Why ‘The Crown’ Team’s ‘On Edge’ Over Princess Diana Death Scene

There is a growing sense of trepidation behind-the-scenes on The Crown as the Netflix period drama prepares to film the moments that led to Princess Diana‘s death in Paris in 1997.

According to Deadline, the scenes will be shot in two weeks, with actress Elizabeth Debicki portraying Diana. As previously stated by The Crown creator Peter Morgan, the car crash that led to Diana’s death will not be recreated on-screen; instead, the show will focus on the moments leading up to the tragedy and the fallout that followed.

“We’ve been dreading getting to this point,” a production source reportedly told Deadline. “The countdown is two weeks, and while we’re calmly carrying on, it’s fair to acknowledge that there’s a certain anxiety; a palpable sense of being slightly on edge. I mean, there’s bombshell sensitivity surrounding this one.”

Diana died on August 31, 1997, in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris while her driver was fleeing the paparazzi. The crash also resulted in the deaths of her companion Dodi Fayed and the driver, Henri Paul, the security manager of the Hôtel Ritz Paris. Bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones was the only survivor of the crash but suffered a serious head injury.

The source reiterated to Deadline that the crash itself would not be shown. “It’s the run-up: the car leaving The Ritz after midnight with paparazzi in pursuit and then the aftermath with the British Ambassador to France swinging into action with the Foreign Office and then the subsequent constitutional aftermath,” they explained.

It’s also reported that the episode will include scenes of Prince Charles, played by Dominic West, arriving in Paris via a royal flight to collect Diana’s body and return it home to London. Meanwhile, there will be a focus on the casual racism from the French authorities towards Mohamad Al-Fayed (Salim Daw) as he retrieves the casket containing his son.

Filming on the sixth season is expected to wrap up in May or June of 2023. An air date has yet to be announced. Season 5 will premiere on Netflix on November 9.

The Crown, Season 5 Premiere, Wednesday, November 9, Netflix