The Princess, a new Princess Diana documentary on HBO

Feeling a little nostalgic after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and stumbling upon a new Princess Diana documentary, The Princess, on HBO provided the immediate cure for my slight melancholy.

The Princess is a remarkable and genuinely unique way of telling the story of Princess Diana. From the moment she was engaged to Prince Charles, now King Charles, and her untimely death. 

The production is a series of news articles, archival clips, and footage that are pieced together to tell the story of the life of Princess Diana. There are no narrators, no interviews with royal experts, or no interviews with former friends of the Princess. 

The documentary presents a bold narrative told through a series of clips. It allows viewers to form their own opinion instead of being suggested or implied through various interviews.

The documentary starts with footage of a young couple driving through Paris and stopping at the Ritz. They see a large crowd outside the hotel, speculating that someone famous must be staying at the hotel. Shortly after, we see footage of a black car speeding away, followed by motorcycles. We now know it is the vehicle carrying Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana trying to escape the crowds.

Directed and written by Ed Perkins, The Princess is a creative experience that is riveting and addictive. As a viewer, you know the outcome for Princess Diana. Still, the piecing together of various clips builds a gripping and chilling story. There is some foresight watching these old clips, as you can see the suspense build knowing something tragic will happen.

Watching an individual struggle being thrust into the spotlight. From the shy interviews at the press conference of their engagement, Diana often looks distracted or lost, staring off into the distance. There was a reluctance in Diana early on about stepping into the role of Princess. It is something that is now known she struggled with continually throughout her marriage to Prince Charles.

As Diana matures, the stories of self-harm, bulimia and affairs become public knowledge. Still, these are a cry for help and are in retaliation to Prince Charles and his ongoing affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. 

The documentary is fascinating as all of these stories are presented from news clips and archival footage that, at the time, we all knew were issues she faced. But as a viewer didn’t realize how much they were a cry for help that everyone around her ignored.

The Princess is a remarkable documentary. It portrays an individual hoping for love but, in the end, was pushed into something that was nothing close. The unraveling of Diana and her pursuit of someone she could trust, someone she could rely on but also show to the establishment. All of this is presented so that you cannot feel sorry for her treatment by the royal family and the media outlets.

The Princess is genuinely something that is a lovely surprise and recommended for anyone who is intrigued by the royal family.

The Princess is currently available on HBO Max.