There are some obvious talking points in The Crown’s Season 4. Of course Princess Diana is fascinating, aided by a beguiling performance by Emma Corrin. Of course Gillian Anderson is impactful as Margaret Thatcher. But, in our humble opinion, every scene is promptly stolen by Erin Doherty, who plays Princess Anne with delightful dry wit. She’s making us see the Princess Royal in a whole new light, and also reminding us of her sporting prowess. Did she actually compete in the Olympics? She did indeed.
In 1976, Anne became the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the most famous sporting event in the world, which was held in Montreal. She competed in the equestrian three-day event, riding Goodwill: The Queen’s horse. She did not win a medal, but it was still an historic event, and she proved herself to be a talented horsewoman. She won a gold medal at the European Championships and two silvers in 1975.
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Princess Anne’s Olympic milestone was marked years later, when she was made a Member of the International Olympic Committee in 1988. She was also an integral member of the committee behind London’s 2012 bid, which was of course successful. As a result, she was chosen to represent London by accepting the Olympic flame in Athens, bringing it to the UK for its pre-Olympic tour. One wonders if she had to hold an umbrella over it.
Perhaps, though, Anne’s greatest Olympic legacy comes via association: her daughter, Zara Phillips, competed at London, in the same event as her mother. She bettered her performance, and rode away with a silver medal. Rather poignantly, Anne was the won to present her with the medal on the podium.
The Crown Season 4: How Does It Compare To Real Life? - Grazia
1 of 4Diana's Wedding Dress
The most exciting part of the new trailer (to us, at least) is that not only do we finally we get to see Emma Corrin as Princess Diana, we also get to see Diana's stunning wedding dress. From the puff sleeves to the never-ending train, this is spot on.
2 of 4The Queen At Trooping the Colour
A central theme to this season is the tension in the monarchy and here we see a very straight-faced Queen Elizabeth riding sidesaddle at the Trooping the Colour in 1979.
3 of 4Diana and Charles Tour Australia
As the new season is covering the late 1970s and early 1980s, it makes sense that we would see newlyweds Charles and Diana on their tour of Australia in 1983. We can't wait to see more of Emma's Diana wardrobe if this pink dress and hat are anything to go by.
4 of 4Margaret Thatcher Is In Office
According to Netflix, this season will see 'the nation begin to feel the impact of divisive policies introduced by Britain's first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher...which only grow worse as Thatcher leads the country into the Falklands War.' Here, Margaret Thatcher leaves Downing Street to update the country on the war.