Netflix’s widely acclaimed series “The Crown” has finally delved into the modern-day royal romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton in its sixth and final season. While the show has captivated audiences with its historical drama, it’s essential to distinguish between the creative liberties taken by the series and the real-life events that shaped the iconic couple’s love story.
In a fictional encounter portrayed in “The Crown,” a young Kate and Princess Diana cross paths during Christmas shopping. However, historical records reveal that Prince William and Kate met as freshmen at the University of St. Andrews in 2001. Although there are suggestions of a potential meeting during their secondary school days, this encounter is a product of creative storytelling.
“The Crown” accurately portrays Prince William and Kate taking gap years before starting at St. Andrews in 2001. The series introduces a deviation by suggesting Kate initially planned to attend the University of Edinburgh. In reality, Kate was accepted at Edinburgh but ultimately decided to enroll at St. Andrews after her mother’s last-minute insistence.
The series touches on the fact that Prince William and Kate dated other people during their first year at St. Andrews. While the show introduces fictional characters, the real history includes Prince William’s brief relationship with Carley Massey-Birch and Kate’s dating of Rupert Finch. These early relationships were part of the couple’s journey before their friendship blossomed into a romance.
“The Crown” faithfully captures the infamous fashion show where Kate walked the runway in a sheer black dress. Prince William did attend the show, and the iconic moment reportedly played a role in sparking their romance. The series accurately portrays the significance of Kate’s catwalk moment in the couple’s history.
“The Crown” beautifully blends historical events with creative storytelling to provide viewers with an engaging narrative about the British royal family. While the series takes certain liberties for dramatic effect, audiences need to recognize the distinctions between the show’s narrative choices and the documented facts of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s real-life romance.
