Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
CROWN GHOULS

Helena Bonham-Carter got ‘permission’ from Princess Margaret to play her in The Crown when they made contact through a medium

HELENA Bonham Carter got permission from Princess Margaret to play her in The Crown when they made contact through a medium.

The superstitious star might have turned down the role if the Queen’s sister, who died in 2002 aged 71, had not given approval from beyond the grave.

 Helena Bonham-Carter said she got ‘permission’ from Princess Margaret to play her in The Crown when they made contact through a medium
5
Helena Bonham-Carter said she got ‘permission’ from Princess Margaret to play her in The Crown when they made contact through a mediumCredit: Splash News
 Helena wanted Margaret's permission as she had met her in real life and found her 'quite scary'
5
Helena wanted Margaret's permission as she had met her in real life and found her 'quite scary'Credit: Rex Features

Helena, 53, was keen to please the boozy, socialite princess, as she had met her in real life and admitted she found her “pretty scary.”

A TV insider said: “Helena was just a fledgling movie star when they met at a royal movie premiere and the fact she made such an impact on her made it especially important to get her blessing.

“But she got much more, including little acting tips, such as using her cigarette and cigarette holder to express herself in The Crown, just as she did in real life.

“She even passed on her advice to cast and crew on set whenever there was a query regarding the princess. Helena would reassure them: ‘Margaret says that’s all right.’”

 Helena also got tips from the princess, including to use her cigarette and cigarette holder to 'express herself'
5
Helena also got tips from the princess, including to use her cigarette and cigarette holder to 'express herself'Credit: PA:Press Association

The actress, who played Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movies, held seances in her dressing room in between filming scenes in The Crown.

In a recent interview, Helena revealed how psychic first made contact with the royal, saying: “Margaret’s here, fingering her pearls.”

She will play the princess opposite Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, 45, as The Queen in the third series of The Crown, starting in November.

 Helena will play the princess opposite Olivia Colman as The Queen in the third series of The Crown
5
Helena will play the princess opposite Olivia Colman as The Queen in the third series of The CrownCredit: Rex Features
 Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister, died in 2002, aged 71
5
Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister, died in 2002, aged 71Credit: Getty - Contributor
The Crown Season 3 - Teaser trailer drops for the third series of Netflix royal drama with Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II 


  • GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]

Topics