The Queen and the People’s Princess: A Monarchy in Crisis
Queen Elizabeth II, an emblem of unwavering dignity, dedicated her life to preserving the Royal Family’s reputation and the strength of the Commonwealth. The sudden, tragic death of Princess Diana threatened to undermine everything, shaking the very foundation of the monarchy.
The film “The Queen” offers a poignant examination of the tumultuous period following Diana’s passing. By revisiting these historical events through the film’s narrative, we gain insights into the complicated relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, prompting us to consider the sources of their strained dynamic.
Two Distinct Figures: Elizabeth and Diana
While seemingly disparate, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana shared fundamental similarities. Both demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, possessed resilience in their own ways, and remained steadfastly dedicated to their families and the people they served.
However, their personalities presented a stark contrast. The Queen embodied tradition and restraint, while Diana was celebrated for her modern views and candid nature. This difference in character would be a significant factor in shaping their relationship.
The “Balmoral Test”: Judging a Suitable Princess
Diana’s introduction to the Royal Family occurred during an invitation to Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s beloved private residence. This visit marked the beginning of the now-famous “Balmoral Test,” a legendary assessment used to evaluate potential spouses and ministers fit for the Royal inner circle.
The “Balmoral Test” meticulously scrutinized every detail of a candidate, from etiquette and conversation to wardrobe choices. Queen Elizabeth II ultimately considered Diana a suitable match for Prince Charles, recognizing her ability to connect with the Royal Family.
In a manner of speaking, Diana “passed” the test. However, this victory would eventually have negative consequences. Some argue that she presented a constructed version of herself during the visit, embodying what she believed the Royal Family wanted rather than revealing her true identity.
An Engagement Under Pressure: The Queen’s Role
Announcing Diana’s engagement to Prince Charles unleashed a media frenzy, making the couple and the Royal Family a constant target for the press. The relentless scrutiny reportedly led the Queen to push for a swift decision, believing that prolonging things, was untenable.
She urged Charles to either swiftly marry Diana or end the relationship. Following the engagement announcement, Elizabeth was described as being delighted by the news being shared.
Diana relocated to Buckingham Palace to prepare for the wedding, and anticipated guidance and support from the Queen, but instead she felt very shut off. The Queen believed living at Buckingham Palace would be better than what Diana originally thought.
Diana’s Rising Star: A Royal Dilemma
Following her wedding to Prince Charles, the Queen assigned Diana royal duties immediately. Diana’s first royal duty was to represent the Royal Family at the funeral of Princess Grace of Monaco, a role she insisted carrying out.
Princess Grace, who transitioned from Oscar-winning actress to royalty, faced betrayal and died in a car accident, mirroring some details of Diana’s life.
Diana and Grace had only met once and there was a connection instantly. Diana’s sadness resembled a path she would follow later down the line.
This event drew significant recognition, and Elizabeth acknowledged Diana’s capability to improve the image of the Royal Family. She played an importance to making the Royal Family’s image better, until becoming more popular than the other members. Queen Elizabeth and Charles faced a problem of the attention she gained.
A Fractured Marriage: The Queen’s Distance
The marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana was beset with difficulties from the outset. As their relationship deteriorated, the bond between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana also suffered.
Diana confided in the Queen and looked for guidance, but some suggest Elizabeth replied, “I don’t know what you should do.”
Based interviews from Royal members, one Queens servant stated The Princess cried three times before seeing her. The Queen replied, “I was with her for an hour – and she didn’t stop.”
Diana exposed Royal drama in the interview she did in 1955, an interview which breached Royal relations, and protocols were made during that time. Elizabeth remained silent, “appalled.”
From Diana and Charles separating from 1992, what more could’ve been done by the Royal Family?
Charles and Diana finalised a divorce in 1996.
Diana’s Tragic End: The Queen’s Composure
The lowest stage of Queen Elizabeth’s Reign, was during the accident of Diana’s passing, a year after her divorce.
The Queen details the confidence in the Royal Family.
While the British public Mourned the death of Diana, Elizabeth decided to remain in scotland in-order comfort grandchildren, William and Harry. This angerered the public, which resulted in conspiracy therioes regarding her death.
Wiliam stated in the documentary, “Diana, 7 Days,” that his grandmother wanted to protect her grandchildren, and was grateful for his privacy to mourn.
British Prime Minister (Tony Blair) pressured the Queen to make a public statement but refused, the prime minister only coming into power 3 months later.
Balir commenced the battle, with public support in place, Blair declared, The people’s princess, and the people were on Diana’s side.
The film, “the Queen,” highlights the anger from the public, the collision of traditional and modern values. In the end, the Queen and the Royal Family couldnt cope.
Finally, on the funeral, the Queens had very rare TV footage speaking the world about Diana
A Turning Point for the Monarchy: Who Shaped Whom?
Diana’s death was a turning point in the reign, decreasing popularity.
But the Royal family showed resiliance, after a few years the popularity had rose
The Queen made attempts to deliver speeches that sounded more from the heat.
For example, she acted on camera on the film Paddington Bear and was even in a skit with James Bond.
Studying the tradegy that had passed, The Queen balancing Tradition and innovation.
One of the Queens famous words were spoken in the Queen, her words were;
'As a monarch, one must hide one’s emotions. Duty comes first, personal feelings second!"
With Diana passing away, no one will know how the Queen feels about everything, the questions will be left unanswered.
Now there is remeberance and regret instead.