The Crown is accused of ‘reinforcing negative stereotypes’ about public schools with its unflattering depiction of Charles, William and Harry’s education

The Crown is facing fresh criticism, this time for ‘reinforcing negative stereotypes’ about public schools.

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said the Netflix series’ depiction of them is ‘frustrating’ and affecting public perception.

It screened an unflattering portrayal of William and Harry’s school days at £50,000-a-year Eton in Windsor.

King Charles has also been shown as unhappy at Gordonstoun in Scotland. In season two, he is seen shivering in bed as rain pours through a dormitory window, soaking his sheets. 

‘It is frustrating for us because there’s a big stereotype about independent schools and it’s very symbolically effective,’ Ms Robinson told the Girls’ Schools Association’s annual conference in the Cotswolds last week.

The Crown has faced many controversies, including not initially running a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode despite many scenes being pure dramatisations rather than being based on facts

King Charles has also been shown as unhappy at Gordonstoun in Scotland

‘I never cease to be amazed at how powerful the stereotype is. 

‘The reality is we are a small sector with a few wealthy and really strong world famous schools which are a great export for the UK and good for business. 

‘It is hard to get that message out when people will watch The Crown again and be thinking of certain schools and that is what we are up against, what people imagine independent schools to be.’ 

The Crown has faced many controversies, including not initially running a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode despite many scenes being pure dramatisations rather than being based on facts. 

Others have accused it of presenting ‘an inaccurate and hurtful account of history’.

An Ipsos poll has revealed that 57 per cent of adults support Labour’s plan to charge VAT on school fees.

Ms Robinson said: ‘When I was a prep school head, I wanted my parents to go to dinner parties and not for them to have to apologise because they assumed there is going to be a poshness or class label if they mentioned where their child went to school.