Unveiling Elizabeth Debicki: The Times She Embodied Princess Diana Off-screen

Elizabeth Debicki was the perfect choice to play Princess Diana in The Crown. Throughout seasons 5 and 6 of the Netflix series, she flawlessly captures Diana's gentle and unassuming nature with subtle gestures and a soft spoken manner. (Debicki succeeded Emma Corrin, who portrayed a younger Diana in season 4.)

Debicki discussed her portrayal of Diana during the premiere of season 6 part 1 in November 2023. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, she expressed the weight of the role, describing it as an "immense responsibility." Debicki revealed that it consumed her thoughts and even kept her awake at night. The final season will cover the period from the '90s to the early 2000s, including the tragic car accident that claimed Diana's life in August 1997.

At the premiere in Los Angeles, Debicki effortlessly channeled Princess Diana with her stunning black off-the-shoulder gown by Bottega Veneta. The dress featured a beautifully crafted bodice that flowed into a perfectly fitted skirt, reminiscent of Diana's iconic "Revenge Dress." This dress became famous when Diana wore a remarkable Christina Stambolian design to the Serpentine Gallery in June 1994. It was the same night when her then-husband, King Charles III, confessed to his infidelity with Queen Camilla. (Diana and Charles officially divorced in August 1996 after 15 years of marriage. Tragically, Diana passed away at the age of 36 in August 1997. King Charles and Camilla married in April 2005.)

Take a look below to see all the instances where Debicki consciously or unconsciously channelled Princess Diana on the red carpet:

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Every Time The Crown’s Elizabeth Debicki Channeled Princess Diana in Real Life

There was no one more fit to take on the role of Princess Diana in The Crown than Elizabeth Debicki. 

Portraying the late royal in seasons 5 and 6 of the Netflix series, the actress effectively captures Diana's gentle and unassuming persona through subtle gestures and a soft vocal tone. (Debicki assumed the role after Emma Corrin portrayed a younger Diana in season 4.)

Speaking at the premiere of season 6 part 1 in November 2023, Debicki expressed her profound sense of responsibility upon being cast as Diana. She revealed to Entertainment Tonight that this responsibility weighed heavily on her and her castmates, often interrupting their sleep at night.

The sixth and final season will explore the '90s and early 2000s, recounting the tragic car crash that took Diana's life in August 1997.

On the night of the Los Angeles premiere, Debicki paid homage to Diana's iconic style by wearing a stunning black off-the-shoulder gown from Bottega Veneta. The dress, with its sculpted bodice and form-fitting skirt, evoked memories of Diana's unforgettable "Revenge Dress." Back in June 1994, Diana made headlines when she chose to wear the striking Christina Stambolian dress to the Serpentine Gallery, coinciding with the revelation of her then-husband, King Charles III's affair with Queen Camilla. (Diana and Charles officially divorced in August 1996 after 15 years of marriage. Diana tragically passed away at the age of 36 in August 1997. Charles and Camilla eventually married in April 2005.)

Keep scrolling to see all the times Debicki intentionally and unintentionally channeled Princess Diana on the red carpet: 

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The Revenge Dress

Debicki's outfit at the premiere of The Crown's sixth season in November 2023 was reminiscent of Diana's iconic "Revenge Dress" from 1994. Both women opted for a black off-the-shoulder Bottega Veneta dress, pairing it with sheer black tights and pointed-toe black pumps. However, Debicki decided to forgo jewelry, giving the look her own personal touch. In contrast, Diana famously accessorized the little black dress with her signature sapphire choker.

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She Means Business 

In February 2023, Debicki was sighted in New York City, donning a striped dress shirt along with a sleek dark blazer and matching well-fitted pants. Diana often sported power suits, a fashion choice that has recently influenced her daughter-in-law Princess Kate.

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Pretty in Pink

At the 80th annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2023, Debicki looked stunning in a strapless pink Dior gown with a ribbon detail at the bodice. The exquisite dress evoked memories of Diana wearing a similar gown with ribbon straps at a state reception in Australia in 1983.

Debicki's choice of dress also paid tribute to Diana's fondness for Dior. In September 1995, Diana received a quilted bag from Dior as a gift from the First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac. Diana loved the bag so much that she requested it in different colors and carried it frequently, prompting Dior to rename it from Chouchou to Lady Dior in 1996.

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Effortless and Elegant

Debicki exuded elegance at the Fashion Awards held in London in December 2022. Her impeccably styled ensemble consisted of a pristine white button-up shirt, expertly paired with high-waisted trousers. She complemented the outfit with sheer tights and pumps adorned with dazzling crystal-covered straps. Even when not partaking in royal duties or fulfilling her personal philanthropic endeavors, Diana never overlooked timeless fashion staples, such as the enduring Oxford shirts that graced her wardrobe.

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Dazzling in Dior

Debicki made a stunning appearance at the London premiere of The Crown's fifth season, donning an elegant black gown designed by Dior. The exquisite floor-length dress boasted a strapless design, complemented by a graceful neck scarf that gracefully flowed from the back of the gown, forming an exquisite train.

The resemblance was striking between the look and the baby blue Catherine Walker gown Princess Diana had donned at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987. Like the late royal's dress, Debicki's black masterpiece from Dior's haute couture spring 2022 collection was sleeveless and accompanied by a matching silk stole. As reported by Vogue, it took 300 hours to create.