Has The Royal Family Seen The Crown?

While they may be used to being in the public eye, the royal family likely have a few objections to their dramatic portrayals on Netflix. From the queen's marital struggles to Britain's various upheavals during the 20th century, The Crown leaves no stone unturned — personal or political. With season four hitting screens and the intimate details of their family being shown around the world, the royal family seems to keep tabs on the show's creative license.

According to star Matt Smith, Prince Phillip doesn't seem to follow the show that chronicles most of his life. Marie Claire shares the actor's story about how a friend of his had dinner with the queen's husband and took the chance to ask if he watches The Crown. His royal highness reportedly replied, "Don't be ridiculous." However, the same source confirmed that the queen is a fan and even drives to her son Edward's home to watch it with them. While some of the events may be "too dramatized" for her taste, she appears to enjoy the series nonetheless. In fact, Vanessa Kirby, who plays Princess Margaret in seasons one and two, told Vanity Fair that a friend of hers overheard Princess Eugenie tell a fellow dinner party guest that her Granny loves the show.

It's important to note that these comments were given prior to season four, in which the producers chronicle the royal family's treatment of Princess Diana. Maybe these opinions will change for the better, but it seems unlikely.

Besides The Crown's real-life main characters, other members of the royal family seem to be fans. Princess Eugenie has watched the show, according to Cosmopolitan, and even said, "It is filmed beautifully. The music is wonderful, the story is beautiful. You feel very proud to watch it. I can't speak for everyone, but that's how I felt when I watched it." 

Her cousin, Prince William, reportedly is not particularly keen on the show. The outlet asserts that the Duke of Cambridge ran into Olivia Coleman, who plays his grandmother in the show's later seasons, and apparently revealed that he wasn't watching.

Beyond members of the royal family, a few people close to them have praised the actors for their performances. Kirby told Vanity Fair that she met one of Princess Margaret's ladies in waiting and was met with rave reviews. "She said the performance was perfect, which was so flattering, I couldn't believe it. I nearly died."

Season four aired earlier this week on Netflix, and time will tell if its premiere ruffles some feathers among the Windsor elites. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signing a deal with Netflix for nearly $100 million is seemingly rubbing salt in the wound as well (via The Sun). Nonetheless, fans from all over have already tuned in for the hit show's next season — perhaps a few royal family members among them.