So, if the cast isn’t enough to get you excited, you might love the fact that a real-life royal has given her blessing for the casting change, and no, we’re not talking about the Queen, or any of the living royal family members. We’re talking about none other than Princess Margaret herself, who, according to Bonham Carter, spoke to her and gave her advice to play the role.
In an event at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, the actress revealed how much she prepared for the role of Princess Margaret. From reading several biographies, to meeting people who were close to her, including ladies-in-waiting, relatives, and friends, to actually consulting a graphologist, an astrologer, and a psychic, Bonham Carter really went the extra mile to prepare for her part.
But, yeah, let’s go directly to the part about the psychic, who, apparently allowed the actress to have a small talk with the princess, who passed away in 2002. For starters, the princess’s spirit expressed her approval of the new cast, claiming Bonham Carter was definitely better than the other actress being considered by production (whoever that was). She also added, quite humorously, that the princess told her she would “have to brush up and be more groomed and neater.” (But that’s kind of obvious; I don’t see the Bellatrix Lestrange look being very regal).
She also told her that the key to her character is how she smoked, as the princess allegedly told Bonham Carter “I smoked in a very particular way. Remember that, this is a big note, the cigarette holder was as much as a weapon for expression as it was for smoking.” That’s actually a great tip, since Princess Margaret was often seen as the rebellious tough princess compared to her, let’s say, stricter sister.
Now, it’s a little hard to believe this story, but I must say there are two things that can’t be denied. First, if it were true, I bet Princess Margaret’s ghost would definitely have a long list of people to connect or haunt before appearing to Helena Bonham Carter. And, secondly, no matter how quirky the actress is or how much advice she must’ve had, there’s no doubt she’ll nail the character as the impressive performer she is.
Season 3 of The Crown will premiere on Netflix on November 17.
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