It’s been a busy few weeks for Princess Diana actress Elizabeth Debicki, as she was once again spotted filming new scenes for series five of The Crown today.
Elizabeth, 31, stunned in a lilac jacket and matching skirt, thought to be inspired by a similar ensemble worn by the Princess of Wales during a trip to Washington in June 1997, on one of her final public appearances before her tragic death in a Paris car crash.
The Australian actress, who is taking over the role from Emma Corrin, was joined on location by actor Salim Daw, who is playing Mohammed Al Fayed in the series, the former Harrods owner and father of Diana’s lover Dodi.
In the scenes, the pair could be seen taking their seats at what appeared to be a polo match. While it is unknown what scene was being filmed for the hit drama, Diana was spotted speaking with Mohammed on multiple occasions at the polo, including meetings in 1987 and 1988.
However The Crown will cover the Royal Family’s history throughout the 1990s, so it’s unclear if the Netflix series has altered timelines slightly.
Over the first three series of The Crown, the Netflix hit has become well known for bending facts to suit its narrative, and while some artistic licence is inevitable, some critics have been outraged in its rewriting of history and relationships.
Princess Diana actress Elizabeth Debicki, 31, was once again spotted filming new scenes for series five of The Crown today (pictured)
The Australian actress, who is taking over the role from Emma Corrin, was joined on location by actor Salim Daw, who is playing Mohammed Al Fayed in the series, the former Harrods owner and father of Diana’s lover Dodi
Elizabeth, 31, stunned in a lilac jacket and matching skirt, thought to be inspired by a similar ensemble worn by the Princess of Wales during a trip to Washington in June 1997, on one of her final public appearances before her tragic death in a Paris car crash (pictured, Diana in the outfit)
Princess Diana wore a lilac two-piece jacket and skirt suit during a visit to Washington in 1997 to meet with the head of the Red Cross.
During the outing, she opted to wear a set of pearls and carried a white Chanel bag.
At the time she was giving to make a speech against land mines, one of the many causes she championed during her lifetime, and she joined U.S. politician Elizabeth Dole in calling for the end of land mine use worldwide.
However it appears The Crown’s costume department took inspiration from the princess’ stylish vacation number when dressing Elizabeth for her scenes today.
It is unknown exactly what scene was being filmed from Princess Diana’s life, or whether the Netflix series is once again taking artistic license with the late royal. Princess Diana was snapped meeting Mohammed at polo matches multiple times throughout the late ’80s (pictured together in 1987)
In the snaps, Diana can be seen taking a seat in the stands as she watches what appears to be a polo match alongside Mohammed.
Boasting Diana’s signature locks, the actress sported an identical set of pearls, and could be seen carrying a white handbag alongside the statement lilac suit.
It is unknown exactly what scene was being filmed from Princess Diana’s life, or whether the Netflix series is once again taking artistic license with the late royal.
Princess Diana was snapped meeting Mohammed at polo matches multiple times throughout the late ’80s.
Boasting Diana’s signature locks, the actress sported an identical set of pearls, and could be seen carrying a white handbag alongside the statement lilac suit
In the snaps, Diana can be seen taking a seat in the stands as she watches what appears to be a polo match alongside Mohammed (pictured)
It is unknown what polo match was being depicted in the filming of the fifth season of The Crown, which has been criticised for its artistic license with the truth
During the scene it appeared Diana and Mohammed were having an intense discussion while watching a polo match together in the front row of the stands
Diana was first photographed with the former Harrod’s owner at a match in 1987, and later snapped in 1988 alongside Dodi and Prince William at a match in Windsor, though the Crown’s fifth season is based on events of the 1990s
The outfit worn by Elizabeth today is near identical to one worn by the late Princess of Wales during a visit to the Red Cross headquarters in Washington in 1997 (pictured left and right)
It has been reported Diana first met Mohamed’s son Dodi at a polo match against Prince Charles in Windsor in 1986, while the royals were still married.
She was first photographed with the former Harrod’s owner at a match in 1987, and later snapped in 1988 alongside Dodi and Prince William at a match in Windsor.
In the summer of 1997, the millionaire son of former Harrods owner Mohammed entertained the former Princess of Wales on the yacht.
Dodi and Diana were photographed enjoying each other’s company on his boat, named ‘Cujo’, in July 1997, just weeks before their deaths in a Paris car crash on August 31st the same year.
It is unknown when the events of the scene were supposed to have taken place – although Diana and Mohammed were photographed together multiple times at polo matches
During the scenes, Elizabeth’s Diana could be seen in a distinctive lilac suit with large pearl earrings and a pearl necklace (pictured)
The pair were photographed kissing and embracing on the deck almost a year after Diana and Prince Charles’s divorce was agreed upon. Diana, then 36, was spotted strutting on the deck, making the most of the Mediterranean sun and her new romance.
The couple also spent most of their time of Dodi’s father Mohammed’s super yacht the Jonikal (now known as the Sokar) that same summer.
A snap of the former royal gazing into the distance from the yacht’s diving board was one of the last pictures ever taken of Diana.
The last two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family in the 1990s to 2003. The crew will be picking up the story where it left off in the fourth season.
The fifth season of The Crown will follow the breakdown of Prince Charles and Diana’s marriage – as well as her relationship with Dodi Al-Fayed
It was announced last year that Elizabeth would take over from Emma Corrin and play Diana for the fifth and sixth series, which will cover Diana’s death in 1997
The breakdown of Charles and Diana’s relationship will be a central part of the new series.
The fourth series of The Crown, which streamed in November last year, told the story of the early romance between Charles and Diana.
It was announced last year that Elizabeth would take over from Emma Corrin and play Diana for the fifth and sixth series, which will cover Diana’s death in 1997.
The actress said of her casting last year: ‘Princess Diana’s spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many.
‘It is my privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one.’
The breakdown of Charles and Diana’s relationship will be a central part of the new series. Pictured, the actors filming on-set today
The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family’s history throughout the 1990s and into 2003, however it is not yet know which moments will be seen. Pictured, the actors filming today
Meanwhile Dodi Fayed is expected to play a large part in the next series of The Crown, with British actor Khalid Abdalla, 39, who starred in the 2007 film The Kite Runner, cast in the role.
Palestinian actor Salim, 70, will play Dodi’s father, former Harrods owner Mohamed.
The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family’s history throughout the 1990s and into 2003, however it is not yet know which moments will be seen.
There are several poignant moments which could be used, including the Queen making a speech on her 40th anniversary of her accession in 1992, in which she called the year an ‘annus horriblis’.
She was referring to the breakdown of three of her children’s marriages; Prince Andrew, Princess Anne’s and Prince Charles’ divorce from Princess Diana.
The actors appeared relaxed as they filmed the scene, which is believed to be capturing the moment Diana and Mohamed watched a polo match together
Other notable events during the time period included a fire at Windsor Castle, her golden wedding anniversary in 1997, and the deaths of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and the Princess of Wales.
Imelda Staunton is taking over the role of Elizabeth II from Olivia Colman who won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020 and 2021.
Also joining The Crown in series five is Lesley Manville, 64, who is set to star as Princess Margaret. Meanwhile Jonathan Pryce, 73, will take over the role of Prince Philip. James Murray will take on the role of Prince Andrew, replacing Tom Byrne, who played the Queen’s second son in series four.