to its six-year exploration of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The way director Peter Morgan has navigated the complexities of historical events and personal relationships has ensured that The Crown leaves a lasting impression as a compelling and insightful comment on the British monarchy.
The decision to split the final season into two parts has proved to be a clever one, allowing for a nuanced exploration of various themes and characters. The first installment delved into the aftermath of Princess Diana’s separation from Prince Charles, culminating in her tragic death. Part 2, however, takes a darker turn, with the spectre of the Queen’s final days looming large.
Prince William grapples with all the attention
After the catastrophic events involving Princess Diana in the first part of Season 6, the focus shifts on her elder son, Prince William (Ed McVey). The grieving prince also has to deal with the attention of enamoured women, the weight of his mother’s popularity and his strained relationship with his father, Prince Charles (Dominic West).
Netflix had teased viewers with the promise of William and Kate’s (Meg Bellamy) love story but what they show lacks the emotional impact that one might have expected. But the script does allude to intriguing historical instances, such as Carole Middleton’s (Eve Best) alleged influence in orchestrating encounters between her daughter Kate and Prince William.
The celebration of sibling bonds
The introduction of Luther Ford as Prince Harry, in the later half of Season 6, adds a fresh dynamic. Harry is portrayed as a born rebel who does not want to be confined by the rules of royal traditions, venting his frustration of being the ‘spare’ during a fight with William in a standout scene.
The sibling dynamic between William and Harry is juxtaposed against the enduring sisterhood of Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) and Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville). The deep bond between the sisters is obvious in the scenes depicting Margaret’s last days, highlighting a relationship cherished and not just imposed by birth.
The Queen reclaims her spotlight
In the final chapter of The Crown, the spotlight is firmly on Queen Elizabeth II. Imelda Staunton delivers a powerhouse performance, especially in the concluding episodes, as the royal head facing challenges from the new Prime Minister Tony Blair (Bertie Carvel). The Queen’s inner struggle is captured through her contemplation about the future of the monarchy, caught between tradition and modernity, through a montage of cameos by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman playing Elizabeth at various stages of her life.
The diminishing relevance of the royal family
Throughout this season, Morgan and the directors tactfully acknowledge the diminishing relevance of the royal family. Scenes unfold in an overcrowded living room, portraying the domestic comedy within the royal family. Jonathan Pryce’s portrayal of Prince Philip’s entertaining rants, Claudia Harrison's Princess Anne harrumphing, Marcia Warren's dithering Queen Mother, and the anxious postures of Princes Andrew and Edward create a vivid tableau of courtly mannerisms.
While Princess Diana’s allure is a tough act to follow, Camilla Parker Bowles (Olivia Williams) is depicted as a stabilising force who encourages Prince Charles to be a better father, and patiently navigates the challenges of being accepted into the royal family.
The final send-off
The final episode, titled Sleep, Dearie Sleep, serves as a fitting send-off to a show that has captivated audiences for six seasons. In a return to the core of the series, the episode reminds viewers of the incredible journey Queen Elizabeth II undertook from ascending the throne at age 25 to the personal sacrifices she made as the head of the British royal family.
