A Princess Diana Quote Was Snuck Into ‘The Crown’ Season 3

The royal won’t appear until Season 4, but her presence already looms large

The Crown Season 3 truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

If you were disappointed not to see Princess Diana in the latest season of the hit Netflix show, then you were likely elated when she got a low-key mention.

In Episode 9, while discussing the love quadrangle that has ensued at the palace, Princess Anne is quizzed by her parents and the Queen Mother about Camilla’s suitability as a life partner for Charles. Anne says it will be fine, as long as her brother is prepared for there to “always be three people in the relationship” if he marries Camilla Parker Bowles (then Shand).

While Princess Anne had been having a dalliance with Andrew Parker Bowles, Charles had been falling for Camilla. However, Camilla and Andrew were still very much entangled, and would go on to get married, leaving the two royals somewhat bereft.

The reason that Anne’s comment is so prescient is because it’s based upon something that Princess Diana actually said about her marriage to Prince Charles. In her 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, Diana was asked, “Do you think Mrs. Parker-Bowles was a factor in the breakdown of your marriage?” Diana replied, “Well there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” It seems that the princess’ words directly inspired the writers on The Crown, which makes sense as it seems as though palace romances have always been complicated.

Actress Emma Corrin has been cast as Princess Diana, and filming has already begun on Season 4 of The Crown, meaning that we’ll see the character very soon.

All images: Netflix

From Harper’s Bazaar US