Netflix series, The Crown, depicts the sibling rivalry between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret in the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is portrayed as responsible and dutiful, while Princess Margaret is seen as outgoing, rebellious, and free-spirited. Their rivalry dates back to childhood when Elizabeth was the favorite of their father, King George VI. The show depicts how sibling rivalry can affect even the most powerful figures, causing strain in relationships and affecting reputation. Despite some critics claiming the show takes creative license, it adds depth to the characters and sheds light on the dynamics of the British monarchy.
The Crown: Queen Elizabeth II vs. Princess Margaret – A Royal Rivalry
The Characters
The Crown is a Netflix original series that revolves around the British monarchy, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives of Queen Elizabeth II and her family. Throughout the series, two significant characters that stand out are Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. Queen Elizabeth II, played by Claire Foy in the first two seasons and Olivia Colman in the latest season, is shown as the most responsible and dutiful of all the royals. On the other hand, Princess Margaret, played by Vanessa Kirby, is portrayed as outgoing, rebellious, and free-spirited.
The Rivalry
The Crown highlights the dynamic relationship between two sisters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. Their rivalry can be traced back to their childhood, where Elizabeth was the favorite of their father, King George VI. When Elizabeth ascended to the throne after her father’s death, Margaret was left feeling unimportant and overlooked.
The series depicts Margaret as envious of her sister, who has every aspect of her life planned out for her, whereas she craves spontaneity and excitement. Margaret’s disregard for royal protocol and her tumultuous love life add to the tension between the two sisters.
Their Personal Lives
Queen Elizabeth II’s marriage to Prince Philip is portrayed as a stable and secure union throughout the series. They have four children, and their relationship is depicted as a loving and supportive one. In contrast, Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, portrayed by Ben Daniels in the series, is tumultuous. Margaret’s repeated affairs and jealousy towards her husband’s success add to the instability of their marriage.
Implications for the Monarchy
The Crown shows how sibling rivalry can affect even the most prominent figures in the world. The series depicts the pressure and responsibility of the crown, and how it can cause strain among family members. The show also touches on the importance of reputation and how it can affect the monarchy.
The Queen and Princess Margaret’s relationship showcased in The Crown is not entirely fictional. Historians have noted the sisters’ tumultuous relationship and the differences in their personalities. However, some critics argue that the show takes too much creative license and exaggerated the characters’ differences for dramatic effect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Crown’s portrayal of the rivalry between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret showcases how different personalities and experiences can affect sibling relationships, and how it can have implications for the monarchy. Whether or not the show’s depiction is entirely accurate, it certainly adds depth to the characters and helps viewers understand the dynamics of the British monarchy a little better.