The Crown star Olivia Williams has suggested that the Royal Family should not be "frightened" of the upcoming fifth season.
The Netflix drama has attracted particular backlash over its upcoming season, with Judi Dench among those accusing the show of "sensationalism".
Netflix has since added a disclaimer saying it is a "fictional dramatization" in its season 5 trailer.
Related: The Crown season 5 trailer reveals first look at new Princess Diana in action
They have also insisted that the show "has always been presented as a drama based on historical events," in response to criticism from former Prime Minister John Major over an apparent storyline that shows then-Prince Charles having an audience with the PM.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other press, Williams – who plays Camilla Parker Bowles in the new season – said that writer Peter Morgan is "careful" in depicting how the events tie back to the central theme of the crown.
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"I think what's very exciting about the season and a show that's had this amount of space to mature is that Peter is now writing standalone episodes and he writes an episode that's about divorce in almost a philosophical way, and how it affects a couple who aren't in the public eye," she explained.
Related: Matt Smith claims Queen Elizabeth watched The Crown
"And I don't think it's something that the palace should be frightened of because he's very careful to always turn these events back to how they affect the crown.
"The series is called The Crown, not Charles or Diana or the Queen. It's about the crown. And so I think it's both interesting and philosophical and relevant to that."
Fellow star Jonathan Pryce (who plays Prince Philip) admitted last week that he was "bitterly disappointed" at criticism from some of his "fellow artistes" over the new season, adding: "The vast majority of people know it's a drama. They've been watching it for four seasons."
The Crown season 5 will premiere on November 9, 2022, while seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
![The Crown - Season 1 & 2 [DVD] [2018]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1605277344-41cTH2ev65L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Crown - Season 1 & 2 [DVD] [2018]")
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Left Bank Pictures The Crown - Season 1 & 2 [DVD] [2018]
Blink Publishing The Crown: The Inside History (volume 1) by Robert Lacey
![The Crown - Season 03 [DVD] [2020]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1605277496-41WxcDS9veL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Crown - Season 03 [DVD] [2020]")
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Left Bank Pictures The Crown - Season 03 [DVD] [2020]
Blink Publishing The Crown: The Inside History (Volume 2) by Robert Lacey
![The Crown Season 4 [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1635170597-41sACUAfvpL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Crown Season 4 [DVD]")
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Left Bank Pictures The Crown Season 4 [DVD]
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
After teaching in England and South Korea, David turned to writing in Germany, where he covered everything from superhero movies to the Berlin Film Festival.
In 2019, David moved to London to join Digital Spy, where he could indulge his love of comics, horror and LGBTQ+ storytelling as Deputy TV Editor, and later, as Acting TV Editor.
David has spoken on numerous LGBTQ+ panels to discuss queer representation and in 2020, he created the Rainbow Crew interview series, which celebrates LGBTQ+ talent on both sides of the camera via video content and longform reads.
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