The final chapters of Netflix’sThe Crown,where duty clashes with desire,have been eagerly anticipated around the world. Beyond the allure of this cinematic portrayal lies a deeper exploration into the fascination with royalty – a fascination nurtured by media, film, and television.
From within the industry, you can unravel the threads of fact versus fiction and unpick the royal fantasy. Going even deeper, you can examine whether the elusive “happily ever after” truly exists for those born into the royal lineage…
Tragedy and the Melodrama of Monarchy: The Crown on Netflix
The critically acclaimed Netflix seriesThe Crownhas taken viewers on an odyssey through the corridors of power and the private lives of the British royal family. In its portrayal of historical events and the personal struggles of monarchs, the series often employs the cinematic lenses of tragedy and melodrama to navigate the balance between fact and fiction. The result? A compelling, if not entirely accurate, glimpse into the world of royalty.
The series often captures the weight of duty, responsibility, and the sacrifices made by the British royal family in the pursuit of upholding tradition and legacy. From King George VI’s struggle with illness to Princess Margaret’s doomed love affair and Princess Diana’s climactic ending, the story is infused with a sense of Shakespearean tragedy, where personal desires clash with the demands of the crown.
2T60NDY // The Crown // FlixPix
Themes of opulence, isolation, and burden run across the cinematography and production design and each frame emphasises the stakes and consequences of royal decisions. While melodrama allows the series to explore the humanity behind the crowns, presenting the royals as individuals grappling with love, loss, and identity, the lush musical score, sweeping camera movements, and intense close-ups all contribute to heightened emotional resonance. Through these creative devices, the lines between reality and fiction are blurred.
The Crown has garnered widespread acclaim for its cinematic brilliance, but it has also faced criticism for its liberties with historical facts. The series acknowledges its fictionalised elements but raises important questions about the responsibility of portraying real people and events. Here, there’s an ongoing debate around what makes compelling drama and the potential impact on public perception of historical events and figures.
America, the Monarchy and Royals
America’s distinctive fascination with royalty can be traced back to its colonial history, evolving over the centuries into a complex relationship with the idea of monarchy. The development of the royal fantasy in the American market is particularly compelling – especially the pivotal role played by the media, film, and television in feeding infatuation.
How did it happen? Historically, colonial settlers looked across the Atlantic Ocean to the kingdoms of Europe for cultural cues. Even though controlling ties with the British monarchy were severed, the American public still finds intrigue in the stories of European monarchies, from the Tudors of England to the opulent court politics of Louis XIV in France. It’s easy to see how the romance of fairy-tale castles, glittering ballrooms, and dashing courtiers took hold in a land of opportunity and dreams.
The Media’s Role in Royal Fascination
Enter the media and ‘cult of fame’. This more recent industry has shaped and perpetuated the royal fantasy in the United States. Magazines, newspapers, and social media platforms have showcased every nuance of royal life, with mass coverage of births, weddings, and scandals a matter of public interest. The captivating imagery and narrative surrounding royals from around the world and the perceived concept of a more elite and exclusive lifestyle serve as a source of escapism for many.
Film and Television: The Royal Dream
Adding another level to the vision, the royal dream has been visualised through various film and television releases – with cult classics like The Princess Diaries entries and The Prince and Me revolving around the timeless idealism of rags-to-riches storylines, each with a romantic royal twist. These iconic films depict ordinary Americans who suddenly discover a royal connection or their royal lineage and get swept up in distant yet familiar new lives. Even takes on reality get treated with luxury and glamour, for example, TV shows like The Crown, The Tudors, and Reign all provide a dramatic and fictionalised glimpse into the lives of historical and contemporary royals.
The Hallmark Effect
One of the most recent and noteworthy developments in the American royal fantasy is the surge in entirely made-up royal romances within the Hallmark movie universe. The Hallmark Channel has found immense success by producing movies that follow the same winning formula: characters with simple origins fall for charming royals, leading to romantic adventures and happily-ever-after endings. Television movies like A Royal Christmas, A Royal Winter, and Once Upon a Prince have become a staple of Hallmark’s holiday programming, a special seasonal place where the classic American dream is elevated to illustrious new heights against appealing festive backdrops. All of these cater to the enduring desire for contemporary fairy tales.
Does Fiction ever Become Reality?
As long as the dream of royalty persists, so too will the fantasy that’s ingrained in culture, guided by centuries of history, and fuelled by the media, film, and television. This raises an important question: real life royal happy endings… do they exist? While fairy tales and fictional stories have long captured the public imagination, in some cases, we witness the reality of royal couples around the world who get close to this ideal.
Bhutan’s Royal Couple: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuch and Queen Jetsun Pema
King Jigme Khesar and Jetsun Pema’s paths crossed frequently. They attended the same school, Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, and developed a close friendship based on their shared interests, cultural background, and deep respect for Bhutan’s traditions. A match that was celebrated across Bhutan, news of the couple’s engagement in 2011 was met with further excitement. Their wedding ceremony blended the Bhutanese customs they both respected with a touch of modernity that showcased the country’s unique culture.
As Bhutan’s royal couple, King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema are dedicated to public service and known for their warm and accessible personalities. Both are actively involved in philanthropic and humanitarian efforts across Bhutan and they support numerous initiatives related to education, health, and conservation. Queen Jetsun Perma is known for her advocacy for children’s welfare, maternal health, and mental health awareness.
By promoting unity and happiness in Bhutan, their relationship serves as a symbol of modernity and tradition coexisting harmoniously. This story has endeared them to the Bhutanese people and the world, making them respected figures in the realm of global royalty.
Transcending Borders: King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan
Lisa Najeeb Halaby (Noor Al-Hussein upon marriage), an American of Syrian descent, met King Hussein of Jordan in 1977 while working as an architectural planner in Amman. They encountered each other by chance at a dinner party and their bond grew from shared values, intellectual connection, and mutual respect. Her marriage to King Hussein in 1978 marked a significant turning point for Jordan, bringing fresh energy and international perspectives to the monarchy.
This union wasn’t without its challenges. The political landscape in the region was complex, and Jordan faced economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite this, Queen Noor stood by King Hussein’s side and became deeply involved in humanitarian and social causes. They shared a vision of modernisation and progress and Queen Noor, who was educated at Princeton University and an accomplished architect, brought a unique global perspective to her role. Her efforts were particularly focused on education, healthcare, and women’s rights.
While King Hussein passed away in 1999, Queen Noor continued to be involved in charitable and humanitarian work, carrying on the legacy of her late husband. She remained committed to various philanthropic endeavours and is particularly involved in organisation that focus on peace, intercultural understanding, and sustainable development. As an activist on the global stage, her commitment to these causes has solidified her as a respected and influential ally.
A lesson in overcoming cultural differences and navigating the complexities of royal life, Queen Noor’s enduring commitment to the people of Jordan and her continued efforts in promoting peace and development underscore the profound impact of their partnership.
Signaling Change: King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia
King Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano’s 2004 wedding marked a moment of change in the Spanish monarchy, as it was the first time a commoner and accomplished journalist had married into the royal family. The couple met in the early 2000s through their professional lives in journalism – Letizia, a distinguished journalist and news anchor, was already known for her work in the field. They grew closer over a unique intersection between journalism and public service, nurturing their connection away from the public eye. Rather ironically, it was Spanish media speculation that worked against this discretion.
Queen Letizia’s background marked a departure from traditional royal marriages, reflecting the evolving nature of European monarchies. After a wedding that was attended by dignitaries from around the world, as King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia embraced their roles with a commitment to social issues including education, cultural heritage, and the well-being of Spanish citizens. Their family’s dynamic is often portrayed as down-to-earth and modern, reflecting the couple’s desire to balance their royal responsibilities with a sense of normalcy.
Representing Spain on the international stage, the couple fosters diplomatic relations and participates in state visits. In these ways, their presence in various global forums has solidified Spain’s position in the modern world.
What can we unpick from all of this?
From the tragic complexities of The Crown to the lighter touch of made-up royal romances on the Hallmark Channel, the media’s role in shaping the royal fantasy is undeniable. The enchantment with monarchy, cultivated over centuries, finds its modern expression through the lens of Hollywood and television screens. Yet, amidst these tales, real-life royal love stories do emerge – stories that transcend borders, challenge traditions, and symbolise unity and progress. One thing we know for certain is that the fascination with royal life is timeless and will always be worth exploring.
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