In 2018, when Bohemian Rhapsody hit the theaters, many people questioned its authenticity. Some fans of the British Queen complained about the twisted facts, while others said Freddie Mercury’s life wasn’t portrayed appropriately in the movie. The story with every historical movie – some agree, some don’t; some like it, some don’t!

On October 1, 2021, when Diana: The Musical was released on Netflix, the same question arose again. People wanted to know how much of the movie was true and how much of it was pure fiction.

Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images | With the release of Diana: The Musical, a lot of questions have been troubling fans about fact/fiction from the late princess’ life

If that question boggled your mind too, you’re in the right place. Today we’re listing down the moments from the movie that were actually true.

Before we begin – what’s the movie really about?

As the name suggests, Diana: The Musical is based on Princess Diana’s life. It shows every aspect of the late royal’s story, from her courtship to her tragic death. It also touches upon the bitter parts of her marriage and Prince Charles’ extra-marital affair with then-girlfriend Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Moving on, let’s unfold the interesting facts about Diana’s life we bet you didn’t know!

#1 – Prince Charles always wanted a daughter

At several points in the movie, Charles expresses his wish to have a daughter. He even jokes about how Diana made things easier by delivering a boy first. However, when Prince Harry is born, the Prince of Wales doesn’t seem happy and slowly moves away from Diana.

This whole segment is absolutely true and is even mentioned in Andrew Morton’s book. In the book, Diana is quoted revealing that she and Charles were impeccably close weeks before Harry’s birth, but their marriage shattered when Harry was born.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images | The bit about Charles drifting away from Diana after Harry’s birth because he wished for a daughter is actually true

#2 – Princess Diana confronts Camilla at a party

Going by Diana’s personality which was so loving and caring at all times, one might think that she could never confront anyone. But that’s not true! The late royal accepted in Morton’s book that she appeared at Camilla Parker Bowles’ sister, Annabel Elliot’s birthday party unannounced, and questioned Camilla about having an affair with her husband.

#3 – Princess Diana’s nickname for Camilla was a “Rottweiler”

As shown in the movie, Diana referred to Camilla as a Rottweiler in real life too, and a witness of this was her friend Simone Simmons. Simmons had earlier revealed that the late royal gave this name to the Duchess of Cornwall due to her characteristic, which was like a Rottweiler that doesn’t let go of something once it has got its teeth into it.

#4 – Princess Diana’s revenge dress

In the movie, when Charles confesses his love for Camilla during an interview, an angry Diana is seen accepting a gala’s offer and attending it in a pretty revealing dress. In reality, that wasn’t the case though!

Diana had already planned to attend the gala, but she did make some last-minute changes to her dress. Previously, she was supposed to wear a Valentino dress, but after a press leak, she decided to go with a head-turning number by Christina Stambolian.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images | Princess Diana’s famous “revenge dress” incident did happen, though not exactly as portrayed in the movie

Wrapping it up

Many more scenes in the movie, like Camilla attending Charles and Diana’s wedding, are a fact. But there are also made-up scenes. So, maybe it would be a good idea to study Diana and Charles’ life a bit before watching the movie, so that you know the difference yourself! But of course, that would also mean no surprises (aka no fun!).

Maria Angela