The highly anticipated final season of The Crown, released with its initial four episodes on Nov. 16, delves into the 1997 car crash involving Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla), pursued fatally by paparazzi in Paris, and explores its historical aftermath. The narrative flashes back eight weeks before the accident, revealing the royal family’s tumultuous relationship with the media, specifically the invasive practices of paparazzi during a crucial period in British tabloid culture.
It also illustrates the intentional use of photo opportunities to shape public perception. Among the paparazzi depicted in the show is Mario Brenna, an Italian photographer recognized for his work with luxury fashion houses and photographs of Mediterranean high society. Brenna’s career-defining moment occurred when he captured the first photographs of Diana and Dodi embracing on a yacht off the coast of Sardinia in the summer of 1997.
In episode 2, viewers meet Brenna (portrayed by Enzo Cilenti) during a sit-down interview about his profession. The character reflects on the demand for celebrity pictures, emphasizing that famous people make mistakes just like anyone else. He describes the lucrative nature of capturing the right shot, comparing photographers to hunters.
Royal historian Richard Fitzwilliams notes Diana’s symbiotic relationship with the press, acknowledging the danger in the royals needing specific images to convey their messages. While Brenna wasn’t the sole paparazzo pursuing Diana, he was among the highest-paid. Here’s what to know about his role in Diana’s final weeks and the broader royal family’s connection to photography.
Who was the real Mario Brenna?
At 40 years old and based in Monaco, Brenna, known for his work with fashion houses like Versace, captured the candid image of Diana and Dodi on August 4, 1997. Reports suggest Diana may have tipped him off for the photo opportunity. The photo sparked a media frenzy, with the Sunday Mirror winning the rights to print it, fueling rumors about an engagement ring and portraying the princess as finding happiness. Brenna earned up to $5 million for the world rights to the image. His photograph intensified paparazzi’s efforts to capture more moments of the couple. Since 1997, Brenna has mostly remained out of the public eye.
How was Diana affected by the paparazzi more broadly?
The paparazzi’s relentless pursuit of Diana is widely linked to her tragic death in 1997. Blamed for the fatal car crash in Paris, the media frenzy surrounding Diana often overshadowed her nuanced relationship with the press. While expressing a desire for privacy, Diana also strategically used the media to convey messages and draw attention to her humanitarian causes. Royal observers highlight instances where she harnessed public fascination for her advocacy work. However, the intense scrutiny, such as the media frenzy following “The Kiss” photograph, sometimes eclipsed her charitable efforts, showcasing the complex dynamics between Diana and the press.
What was Charles’ relationship with photography?
In “The Crown,” Prince Charles grapples with public perception and seeks to improve Camilla’s image, hosting a challenging birthday party for her in July 1997. Charles, historically less adept at public relations, used photo opportunities to redefine himself post-separation from Diana. Episode 2 depicts a staged photocall with his sons, aiming for favorable optics. The series highlights the strategic use of media by the royals, illustrating the delicate balance of giving to the press to secure privacy. For instance, a scene depicts Diana addressing photographers to incentivize their departure during a holiday, a tactic that ultimately intensifies paparazzi pursuit.
Source: Time
