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The Royal Family vs 'The Crown': Separating Fact from Fiction
Uncover the truth behind Netflix's The Crown with this guide separating royal fact from dramatic fiction.
For six seasons, royal watchers across the globe have been hooked on Netflix’s smash-hit factual drama, The Crown. Over sixty episodes, multiple casts and headline-grabbing storylines, The Crown has promised to throw open the closed doors of Britain’s palaces to reveal the deepest secrets of the House of Windsor. From the last days of George VI to the accession of Queen Elizabeth II and into the twenty-first century, it has told the story of the monarchy in an ever-changing and turbulent world.
The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' turns the spotlight on the glittering Netflix series and lays bare what’s fact and what is very definitely fiction. Season by season, episode by episode, The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' digs deep into history to examine the plots, the trivia and the characters who have stepped out of the throne room and into the living room, telling the real stories behind the drama that has thrilled and scandalised audiences worldwide. From the abdication of a king to Princess Diana's infamous Panorama interview, the marriage of Charles and Camilla and everything in between, this is your indispensable guide to the true stories behind the streaming phenomenon.
For six seasons, royal watchers across the globe have been hooked on Netflix’s smash-hit factual drama, The Crown. Over sixty episodes, multiple casts and headline-grabbing storylines, The Crown has promised to throw open the closed doors of Britain’s palaces to reveal the deepest secrets of the House of Windsor. From the last days of George VI to the accession of Queen Elizabeth II and into the twenty-first century, it has told the story of the monarchy in an ever-changing and turbulent world.
The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' turns the spotlight on the glittering Netflix series and lays bare what’s fact and what is very definitely fiction. Season by season, episode by episode, The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' digs deep into history to examine the plots, the trivia and the characters who have stepped out of the throne room and into the living room, telling the real stories behind the drama that has thrilled and scandalised audiences worldwide. From the abdication of a king to Princess Diana's infamous Panorama interview, the marriage of Charles and Camilla and everything in between, this is your indispensable guide to the true stories behind the streaming phenomenon.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 30, 2025
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Curzon
57 books190 followersCatherine Curzon writes books about old Hollywood and even older royals. She writes WW2 sagas for Orion as Ellie Curzon.
Catherine’s work has been featured on the official website of BBC History Magazine, and in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, All About History, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Jane Austen’s Regency World. Further afield, she has appeared in the pages of publications including The Washington Post, Town & Country, Elle Australia, Der Bund, La Vanguardia and Metrópole.
She has spoken at venues including Kenwood House, Wellington College, the Royal Pavilion, the National Maritime Museum and Dr Johnson’s House. Her first play, Being Mr Wickham, premiered to sell-out audiences in 2019. It was streamed worldwide in 2021, followed by a nationwide tour of the UK.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Film and when not dodging the furies of the guillotine, can be found by following the distant sound of Dino. She lives in Yorkshire atop a ludicrously steep hill with a rakish gent, a relaxed cat, and an excitable dog.
Catherine’s work has been featured on the official website of BBC History Magazine, and in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, All About History, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Jane Austen’s Regency World. Further afield, she has appeared in the pages of publications including The Washington Post, Town & Country, Elle Australia, Der Bund, La Vanguardia and Metrópole.
She has spoken at venues including Kenwood House, Wellington College, the Royal Pavilion, the National Maritime Museum and Dr Johnson’s House. Her first play, Being Mr Wickham, premiered to sell-out audiences in 2019. It was streamed worldwide in 2021, followed by a nationwide tour of the UK.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Film and when not dodging the furies of the guillotine, can be found by following the distant sound of Dino. She lives in Yorkshire atop a ludicrously steep hill with a rakish gent, a relaxed cat, and an excitable dog.
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December 22, 2024
Catherine Curzon, The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' Separating Fact from Fiction, Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History, January 2025.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Catherine Curzon parts company with the usual lively writing style of Pen & Sword publications in this almost dry account of the popular Netflix drama, “The Crown,” and its mixed adherence to a factual account. Although relieved by some levity, Curzon’s commitment to comparing drama and authenticity relies on an account that leaves little time for frivolity. In reading this interpretation, although “The Crown” had eons of time for frivolity and melodrama, history did not. Or did it on occasion? Although the style is critical and is not as accessible as the usual Pen & Sword publication, it follows the same standards in providing well researched material. This is a robust comparison of reality and the account of the historical, social, and personal developments given in the 6-part series, featuring themes and events; characters and characterisation; locations; style and costumes.
The format is excellent – The Crown version of events is followed by the facts as Curzon knows and researched them. Where there is a question, or it is difficult to determine the facts Curzon acknowledges this. Unfortunately for “The Crown” there is abundant information that undermines the factual nature of the series. One major criticism made by Curzon is the timelines that often become muddied and demonstrably incorrect in the series – events and characters’ presence are often impossible because they happened at a different time, or the characters wee somewhere else at the time in which they are portrayed in the series. Sometimes a character is depicted taking an action that belongs to another. And so, it goes on – there is an abundance of evidence that underpins Curzon’s case.
However. This is a fact-finding mission, and in this respect, it is a grand history as it relates to the Windsors and those impacted by the world of the British crown. In its meticulous attention to getting the facts right, we are presented with an impressive history of the time. And to be fair to Curzon, this is what she aims to do, no more. But, looking at the series from a wider perspective there are so many questions I would have liked answered. What lies behind the most egregious of the factual errors? Can some be excused and explained because of the need for dramatic impact and it having inconsequential outcomes to take this licence? What of the expense of ensuring that some characters are not stand ins for others? Introducing a new character in a film is quite different from writing the correct figure into a historical novel – the immense expensive to find another actor to fill a part that in its most critical sense means little, may have been considered unnecessary. What impact did the current royal, social and political environment have on the way the themes were drawn in the series? Perhaps none of these questions matter, and the value of Curzon’s factual account is beyond these questions anyway. However, I would have liked some attention given to the questions I raise. Further, although she raises is the way in which female characters often give way to male characters’ stories and feelings, there is little analysis of why. I would have liked some analysis of the series and its, at times, seemingly cursory concern for facts.
There is a lengthy bibliography of secondary works and relevant photographs. The way in which Curzon finishes the book is a poignant reminder of at least one fact that “The Crown” stressed throughout, Queen Elizabeth’s commitment to duty.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Catherine Curzon parts company with the usual lively writing style of Pen & Sword publications in this almost dry account of the popular Netflix drama, “The Crown,” and its mixed adherence to a factual account. Although relieved by some levity, Curzon’s commitment to comparing drama and authenticity relies on an account that leaves little time for frivolity. In reading this interpretation, although “The Crown” had eons of time for frivolity and melodrama, history did not. Or did it on occasion? Although the style is critical and is not as accessible as the usual Pen & Sword publication, it follows the same standards in providing well researched material. This is a robust comparison of reality and the account of the historical, social, and personal developments given in the 6-part series, featuring themes and events; characters and characterisation; locations; style and costumes.
The format is excellent – The Crown version of events is followed by the facts as Curzon knows and researched them. Where there is a question, or it is difficult to determine the facts Curzon acknowledges this. Unfortunately for “The Crown” there is abundant information that undermines the factual nature of the series. One major criticism made by Curzon is the timelines that often become muddied and demonstrably incorrect in the series – events and characters’ presence are often impossible because they happened at a different time, or the characters wee somewhere else at the time in which they are portrayed in the series. Sometimes a character is depicted taking an action that belongs to another. And so, it goes on – there is an abundance of evidence that underpins Curzon’s case.
However. This is a fact-finding mission, and in this respect, it is a grand history as it relates to the Windsors and those impacted by the world of the British crown. In its meticulous attention to getting the facts right, we are presented with an impressive history of the time. And to be fair to Curzon, this is what she aims to do, no more. But, looking at the series from a wider perspective there are so many questions I would have liked answered. What lies behind the most egregious of the factual errors? Can some be excused and explained because of the need for dramatic impact and it having inconsequential outcomes to take this licence? What of the expense of ensuring that some characters are not stand ins for others? Introducing a new character in a film is quite different from writing the correct figure into a historical novel – the immense expensive to find another actor to fill a part that in its most critical sense means little, may have been considered unnecessary. What impact did the current royal, social and political environment have on the way the themes were drawn in the series? Perhaps none of these questions matter, and the value of Curzon’s factual account is beyond these questions anyway. However, I would have liked some attention given to the questions I raise. Further, although she raises is the way in which female characters often give way to male characters’ stories and feelings, there is little analysis of why. I would have liked some analysis of the series and its, at times, seemingly cursory concern for facts.
There is a lengthy bibliography of secondary works and relevant photographs. The way in which Curzon finishes the book is a poignant reminder of at least one fact that “The Crown” stressed throughout, Queen Elizabeth’s commitment to duty.
April 28, 2025
I was a big fan of the Netflix television series The Crown. As I watched the series, I knew in the back of my mind it was a dramatisation of history, but I was always curious just how much was based on fact and how much was speculation. In The Royal Family vs ‘The Crown’, author Catherine Curzon attempts to set the record straight. Curzon has written numerous books on British royalty, so she has the experience to tackle the series.
The book can be read while watching the series. Curzon broke it down into seasons and then the individual episodes. She explains what they got right, what they got wrong, and when they just rewrote what happened while ignoring history. It was curious to see how much drama the series creators added to the show. I mean, just from what I know about the Royals in my era, there seems to be plenty of drama to go around without having to create more. Curzon sums up each episode, then follows it with a discussion of what is actually known. There are numerous times events are moved around to occur at a time when it is more dramatic. Members of the staff appear on screen long after they retired in real life, or even long after they passed away! In some cases, I think the creators just took the easy way out by combining characters so the audience has some familiarity. At other times, they seem to be way off the mark.
One of the big things Curzon challenges is the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher. In real life, Thatcher had a respect and admiration for the Royal Family and would never have talked to the Queen the way she’s depicted near the end of her tenure, even if they disagreed. There are many issues like this that Curzon points out.
Initially, her writing tone seemed to be serious about setting the record straight. As the book went on, she seemed to become more acerbic and sarcastic. It almost felt like she was not just evaluating the show for how close it resembled reality, but she was now judging the creators for how much drama they injected into it.
To read my complete review, please go to The Royal Family vs ‘The Crown’: Separating Fact from Fiction by Catherine Curzon – Truth Behind the Drama/a>
The book can be read while watching the series. Curzon broke it down into seasons and then the individual episodes. She explains what they got right, what they got wrong, and when they just rewrote what happened while ignoring history. It was curious to see how much drama the series creators added to the show. I mean, just from what I know about the Royals in my era, there seems to be plenty of drama to go around without having to create more. Curzon sums up each episode, then follows it with a discussion of what is actually known. There are numerous times events are moved around to occur at a time when it is more dramatic. Members of the staff appear on screen long after they retired in real life, or even long after they passed away! In some cases, I think the creators just took the easy way out by combining characters so the audience has some familiarity. At other times, they seem to be way off the mark.
One of the big things Curzon challenges is the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher. In real life, Thatcher had a respect and admiration for the Royal Family and would never have talked to the Queen the way she’s depicted near the end of her tenure, even if they disagreed. There are many issues like this that Curzon points out.
Initially, her writing tone seemed to be serious about setting the record straight. As the book went on, she seemed to become more acerbic and sarcastic. It almost felt like she was not just evaluating the show for how close it resembled reality, but she was now judging the creators for how much drama they injected into it.
To read my complete review, please go to The Royal Family vs ‘The Crown’: Separating Fact from Fiction by Catherine Curzon – Truth Behind the Drama/a>
February 20, 2025
An entertaining and informative book that separates facts from fiction, episode by episode, and season by season.
The Crown has been praised by critics for its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production value. While the bare bones of the show are generally accurate, a lot has been changed, left out, or created for the sake of dramatic/artistic licence.
In "The Crown": The first season of "The Crown" details a relationship between the divorced Peter Townsend and Princess Margaret. Elizabeth formally forbids Margaret from marrying Townsend because of his divorce.
In real life: It was way more complicated. While Margaret was initially forbidden to marry him (by Parliament, not the queen), she could have given up her spot in the line of royal succession to marry whoever she wanted. But Margaret ended the relationship and remained in the line of succession.
In "The Crown," Prince Philip asks Elizabeth if he can forgo kneeling to her at her upcoming coronation and is denied. He kneels — bitterly.
In real life: He didn't refuse, and it's unlikely that there was any drama whatsoever. He knelt for his wife at her coronation in 1953. Prince Philip knew exactly what he was getting into when he married Queen Elizabeth, as he was born royal to boot, also he was a Royal Navy officer, so he knew and respected customs, protocols, and traditions.
In "The Crown": A troubled man named Michael Fagan breaks into the queen's chamber in Buckingham Palace. Instead of running, she talks to him and listens to his concerns over the state of the country.
In real life: Michael Fagan did break into Buckingham Palace—twice.But he didn't really have a clear reason, and when he made it into Queen Elizabeth's bedroom, she immediately called for help.
In "The Crown": The Duke of Windsor, the former Edward VIII, apologises to Queen Elizabeth for abdicating the throne — which eventually led to her becoming queen — as she goes to see him on his deathbed.
In real life: There's no evidence that the Duke of Windsor made a big apology on his deathbed.
The Crown has been praised by critics for its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production value. While the bare bones of the show are generally accurate, a lot has been changed, left out, or created for the sake of dramatic/artistic licence.
In "The Crown": The first season of "The Crown" details a relationship between the divorced Peter Townsend and Princess Margaret. Elizabeth formally forbids Margaret from marrying Townsend because of his divorce.
In real life: It was way more complicated. While Margaret was initially forbidden to marry him (by Parliament, not the queen), she could have given up her spot in the line of royal succession to marry whoever she wanted. But Margaret ended the relationship and remained in the line of succession.
In "The Crown," Prince Philip asks Elizabeth if he can forgo kneeling to her at her upcoming coronation and is denied. He kneels — bitterly.
In real life: He didn't refuse, and it's unlikely that there was any drama whatsoever. He knelt for his wife at her coronation in 1953. Prince Philip knew exactly what he was getting into when he married Queen Elizabeth, as he was born royal to boot, also he was a Royal Navy officer, so he knew and respected customs, protocols, and traditions.
In "The Crown": A troubled man named Michael Fagan breaks into the queen's chamber in Buckingham Palace. Instead of running, she talks to him and listens to his concerns over the state of the country.
In real life: Michael Fagan did break into Buckingham Palace—twice.But he didn't really have a clear reason, and when he made it into Queen Elizabeth's bedroom, she immediately called for help.
In "The Crown": The Duke of Windsor, the former Edward VIII, apologises to Queen Elizabeth for abdicating the throne — which eventually led to her becoming queen — as she goes to see him on his deathbed.
In real life: There's no evidence that the Duke of Windsor made a big apology on his deathbed.
March 27, 2025
In this interesting new book from brilliant historian Catherine Curzon, she fact-checks each episode of The Crown and sees where the show stayed true to history and where fictionalized and dramatized elements appear in each episode. Going into incredible detail and breaking down the plots, trivia, and characters in the show, Curzon’s book is a brilliant and critical companion that fans of the show will need to read. As it crosses the twentieth century and moves into the twenty-first century, the book brings small tidbits of historical information to the readers’ attention and adds to the viewer’s understanding of the show and its intricacies. Curzon is a great writer for a popular audience, and this book, like all of her previous titles, is excellently organized, detailed, and incredibly readable. Divided by both season and episode, she helpfully provides a guide to the cast to really ensure that readers can follow along as they work through the show. The perfect balance of critical and complimentary, this is a great gift or read for fans of The Crown and for history readers interested in the twentieth century or the reign of Elizabeth II, and Curzon has once again brought a fascinating part of history -- and its popular depiction -- to life in incredible detail.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the advance copy.
January 26, 2025
Thank you Netgalley & Pen & Sword History for an eARC ♥️
I'll be the first to admit it - I'm utterly obsessed with Netflix's The Crown. But my fascination with the British royal family started long before the show premiered. It all began with my love for Princess Diana. There was something about her kindness, compassion, and generosity that captivated me. I was devastated when she passed away, and I've been fascinated by her life and legacy ever since.
As I started reading more about Princess Diana, I became increasingly interested in the British royal family as a whole. I devoured books, articles, and documentaries about the monarchy, learning about its history, traditions, and inner workings. And when The Crown premiered, I was hooked. The show's attention to detail, its stunning costumes and sets, and its compelling characters all drew me in.♥️
But as much as I love The Crown, I've always wondered what's real and what's just drama and i want to write
a huge thank you to Catherine Curzon, whose book has been an invaluable resource in my quest for knowledge. Her meticulous research and engaging writing style have helped me uncover so many new facts and insights about the royal family. 😍
I'll be the first to admit it - I'm utterly obsessed with Netflix's The Crown. But my fascination with the British royal family started long before the show premiered. It all began with my love for Princess Diana. There was something about her kindness, compassion, and generosity that captivated me. I was devastated when she passed away, and I've been fascinated by her life and legacy ever since.
As I started reading more about Princess Diana, I became increasingly interested in the British royal family as a whole. I devoured books, articles, and documentaries about the monarchy, learning about its history, traditions, and inner workings. And when The Crown premiered, I was hooked. The show's attention to detail, its stunning costumes and sets, and its compelling characters all drew me in.♥️
But as much as I love The Crown, I've always wondered what's real and what's just drama and i want to write
a huge thank you to Catherine Curzon, whose book has been an invaluable resource in my quest for knowledge. Her meticulous research and engaging writing style have helped me uncover so many new facts and insights about the royal family. 😍
December 19, 2024
The Royal Family vs 'The Crown': Separating Fact from Fiction by new to me historian author C. Curzon is a beautiful, enlightening, touching, very informative book that I read cover to cover in one sitting.
Beautiful from start till the last page, 4.5 stars.
Blurb: The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' turns the spotlight on the glittering N. series and lays bare what’s fact and what is very definitely fiction. Season by season, episode by episode, The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' digs deep into history to examine the plots, the trivia and the characters who have stepped out of the throne room and into the living room, telling the real stories behind the drama that has thrilled and scandalised audiences. From the abdication of a king to Princess Diana's interview, the marriage of Charles and Camilla and everything in between, this is your guide to the true stories behind the streaming series.
Beautiful from start till the last page, 4.5 stars.
Blurb: The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' turns the spotlight on the glittering N. series and lays bare what’s fact and what is very definitely fiction. Season by season, episode by episode, The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' digs deep into history to examine the plots, the trivia and the characters who have stepped out of the throne room and into the living room, telling the real stories behind the drama that has thrilled and scandalised audiences. From the abdication of a king to Princess Diana's interview, the marriage of Charles and Camilla and everything in between, this is your guide to the true stories behind the streaming series.
May 29, 2025
In The Royal Family vs. The Crown: Separating Fact from Fiction, Catherine Curzon, author of The Real Queen Charlotte and Inside the World of Bridgerton, offers a fascinating companion to the popular Netflix series. The book provides a synopsis of each episode of The Crown, followed by the historical facts behind the dramatization.
Curzon makes it clear when the show takes creative liberties, and it does so more often than I realized. When specific details from the royal family’s perspective are unknown, she openly acknowledges the gaps rather than speculating.
This book has deepened my appreciation for the balance between entertainment and accuracy in historical storytelling. At some point, I plan to rewatch The Crown with this book in my hand.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Curzon makes it clear when the show takes creative liberties, and it does so more often than I realized. When specific details from the royal family’s perspective are unknown, she openly acknowledges the gaps rather than speculating.
This book has deepened my appreciation for the balance between entertainment and accuracy in historical storytelling. At some point, I plan to rewatch The Crown with this book in my hand.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2025
This book offers a season-by-season, episode-by-episode analysis of the hit Netflix series, separating fact from fiction. Exploring key historical events from the reign of George VI to the 21st century, this guide reveals the true stories behind the drama that has captivated and sometimes scandalized viewers worldwide.
This book answered the question I had the accuracy of the series. It’s a great companion to consult when watching. It’s easy to read and a good analysis.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book answered the question I had the accuracy of the series. It’s a great companion to consult when watching. It’s easy to read and a good analysis.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 30, 2024
I only made it through the first season or 2 of The Crown, as I am a tiresome, picky historical purist and the many inaccuracies in the show drove me crazy. This quick and dirty breakdown of the truth vs. the facts would be handy for tedious people like myself who want to know just exactly how inaccurate the series is before they risk their sanity by watching it; and also for normal people who don’t mind inaccuracies but who want to at least know the true facts for information’s sake.
January 18, 2025
While I enjoy historical fiction (mostly), I can never bring myself to watch historical fiction/dramas/movies on screen. I'm just too nitpicky on the details. It's not fun when it involves real people, events, etc.
So I've only seen maybe one episode of The Crown (though I watched several 'what The Crown got wrong' videos on YouTube). I enjoyed this book a lot and found it informative on fiction vs fact, as well as raising points of the issues of misogyny and narrative framing.
So I've only seen maybe one episode of The Crown (though I watched several 'what The Crown got wrong' videos on YouTube). I enjoyed this book a lot and found it informative on fiction vs fact, as well as raising points of the issues of misogyny and narrative framing.
December 30, 2024
This fab book reveals what was true and what is fiction in Netflix's The Crown series. I learned so much and had such fun reading about one of my fav cable shows. A must-read for every fan of the series!
February 9, 2025
The Royal Family vs 'The Crown' by Catherine Curzon is a book that compares the real events that inspired episodes of Netflix's hit show The Crown. Curzon's book breaks down each season by episode and covers what events were more dramatized and what really happened in the actual time period that the events occurred in.
It should come as no surprise that the events in the show were altered quite a bit to meet TV standards as well as to make them more dramatic, or to meet up with altered timelines by the show run, but Curzon's concise writing gives life even to the actual events that show they didn't need to be further embellished.
If you are a fan of The Crown, or even just the modern Royal Family, this book is definitely something you should consider adding to your library. Its a brief read, but it contains a ton of interesting tidbits and facts.
I would like to than Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
It should come as no surprise that the events in the show were altered quite a bit to meet TV standards as well as to make them more dramatic, or to meet up with altered timelines by the show run, but Curzon's concise writing gives life even to the actual events that show they didn't need to be further embellished.
If you are a fan of The Crown, or even just the modern Royal Family, this book is definitely something you should consider adding to your library. Its a brief read, but it contains a ton of interesting tidbits and facts.
I would like to than Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews