Prince William honors actress Imelda Staunton amid backlash against The Crown

Prince William performed an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where Imelda Staunton was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire for her contributions to drama and charity. This event occurred despite the escalating criticism directed at Netflix's The Crown, particularly following the controversial depiction of Princess Diana's ghost in the final season. Many royal fans found this portrayal to be distasteful and harmful. Although Buckingham Palace did not release a formal statement on the matter, a senior royal source reiterated that The Crown is a drama, not a documentary. Staunton's recognition was also a nod to her previous notable roles, including her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the series.