Princess Diana’s ‘dreadful’ gesture to Prince Charles likened to ‘high school movie’ by The Crown star

Princess Diana’s grand gesture to Prince Charles was captured in an exclusive clip from The Crown and now actor Emma Corrin has described the iconic performance as like “something from a High School Movie”.   

Princess Diana is undoubtedly one of the most high profile royals and fans were eager to see how the people’s princess would be brought to life on screen in hit Netflix drama The Crown. The Crown season 4 focused on Prince Charles and Diana’s relationship in the early years, with newcomer Emma Corrin’s portrayal of the Princess earning huge praise. Now, as fans prepare for the The Crown season 5, many people will be re-watching some of season 4’s most iconic scenes and clips. 

And with some viewers wondering how accurate The Crown really is, others might be asking themselves if Princess Diana really did sing “All I Ask Of You” from Phantom of the Opera for Prince Charles. This comes after The Crown released an exclusive unseen clip showing Emma as Princess Diana singing for Charles. 

Now the star has opened up on this memorable performance, likening it to much-loved classic "high school" movies.  

In the popular unseen clip, Princess Diana can be seen watching a video tape she made of herself singing "All I Ask Of You" for her husband for their anniversary, which a horrified Prince Charles branded “dreadful” and "monstrous".

During a recent cover interview with W magazine (opens in new tab), Princess Diana actor Emma reflected on the royal's flamboyant romantic gesture in this scene, stating, “It’s like something out of a high school movie."

Princess Diana's "All I Ask Of You" video tape gift is something that reportedly occurred in real-life. Though it's thought she might have danced to a recording of the song rather than singing herself, whilst Prince Charles' actual reaction is not known.

Despite the "high school movie" drama of the recreation in The Crown, however, Emma also expressed her admiration for the late Princess of Wales’ joyful attempts to capture her royal husband’s attention with other equally dramatic gestures.

The Crown also depicts Princess Diana dancing to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl in front of hundreds at the Royal Opera House, whilst Prince Charles, played by Josh O’Connor, reacts with shock and embarrassment in the Royal Box.

Discussing these famous choreographed performances, Emma explained, “We see her burning, youthful spirit exploding out in these dance scenes, and in the way she tried to get through to Charles how she felt about him.”

The Crown star also credited her friendship with fellow actor Josh for helping them to portray these iconic moments, always knowing the fairy-tale marriage would end in heartbreak despite all of these romantic moments. 

Josh echoed her sentiments, adding, “We both spent a long time during prep researching the nuances of failed marriages. 

“Our care for our own characters and each other’s meant that whatever the scene was, we were completely focused on telling a truthful and real account of those moments.”

With The Crown season 5 release date yet to be confirmed, fans will just have to wait to see newcomer Elizabeth Debicki take over as Princess Diana as the series moves forward to depict the sad breakdown of her and Prince Charles' marriage.