'The Princess': Release date, cast, plot and how to watch the HBO Max documentary

'The Princess' takes audiences back to key events in Diana's life as they happened, including the seemingly fairy-tale public courtship and wedding, the birth of her two sons, her bitter divorce, and Diana's tragic death
'The Princess' debut month coincides with the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death (HBO Max)
'The Princess' debut month coincides with the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death (HBO Max)

We have a plethora of royal-related movies and series but 'The Princess' stands out as it is from her perspective, and is entirely based on the archival footages of the princess, it covers from the time she was married to Prince Charles to when she gave birth to her two sons, her scandalous divorce to Prince Charles, then ultimately the untimely tragic death of hers.

The film debut month coincides with the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death. Ed Perkins who is popularly known for the BAFTA-winning 'The Imposter', and the Academy Award-winning 'Searching for Sugar Man', is helming this project.

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When does 'The Princess' release?

'The Princess', a documentary based on Princess Diana, is releasing on August 13, 2022, which also coincides with her death anniversary month.

Princess Diana wearing a Jasper Conran suit during a visit to a community centre in Brixton, October 1983. (Photo by Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)
Princess Diana wearing a Jasper Conran suit during a visit to a community centre in Brixton, October 1983. (Photo by Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)

How can I watch 'The Princess'?

You can watch the HBO original movie 'The Princess' on the official website of HBO which is HBO.com and HBO Max.

Who is acting in 'The Princess'?

As 'The Princess' is a documentary movie made on the archival tapes, it has the real people who were in the Princess of Wales' life. We will see Camilla Parker-Bowles, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Prince William, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Tony Blair as themselves. 

A wax figure of Princess Diana is seen during the official Madame Tussauds' wax effigy of HRH Prince William is unveiled at London's Marylebone Road tourist attraction on August 3, 2005 in London, England.  Guests can indulge in a day of regal fantasy fun, taking to the red carpet for a Cinderella Slipper Test for the chance to claim a kiss from a modern day Prince Charming.
A wax figure of Princess Diana is seen during the official Madame Tussauds' wax effigy of HRH Prince William is unveiled at London's Marylebone Road tourist attraction on August 3, 2005 in London, England. Guests can indulge in a day of regal fantasy fun, taking to the red carpet for a Cinderella Slipper Test for the chance to claim a kiss from a modern day Prince Charming. (Getty Images)

What is the plot of 'The Princess'?

As per the official synopsis, 'The Princess tells the story of Princess Diana exclusively through contemporaneous archival footage creating a bold and immersive narrative of her life and death. Turning the camera back on ourselves, the film illuminates the profound impact she had and how the public’s attitude to the monarchy was, and still is, shaped by these events.

What is the buzz around 'The Princess'?

1) According to Rolling Stone, 'The Princess' is “the definitive Princess Diana documentary.” Following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year — and coming on the heels of Kristen Stewart’s Oscar-nominated turn as Diana in 'Spencer', plus a Di-focused season of 'The Crown'. 

2) After the Sundance Film Festival, Why.now review said, "Our collective interest in the late Princess Diana continues with Ed Perkins’ impressive documentary 'The Princess'. On a technical level, The Princess is a masterpiece. It’s swiftly edited and it’s affecting, interesting and well paced. But it’s impossible to ignore the larger picture of yet another man telling the tragedy of a woman, who has had no say in how it’s handled." 

3) The Guardian gave the tilm four stars and reviewed it saying, "Diana’s story remains captivating, and agonising."

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