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Netflix's *The Crown* Fuels Scrutiny of British Monarchy

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 6:27 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES

London, UK - February 20th, 2026 - Global media outlets continue to relentlessly analyze the impact of Netflix's The Crown and the ongoing scandal surrounding Prince Andrew, Duke of York, painting a picture of a monarchy facing unprecedented scrutiny and a potential inflection point in its history. The confluence of the fictionalized drama and real-life controversy has ignited a worldwide conversation about the relevance and future of royal privilege in the 21st century.

Since the release of Season Five, focusing on the tumultuous 1990s and Prince Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein, newspapers across the globe have published a barrage of articles assessing the damage to the monarchy's image. The narrative consistently portrays a declining public tolerance for the perceived excesses and inherent inequalities embedded within the institution.

The New York Times recently published a lengthy feature, "The Crown' and the Dismantling of Royal Myth," which argues that the show's popularity isn't simply about entertainment; it's a symptom of a broader societal shift questioning traditional power structures. The article highlights how the series, despite being fictionalized, has provided a platform for exploring long-held suspicions about the royal family's detachment from everyday life. The Washington Post echoed this sentiment, publishing an analysis questioning whether The Crown's depiction, however dramatized, is accelerating a change in public opinion towards the monarchy.

The impact isn't limited to North America. In Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald declared that The Crown is "exposing royal secrets" at a time when the nation is actively "grappling with the monarchy's future," particularly in light of recent discussions about potentially becoming a republic. The article details growing republican sentiment among younger Australians, fueled by both the scandals and the perceived disconnect between the royal family and contemporary Australian values. Meanwhile, in France, Le Monde observed a "growing distance" between the British monarchy and the public, attributing it to a combination of media portrayal, perceived elitism, and a changing global landscape.

The situation is undeniably worsened by Prince Andrew's continued presence in the news cycle. Stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations in 2021 following allegations of sexual assault - allegations he vehemently denies - Andrew's attempts to rehabilitate his public image have been met with widespread condemnation. His recent appearance at a sporting event sparked an immediate and fierce backlash, prompting renewed calls for a complete severing of ties with the royal family. Royal commentator Valentine Low, writing in The Times, bluntly stated that "The Prince is at rock bottom," and lacks both public sympathy and apparent support from within his own family.

Several analysts believe The Crown has served as a catalyst, amplifying pre-existing criticisms and providing a compelling narrative for those already skeptical of the monarchy. Catherine Mayer, writing in The Guardian, suggests the series "has tapped into a sense of unease about the monarchy's privileges and power," forcing a public reckoning with the cost of maintaining such an institution in the modern era. The sheer financial investment in the series--reportedly $15 million per episode--has ensured its reach and amplified the debate.

While Buckingham Palace maintains a strict silence on The Crown, sources within the institution acknowledge the show's impact on public perception. However, defenders of the monarchy point out the series is a fictional interpretation of events, arguing that it shouldn't be mistaken for historical accuracy. This argument, however, seems to be losing traction as audiences increasingly expect transparency and accountability from public figures, even those traditionally shielded by royal protocol.

The future remains uncertain. While the abolition of the monarchy seems unlikely in the immediate future, the constant media attention, coupled with the enduring Prince Andrew scandal, is undeniably eroding public trust and forcing a reevaluation of the institution's role in the 21st century. The combination of historical drama and current events suggests the monarchy is entering a period of significant transition, where adaptation and reform will be crucial for its survival.