Kristen Stewart Aces Her Role as Diana in 'Spencer', According to Diana's Brother

Score one for team Kristen! Pablo Larrain's film ‘Spencer’ may not have made it into Princess Diana's younger brother, Charles Spencer's, favorite movie list, but actress Kristen Stewart's portrayal of the late princess sure did. Spencer poured out these views during a chat with Tina Brown at a McNally Jackson Books Event.

Author of the contentious memoir "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," which is currently shaking up the royal family tree and causing a legal tiff with Piers Morgan, Spencer admitted to catching a view of the film during an in-flight movie experience. Spellbound by Stewart’s acting, he shared, “I was on a plane and I saw 'Spencer.' I thought I'd better watch. Kristen Stewart may not be Diana's doppelgänger, but boy, did she capture her essence!"

With a twinkle of admiration in his voice, he went on, "It was an exceptional performance, though the movie? - not my style. Still, her talent at embodying Diana was truly fascinating.”

The 2021 biographical drama film that landed Kristen Stewart an Oscar nomination for best actress details a crisis-filled Christmas weekend with the royal family, where Princess Diana decides to split from Prince Charles. The film also illuminates on Diana's battle with mental health issues and bulimia.

While rallying for the movie, Stewart confessed to Variety that her aim was to build a bond with the former royal through her portrayal. “My goal was to connect with her. It was about cherishing her and understanding her. You offer the best versions of people you know well - like nailing an impression of your best buddy,” she quipped.

As part of his chat with Brown, Spencer dropped a surprising disclosure - he had not watched the Netflix sensation, “The Crown," where Diana is incarnated by Emma Corrin in the fourth season and Elizabeth Debicki in seasons five and six.

"I'm aware that the actress who portrayed Diana has bagged quite a few accolades, so I’m sure she scored well there. Yet, I haven’t seen it,” confessed the candid Spencer.