The Crown Season 6 Episode 4 Aftermath Recap

In this episode, Peter Morgan faced the challenge of not retreading familiar ground from “The Queen.” Similar to “Aftermath,” a 2006 film he wrote, this episode shifts focus to explore the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death through the lens of other key characters in The Crown.

While certain unavoidable overlaps occur, such as the public’s reaction to the Queen’s decision to stay at Balmoral Castle, the episode delves into Prince Charles’ portrayal as an idealistic hero. The depiction feels somewhat forced, but it aligns with the series’ title, transferring pro-Diana influence from Prime Minister Tony Blair to Charles.

The narrative doesn’t shy away from delivering impactful moments, including Dodi Fayed’s death and its emotional toll on Mohamed Al Fayed. Emotional scenes abound, with Mohamed grieving and Charles challenging the Queen for not recognizing Diana’s impact on the nation.

A surreal conversation between Charles and an ethereal Diana on the flight back to Britain adds an intriguing, albeit odd, dimension. Charles’s plea to his mother to abandon the royal script and embrace Diana’s approach serves as a pivotal moment, leading to a supernatural visit from Ghost Diana and prompting the Queen to address the nation.

The episode subtly transitions focus to the next generation, foreshadowing Prince William’s future prominence. While hints of change in the royal family surface, the final scene suggests a private, personal impact on the Queen. The question lingers: Did Diana truly catalyze a transformation in the royal family? The upcoming Part Two may provide more answers.