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The musical based on Princess Diana will begin streaming on Netflix in the not-so-distant future, with viewers able to see a very different portrayal of the royal’s life. Discussing the movie on Good Morning Britain, hosts Adil Ray, 46, and Charlotte Hawkins, 45, were joined by former spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth II Dickie Arbiter, 80, and journalist Andrew Morton, 67. Whereas the latter stated the latest immortalisation of the late mother-of-two was “touching”, Mr Arbiter didn’t whole-heartedly agree.
Giving his opinion, the royal expert said: “I think it’s a great pity to have a musical on a tragedy.
“And I think something like this is a bit tacky,” he continued, before referencing some of the reviews on the movie.
“It’s quite interesting the LA Times said the royal purists will be upset by it – won’t be able to stomach it.
“But [they added] at the end of the day it’s tongue in cheek, bordering on silliness and shouldn’t be taken seriously,” Mr Arbiter explained.
Having watched the musical, Mr Morton – who is also a character in the stage performance – detailed what viewers can expect.
The royal journalist explained instead of it being a satire of the late princess’ life, it focuses heavily on her marriage to Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, 71.
Mr Morton said he was a self-acclaimed “musical hater” and would rather “sticks pins” in his eyes than watch a musical.
However, he stated the exploration of Princess Diana’s life was “done very well” and was “very sophisticated”.
Reviewing the Netflix film, Mr Morton said the audience would be “on their feet” and viewers would “love it”.
I think it’s a great pity
Dickie Arbiter
It was also explained in the discussion the end of the musical does feature the death and funeral of the Princess of Wales.
Mr Morton stated writers had portrayed it “very well” and opined it was a “touching” tribute to the mother-of-two.
Due to the nature of the musical, Adil asked the guests how they thought Diana’s sons Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, 38, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, 35, would receive it.
Royal expert Mr Arbiter said: “They’re probably thinking, ‘Oh my goodness me, not again,’ after a biographical film about their mother was released in 2013.
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“Entertainment will appeal to some people and won’t to others,” he added, before asking if America would ever see a musical about the assassination of John F Kennedy.
Adil then asked Mr Morton if he had any sympathy for Prince Harry as he has spoken out on many occasions about his mental health struggles over his mother’s death when he was younger.
The royal journalist said: “I think both Harry and William have come to terms with the fact their mother is a historical figure.
“They don’t own Diana. She’s a global figure and a global superstar,” before explaining the musical was no different than what viewers were watching on The Crown.
Taking to Twitter, viewers had their say on the musical, with one writing: “As if 2020 couldn’t get any worse!”
Another posted: “They should leave Princess Diana in peace. She was the most loved royal we have ever seen, please respect her and stop using her to make money. She had enough of that in real life.”
Whilst a third commented: “Really!! Have they no respect. Have people sunk so low to even think this would be a good idea.”
“Yes yes yes and yes absolutely disgusting.. making money from a British treasure is absolutely disgusting… a musical ffs?? That is just so wrong and they should scrap the idea totally.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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