Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors (2017)

Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors Poster

This illuminating documentary examines the aftermath of Princess Diana's tragic death and the tense, dramatic week leading up to her funeral

Introduction
"Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors" is a gripping 2017 documentary directed by Karen Wightman. The movie intricately dissects the week following the terrible auto accident that resulted in the unfortunate death of Princess Diana, among the world's most beloved public figures. The film is based upon confidential documents, journals, and government records, clarifying the Windsor household's experience throughout this dark period.

The Shock and the Aftermath
The documentary portrays the initial confusion and shock that tipped over the establisment after the news broke. It reveals how the Royals, while in Balmoral, were captured totally unawares by the extent of the general public outpouring of grief. There was a sluggish response to Diana's death, partially due to traditional protocol where the royal family avoids public declarations up until even the burial is complete. The movie recommends that in the instant aftermath, the royalty stopped working to grasp the emotional impact on the public that Diana's death had actually generated.

The Role of the Media
"Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors" examines how the media played an important role in shaping the general public perception and response during today. Princess Diana had a turbulent relationship with the media, factored both in her life's story and her terrible death. The documentary observes that the media responed with vehement criticism of the Windsors for their viewed absence of compassion, contributing to the increasing tension in between them and the public.

Public Outrage and the Response of the Royals
The movie highlights the problem faced by the royal family in reacting to public belief frankly and prudently. Tension intensified as the Queen was seen to be resistant in honoring Diana with public grieving procedure, typically scheduled just for the monarch and their partners. The film exposes the definitive intervention of then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who offered a bridge between the monarchy and the public, helping the royal household browse this crisis.

Preparations for the Funeral
The film looks at the careful preparation that entered into staging Diana's unique "royal/public funeral service". The behind-the-scenes details expose a fragile balancing act to concurrently appreciate the monarchy's conventions while acknowledging the public's desire to bid bye-bye to the "People's Princess". The remarkable endeavor consisted of lots of firsts, like the path of the funeral procession, and the public role assumed by Diana's sons, Princes William and Harry.

Conclusion
"Diana: 7 Days That Shook The Windsors" provides a compelling analysis of the tension-filled week following the stunning death of Princess Diana. It humanizes the royal family, highlighting their battle to reconcile with their loss privately while facing the expectations of a mentally charged public. Simultaneously, it acknowledges the general public and media's role in pressuring the Windsors to break convention, compelling them to recognize the extensive grief swallowing up the country. The film brings to life a substantial historical duration when the monarchy was obliged to adjust its tradition-bound methods to deal with a more emotionally expressive society.

Top Cast

  • Princess Diana of Wales (small)
    Princess Diana of Wales
    Self (archive footage)
  • James D'Arcy (small)
    James D'Arcy
    Narrator (voice)
  • Prince William (small)
    Prince William
    Self
  • Prince Harry (small)
    Prince Harry
    Self
  • Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (small)
    Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
    Self