The Balmoral Test

This episode not only exposes the privilege of The Royal Family and their acknowledgement of their privilege, but it also portrays it in an amusing, yet silly and humorous manner. Thatcher's lack of awareness of all the policies was comical, yet very awkward to witness. It was also compelling to witness the contrast between Thatcher and The Royal Family during their hunt.

A very interesting parallel between the privileged life and normal life; which is kept up throughout as Diana excels and Thatcher fails. Wonderful acting, and a good storyline.

One of the best episodes of the forth season. The symbolism and all the layers. But I find Diana irritating and perhaps Gillian Anderson, though I like her interpretation of Thatcher on the whole, is making her a bit to old. I am also delighted that the makers didn't make Charles into a monster. He was indeed the wounded deer, shot down by both his family, and a manipulative Diana.

Diana was like the fairy tale 'Cinderella', cooking and cleaning for her elder sister, the gorgeous red head debutante, Sarah Spencer, who was dating the Prince of Wales. Diana was told to remain out of sight whenever the Prince visited, and that she'd not be going to the ball. 'Cinder-diana' even had a cat and 'mice' (hamsters) for pets, cat was named 'Marmalade' (and not 'Lucifer').

And an 'evil' Stepmother (Raine Spencer), who pushed Diana out of her family home. Diana moved to a flat in London and worked at a kindergarten. Dressed plainly, she lived an ordinary life, till one day her Prince Charming (Charles) came along and asked her out. To Balmoral, to meet the Family.

The Queen was like the fairy Godmother granting Diana her wish to go to the Palace and marry the Prince. Her fairy tale Royal Wedding to Prince Charles at St. Paul's cathedral in 1981 was watched by 750 million people on TV and stunned the world. Overnight, she became the greatest sensation.

(Excellent performances from lookalikes Diana (Emma Corrin), Prince Charles (Josh O'Connor) and HM the Queen (Olivia Coleman)).

At the start of season three I have to say I was rather put off by the recastings. None of them are bad per-say, they just don't compare to the first two season's younger versions. But since then, we have had four absolutely phenomenal castings in the form of Anne, Charles, Thatcher, and Diana. I would argue that these portrayals have given the show new life, and I am now more engrossed in the show than ever before.