‘Downton Abbey’ creator has a big criticism of ‘The Crown’

Julian Fellowes has revealed that he felt the second season of The Crown was “unfair” with its portrayal of one particular character.

Netflix’s award-winning period drama debuted in November 2016 and dramatises the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Fellowes, who wrote every episode of Downton Abbey, told Katie Couric’s podcast: “It was beautifully acted, beautifully written. [But] for me, I’m not completely comfortable with dramatising people who are still alive and still living their lives.

“Because I think it’s possible to be unfair. And in the second series, I didn’t think it was fair to Prince Philip, to the Duke of Edinburgh, based on very little.”

He added: “I think when people are still alive, living their lives, doing a good job and popular and loved, do they deserve it? And in that sense, I’m not sure they do.”

Prince Philip was played by Doctor Who actor Matt Smith in the first two seasons of The Crown.

Discussing the show stretching its artistic licence with its storylines and character portrayals, Fellowes commented: “I think that a lot of it was based on obviously very good research, but some of it was not.

“Some of it was extrapolation from a rumour or someone’s rather prejudiced account. And then it was presented as fact. I’m not sure that’s just.”

Despite his reservations, he concluded: “But I’m a big fan of Peter Morgan, I repeat that. I think he’s the best writer on television at the moment. And it’s deservedly successful as far as I’m concerned.”

The third season of The Crown begins filming this month, with Broadchurch star Olivia Colman taking over the role of Elizabeth from Claire Foy.

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection is available to buy now.

The Downton Abbey movie was expected to begin filming this summer, but there has still been no official confirmation or release date announced.