The Crown's Queen Victoria Syndrome: Unraveling the Untold Secrets

Summary

Queen Victoria Syndrome refers to a long-reigning monarch being seen as out of touch with their people.

The Crown's portrayal of a poll indicating that Queen Elizabeth II ought to abdicate in favor of Prince Charles was historically inaccurate. The episode predominantly consisted of fictionalized drama and did not provide a precise account of the actual events.

The controversial topic of Queen Victoria Syndrome arose in The Crown season 5, a highly successful fictionalized depiction of Queen Elizabeth II's life and reign. The show also explores the romantic relationship of Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend, the turbulent marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and various scandals involving the Queen's other children. Additionally, the series delves into significant historical events such as the Suez Crisis, Aberfan disaster, and Falklands War.

Despite critical acclaim, The Crown has faced criticisms for its historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of real-life individuals. These concerns were particularly prevalent in season 5, leading Dame Judi Dench to advocate for Netflix to include a disclaimer for the series. The streaming service did add one for the season 5 trailer, and the controversy began with the premiere episode, "Queen Victoria Syndrome."

Queen Victoria Syndrome Is The Public's Lack Of Faith In A Long-Reigning Monarch

Netflix

Queen Victoria Syndrome refers to the phenomenon observed when a long-reigning monarch is perceived by the public as disconnected from their people. In the premiere of The Crown season 5, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been on the throne for almost 40 years, is viewed as out of touch with the significant societal changes taking place in Britain during the 1990s, according to a Sunday Times poll featured in the show.

The episode titled "Queen Victoria Syndrome" reveals that the poll suggests the Queen should abdicate in favor of Prince Charles. When Charles comes across the article, he feels hopeful and arranges a meeting with Prime Minister John Major to discuss the suitability of his future leadership. Unbeknownst to the Queen, her household attempts to keep the contents of the poll concealed. However, she eventually discovers the truth, leading to a sense of sadness and hurt, further conveyed through the nuanced expression of actress Imelda Staunton, portraying Queen Elizabeth.

Was The "Queen Victoria Episode" Of The Crown Historically Accurate?

Netflix

The Sunday Times article titled "Queen Victoria Syndrome" from August 11, 1991 falsely claimed that the British public viewed Queen Elizabeth II as "old", "irrelevant", and "expensive". However, the show inaccurately portrayed a poll that did not exist. In reality, a poll conducted in the January 1990 edition of The Sunday Times revealed that the majority of British people held a favorable view of the Queen and the royal family. The show also depicted Prince Charles discussing the idea of the Queen abdicating with Prime Minister Major, but there is no evidence supporting this conversation. Major has dismissed the show as nonsense, stating that he never discussed any potential abdication with Prince Charles. Ultimately, "Queen Victoria Syndrome" episode of The Crown was a fictionalized drama without a basis in reality.