Introduction:
In a captivating twist of royal drama, The Crown takes its viewers to St. Andrews in the seventh episode of its final season, titled “Alma Mater.” This installment unveils the enchanting story of how a young Kate Middleton, with a calculated nudge from her mother Carole Middleton, found herself on the path to capturing the heart of none other than Prince William. Join us as we dive into the intricate details of this budding romance and the behind-the-scenes insights from the actors themselves.
The Entrancing Episode:
“Alma Mater” finally introduces Kate Middleton to The Crown’s narrative, shedding light on the early stages of her relationship with Prince William. Set against the backdrop of their university years at St. Andrews in the early 2000s, the episode reveals a third player in the courtship — Kate’s determined mother, Carole Middleton, portrayed by Eve Best.
Carole’s Calculated Moves:
As the episode unfolds, it becomes apparent that Carole Middleton played a pivotal role in orchestrating her daughter’s budding romance with Prince William. The calculated nature of Kate’s courtship is laid bare, with Carole influencing decisions such as attending the same gap year trips as William, opting for St. Andrews instead of the University of Edinburgh, and even orchestrating the end of Kate’s previous relationship to pave the way for a royal connection.
Hosts’ Impressions:
The hosts of Still Watching, Hillary Busis, Richard Lawson, and Chris Murphy, discuss the episode’s highlights, including the cold-open meet-cute of Kate and William during their teenage years. The calculated moves orchestrated by Carole Middleton add a layer of intrigue, with the hosts acknowledging the undeniable impact of Carole’s determination in bringing the couple together.
Parallel with Royal Manipulation:
Drawing parallels with Mohamed Al-Fayed’s master manipulation plan to unite Princess Diana and Dodi, Chris Murphy notes the prowess of Carole Middleton, stating, “She made it happen.” The comparison highlights the complex web of influences shaping royal relationships, both on and off-screen.
Library Encounter:
A particularly awkward library interaction between Kate, William, and a character representing William’s pre-Kate flings adds a touch of realism to the narrative. Busis directs readers to Vanity Fair for more insight into William’s actual girlfriends, emphasizing the well-researched nature of The Crown’s storytelling.
Insights from Ed McVey:
Ed McVey, who plays the role of a fictional college-age Prince William, provides behind-the-scenes insights into portraying the heir to the throne. Despite not considering himself a spitting image of Prince William, McVey reflects on the unique challenges and pressures associated with playing a character at the height of “Willsmania.”
Navigating Cultural Significance:
McVey shares how mirroring the character’s journey on and off the screen allowed him to navigate the cultural significance of The Crown. The pressure of living up to the institution of both the show and the monarchy reflects the energy he channels into his portrayal of Prince William.
Conclusion:
As The Crown unravels the intricate dance of William and Kate’s romance, viewers are treated to a compelling narrative that goes beyond the glitz and glamour. Carole Middleton’s calculated moves, the awkward encounters, and the dedication of the actors bring to life a chapter of royal history that continues to captivate audiences. Episode 7 is not just a portrayal of past events but a testament to the enduring allure of royal love stories, leaving us eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this royal saga.
FAQs:
- Who orchestrated Kate Middleton’s courtship with Prince William according to The Crown?
Carole Middleton, Kate’s mother, is portrayed as the mastermind behind the calculated moves that led to Kate’s courtship with Prince William. - What decisions did Carole Middleton influence in Kate’s courtship?
Carole influenced decisions such as attending the same gap year trips as William, choosing St. Andrews over the University of Edinburgh, and orchestrating the end of Kate’s previous relationship to pave the way for her connection with Prince William. - What real-life parallels are drawn in the episode?
The episode draws parallels with Mohamed Al-Fayed’s manipulation plan to unite Princess Diana and Dodi, highlighting the complex influences shaping royal relationships. - Who is Ed McVey, and what insights does he provide about playing Prince William?
Ed McVey, who plays a fictional college-age Prince William on The Crown, shares insights into the challenges and pressures of portraying the character at the height of “Willsmania” and navigating the cultural significance of the show. - What is highlighted in the library encounter between Kate, William, and other characters?
The library encounter adds a touch of realism to the narrative, showcasing awkward interactions and directing readers to Vanity Fair for more insights into William’s actual girlfriends.