Aug. 19, 2024
Elizabeth Debicki's memories of winning a Golden Globe earlier this year recently came flooding back to her.
US - Elizabeth Debicki, known for her
portrayal of Princess Diana in the final seasons of The Crown, recently
opened up about the challenges and emotional weight of playing the beloved
royal. Her reflections provide a deep insight into the complexities of
embodying such an iconic figure, especially during the tragic final moments of
Diana’s life.
Confronting
Princess Diana’s Death
Debicki
described the experience of portraying Diana’s last days as profoundly
daunting. The actress emphasised the responsibility she felt to honour Diana’s
legacy while navigating the intense emotions surrounding her untimely death.
“It was a heavy burden,” Debicki admitted, noting the pressure to do justice to
Diana’s story and the impact it had on her own emotional state.
‘Ghost
Diana’ Reports
One of the
more controversial aspects of the final season was the inclusion of scenes
featuring Diana’s “ghost.” These scenes, which depict Diana appearing as a
vision after her death, sparked significant debate among fans and critics
alike. Debicki herself was initially uncertain about how these scenes would be
received. She explained that the intention was to capture the lasting impact
Diana had on those around her, rather than to sensationalise her death.
Debicki also
shared her initial anxieties about stepping into Diana’s shoes. The actress
recalled her first moments in full costume, feeling almost too scared to leave
her dressing room. “I was almost too scared to walk out,” she said,
highlighting the immense pressure of portraying such a well-known and beloved
figure. The transformation into Diana was not just physical but also emotional,
requiring Debicki to delve deep into the princess’s warmth, humour, and
humanity.
The
Emotional Journey
Throughout
the filming process, Debicki found herself deeply moved by Diana’s story. She
spoke about the emotional journey of portraying Diana’s nurturing relationship
with her sons, Princes William and Harry, and her humanitarian efforts, such as
her work in Bosnia to clear landmines1. These aspects of Diana’s life were
crucial in shaping Debicki’s performance, allowing her to connect with the
princess on a personal level.
Looking back,
Debicki expressed a sense of fulfilment and gratitude for the opportunity to
play Diana. Despite the challenges and emotional toll, she felt honoured to
bring Diana’s story to life and to contribute to the ongoing conversation about
her legacy. “It was an incredible journey,” Debicki reflected, acknowledging
the support of the cast and crew in helping her navigate the complexities of
the role.
Elizabeth
Debicki’s portrayal of Princess Diana reflections the experience reveal the
profound impact the role had on her, both professionally and personally. As
audiences continue to engage with Diana’s story through The Crown,
Debicki’s performance remains a poignant reminder of the princess’s enduring
legacy.