The opening sequence of The Crown's sixth season's fourth episode unfolds within the hallowed halls of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the shocking news of Diana's grievous injury in Paris resonates. The castle echoes with the urgent whispers that she has been hastily dispatched to the hospital by ambulance. Simultaneously, the news percolates through Prince Charles' intricate network of informants.
A devastating phone call shatters Mohommad Al-Fayed's world, informing him that his beloved son, Dodi Al-Fayed, perished instantly in the Parisian car accident. Devastated, he rushes first to the Parisian tunnel, the macabre scene of his son's demise, and then to the morgue where his son lies, tears streaming down his face as he prays to Allah for solace.
Not long after, the palace is informed of Diana's untimely death, and the hospital staff is left in a state of stunned disbelief by her passing. In a show of compassion, the royal family decides to let the young princes sleep peacefully, sparing them the heartbreak of the news until the morning.
The day following his ex-wife's demise, Prince Charles ventures out for a solitary walk, weighted down by grief. He finds solace in a phone call to Camilla, confessing that Diana's death will forever be etched in history as a moment of profound significance. He confesses to her that he needs time to gather his strength before breaking the news to the boys, explaining that, as long as they slumber peacefully, they still have a mother in their dreams.
Later, Prince Charles quietly enters Prince William's chamber. He gently wakes the young prince, urging him to be brave. With a heavy heart, he reveals the tragic news of Diana's passing, leaving William stunned and speechless, his misery palpable in the silence that ensues.
After their visit to Prince Harry's chamber, Prince Charles and Prince William made their way there, where Harry learned of his mother's untimely demise from Prince Charles. His grief was overwhelming, a depth of sorrow unlike anything they had ever witnessed. To safeguard the boys from the harsh realities of the tragedy, the palace made the decision to temporarily sever all television and communication channels.
Prince Charles spoke candidly with the Queen, emphasizing the need for the elders to gauge the public's sentiment. However, the Queen's focus remained steadfast on maintaining a positive atmosphere within the palace walls, particularly the well-being of the young princes.
Charles proposed transporting Diana's body from Paris to England that evening, utilizing the royal family's private jet. The Queen retorted that such a privilege was only befitting for members of the royal bloodline. Yet, Charles persisted, inquiring if Harold's van would suffice to carry the body of a future monarch. Queen Elizabeth, silent for a moment, finally nodded her head in consent.
Charles journeyed to Paris, where he beheld Diana in the morgue. Tears streamed down his face as he gazed upon his ex-wife, lying peacefully in repose. Shortly thereafter, he returned to England, accompanied by Diana's body. There, in the solitude of his thoughts, he seemed to engage in a silent dialogue with Diana, seeking closure. He poured out his heartfelt emotions, imagining how she might have responded if she were physically present.
Mohammad Al-Fayed claimed that Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed had been engaged prior to their untimely deaths. He penned a letter to the royal family, expressing his profound sorrow and a desire to forge a closer bond. For Diana's burial, he offered a silver plaque inscribed with a poem, a gift from her dear friend Dodi. Alongside, he sent some of Diana's personal items, including a birthday present she had purchased for Harry.
Upon his arrival at the mosque, where his son's funeral was being held, he was devastated to find that the palace had sent back the plaque, without even acknowledging its receipt. This broke Mou Mou's heart, and he engaged in an imaginary conversation with his late son. As he listened to his own words, he realized that he had harbored unrealistic hopes for his child and the Western world.
As Charles finally arrives at Balmoral Palace, he pleads with the Queen to conduct a dignified service for Diana, despite her no longer being a part of the royal fold following her divorce from Charles. The Queen hesitates, yet Charles confesses his regret for disappointing Diana during her lifetime, vowing not to repeat the mistake in her death. Prince William, overhearing snippets of their discussion with Philip, retires outside for a staggering fourteen hours. Panic and concern grip the palace, both inside and out, as they frantically search for William. Miraculously, he returns alone after the long, silent vigil.
The next morning, Charles persists, pleading with the Queen to reconsider, explaining that the people and the prime minister desire a royal ceremony and the Queen's voice to address the nation on Diana's passing. As Charles departs, the Queen finds herself in a silent dialogue with Diana's absent presence, confessing that she has finally turned the royal house upside down. Diana, though absent, responds, acknowledging that it wasn't her intention. She gently reminds the Queen that she taught them what it means to be British, but perhaps it's time for the Queen to learn something new.
This encounter ignites a profound change in the Queen, leading her to deliver a heartfelt national address mourning Diana's death. Following this, a royal funeral service is held in Diana's honor, with Charles, William, and Harry solemnly following the coffin. Amidst the grief-stricken crowd, William, unaware of Diana's personal impact, wonders aloud why everyone is so devastated. He turns to Philip, inquiring why they weep, and Philip gently explains that it's not for Diana, but for William himself.
The episode concludes with a poignant scene of the Queen praying before her bed, lost in her thoughts and prayers. She allows herself to feel the full weight of her emotions in the aftermath of Diana's death, a rare moment of vulnerability and reflection for the royal monarch.
