The Queen's Views on 'The Crown' and the Meaning of the Crown Jewels

There has been much speculation about whether Queen Elizabeth II has watched the Netflix series 'The Crown,' especially given the significant impact it has had on public perception of the royal family. In this article, we explore the real-world significance of the 'Crown' and the queen's own relationship with the actual Crown Jewels.

Speculation About the Queen and 'The Crown'

Reports vary on whether the Queen has watched the show. Some sources suggest she had seen the first few episodes, finding them funny, except for a portrayal of the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) attending boarding school. The Queen reportedly felt that this depiction was not accurate.

Philip, late consort of Queen Elizabeth II, is said to have never watched the series, further fueling the intrigue.

Queen's Interaction with Family Member and the Show

Besides her views expressed in private discussions, Prince Philip did not watch The Crown/. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has been reported to have watched some episodes of the series with the Queen and both seemed to enjoy the show. The Queen’s sense of humor is well-known, particularly when she finds humor in exaggerations and inaccuracies in representations of her life.

“Depends which Crown you mean as the British Crown Jewels actually contain 6 crowns. The Queen has seen them all and wore one special one for Her Coronation. She wears another one every time she goes to open Parliament each year or attends a major state event at Westminster Abbey, not so often.”

Myth and Reality: The Role of the Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels hold deep historical and cultural significance for the British monarchy, but it is often misunderstood. The term 'Crown' in layman's terms can refer to both the symbol of royalty and the physical crown worn by monarchs during coronations and state events. There are indeed six crowns in the British Crown Jewels, each with its own unique history and purpose.

The Coronation Crown, which the Queen wore during her 1953 coronation, is one of the most renowned. It is so heavy due to its rich and intricate design that it was temporarily replaced for other ceremonial events. Another crown, the State Imperial State Crown, is reserved for the formal opening of Parliament and is even heavier, necessitating the Queen’s staff to assist in moving it onto her head to avoid neck strain.

Television and the Royal Family

Regarding the Netflix series 'The Crown,' it is widely speculated that the royal family as a whole has watched at least some episodes and found it amusing. However, the Queen rarely comments on depictions of herself, her family, or historical events. The series, while entertaining, is a work of fiction and not intended to be a factual historical record.

It is important to note that in the 18th and 19th centuries, when Queen Elizabeth II and King George III reigned, there were no televisions. Any form of televised content we see today would not have been present during their lifetimes. Hence, the idea of the Queen (or any other monarch from this period) watching 'The Crown' is purely for modern audiences' interest and imagination.

Conclusion

The Queen's relationship with 'The Crown' (both the TV series and the actual Crown Jewels) is a mix of factual history and media speculation. While she may not have actively sought to watch the series, her roles and responsibilities in handling the Crown Jewels are fully understood and deeply appreciated.

Understanding the historical and cultural significance of the Crowns and the complexities of modern television representations helps provide a more nuanced view of royal traditions and traditions that have stood the test of time.