A WARWICKSHIRE stately home is setting the stage for Charles and Diana’s pivotal first encounter in lavish Netflix drama The Crown.
In the first episode of the latest series, Ragley Hall near Alcester serves as the setting for the Spencer family home in Althorp. In the scene, Diana, played by Emma Corrin, is defying her family’s orders to keep out of sight during his visit.
While dressed as a ‘mad tree’ for a rehearsal of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Diana apologises for making herself visible before chatting to Prince Charles, played by Josh O’Connor, about their mutual enjoyment of the Shakespeare play. The scene ends with Diana watching Charles and Diana’s elder sister Sarah ride off on horseback, from the window of the mansion’s family dining room.
Ragley’s Vaulted Hallway appears again in episode three, having received a dramatic makeover to recreate Buckingham Palace’s kitchen. In this scene, the princess-to-be gorges secretly on pre-prepared desserts, as the show touches on her battle with bulimia.
The Crown spent two days filming at the Grade I mansion in January – a huge highlight during the winter months.
Head of events Sophie Stelling said: “Having such an esteemed production at Ragley in 2020 was a fantastic way to start the year, which has been a somewhat difficult time for our industry.
“Seeing the concept come to life from initial meetings with the production teams and seeing initial set design sketches, to being able to watch the final delivered scenes, has been a hugely positive experience to be a part of this year.
“Ragley looks forward to opening the doors to events and other projects once again in 2021.”
The show is not the estate’s first guest star appearance. Ragley has lent its stately setting to popular shows from The Scarlett Pimpernel starring Ian McKellen, to Doctor Who, in which it was reimagined as The Palace of Versailles.
The 17th century mansion also became the home of Lady Cremone in BBC Two drama Dancing on The Edge.
The fourth series of The Crown is now available on Netflix.
