Why always Princess Diana? Kristen Stewart film Spencer is the latest to examine the life of the ‘Queen of Hearts’

Spencer will not focus on her death, but imagines the scene at Christmas 1992 when a lonely Diana told Queen Elizabeth she wanted a divorce from Charles

In portraying the ‘People’s Princess’, Stewart follows in the footsteps of Naomi Watts, Serena Scott Thomas and Emma Corrin. It’s Elizabeth Debicki’s turn next

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Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in a still from Spencer, an upcoming film directed by Pablo Larraín. The life of Princess Diana continues to be immortalised in film and TV. Photo: Instagram

Published: 11:45pm, 2 Feb 2021Updated: 3:19am, 3 Feb 2021

Last week, the first image from upcoming Princess Diana drama Spencer hit the internet. When people got a glimpse of Kristen Stewart in the lead, it’ was as if social media users went from sceptics to believers in one gigantic clickbait moment.

Wearing a replica of the late British royal’s red coat and black veiled hat, tilting her head in that familiar pose, the American actress and former Twilight star looked uncannily like Lady Di.

The production, now shooting in Germany and the UK with an autumn 2021 release expected, will not be the only one about Diana to grace screens this year as filmmakers rush to bring us their takes on the so-called Queen of Hearts.

Leading the way has been Netflix show The Crown, with last year’s fourth series arguably the most popular yet thanks to the introduction of a young Diana (played by newcomer Emma Corrin). Viewers see her navigate a torturous relationship with new husband Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor).

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Such was its emotional impact, there were demands from some – including Diana’s brother Charles Spencer – for Netflix to carry a disclaimer that the show is a fictionalised drama. The streaming giant said in response: “We have no plans – and see no need – to add a disclaimer.”

Either way, the response showed just how much Diana’s journey from shy nursery-school teacher to People’s Princess appears burned into the collective psyche.