Kristen Stewart Reflects on Deep Connection to Princess Diana

Kristen Stewart has expressed a profound emotional connection to Princess Diana following her portrayal of the late royal in the film Spencer. The 2021 production, directed by Pablo Larraín, delves into Diana’s struggles with the royal family, her battle with an eating disorder, and the dissolution of her marriage to Prince Charles. Stewart admitted in a recent interview that she feels “haunted” by Diana, revealing that even mundane activities like driving through London or Paris evoke overwhelming emotions tied to the princess.

In her conversation with The Telegraph, Stewart shared, “I still am. I can’t drive around London, and Paris for that matter, without thinking about her… all the love that poured out of this woman.” The actress’s connection to Diana remains so intense that she noted, “I can cry about her at any moment.”

Costume and Connection

Stewart reflected on the significance of the costume she donned for the role, which was set during a particularly difficult Christmas in 1991 at the royal residence of Sandringham. She described the attire as “part of the armour,” which helped her enter Diana’s “physical space” and portray her experiences within the confines of the royal castle. The actress acknowledged the parallels between her own life and Diana’s, particularly their shared experiences with relentless media scrutiny.

“It does kind of soul suck,” Stewart commented, highlighting the emotional toll of fame. She remarked on Diana’s rebellious spirit, stating, “Her rebellious qualities felt so desperate, and so young and so vulnerable.” This shared vulnerability resonated deeply with Stewart, who felt “a bit like a shell” once the filming concluded. She added, “I think she did too. That was the point.”

Spiritual Connection and New Projects

During the filming of Spencer, Stewart experienced what she described as “spooky, spiritual feelings.” She conveyed a belief that Diana had given her the “sign-off” to take on the role. “Even if I was just fantasizing, I felt like there were moments where I kind of got the sign-off,” she disclosed to LA Times. The emotional connection was so strong that she sometimes felt as if her mind and body forgot Diana was no longer alive.

Princess Diana tragically lost her life in a car accident in Paris in August 1997, and her legacy continues to resonate in popular culture. In addition to her acting career, Stewart is now stepping into directing with her new psychological drama The Chronology of Water. The film, which follows a woman—played by Imogen Poots—transforming childhood trauma into success as a competitive swimmer, is set for release in the UK nine months after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Through her work, both as an actress and a director, Kristen Stewart remains deeply connected to the emotional landscapes of her characters, including the enduring spirit of Princess Diana.