Watch Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother

Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother is a 2018 documentary that provides a unique insight into the life and times of Raine Spencer - the stepmother of the beloved Princess Diana. The series seeks to shed light on the complex relationship between the princess and her stepparent.

Raine Spencer, Countess of Dartmouth, became Diana’s stepmother when she married Diana's father, Earl John Spencer, in 1976. He was her third husband and Raine, already a socialite and coming from an aristocratic lineage, became quite an influential figure in the Spencer household. She was commonly known for her extravagant lifestyle, flamboyant outfits, and grand parties which often resulted in her being a focus of tabloids.

Although Raine Spencer played a vital role in Princess Diana's life, not much is known about her. This documentary aims to fill that void by bringing forth a complex narrative of a woman who was initially cold-shouldered by a young Diana and her siblings but later became someone Diana turned to for support. Her relationship with Diana was described as tumultuous, ranging from strained and distant to affectionate and intimate in the years leading up to Diana's tragic death.

This documentary meticulously explores Raine Spencer's life through interviews with friends, family members, and those who knew her closely, including her personal butler. By delving deep into the archives and unearthing a plethora of footage, Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother attempts to demystify the enigmatic figure from the past, offering glimpses into the often shrouded aristocratic life. The viewers also get glimpses into an array of opulent settings - from grand estates to lavish London townhouses, each an aesthetic delight.

Key to the narrative of this engaging documentary are snippets from Diana herself - personal letters, recorded conversations, and interviews. Additionally, the series punctuates several anecdotes from Raine and Diana's relationship with accounts from royal biographers and historians, each adding layers of complexity to her persona.

This documentary aptly represents not just the personal life of Raine Spencer but also the social and political climate of the time period it covers. It traces Raine's journey from her early days as a socialite to her ascent into the higher echelons of the British aristocracy, and her life post-Diana's death.

The presentation of Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother is light-hearted at times, but does not shy away from addressing the more problematic aspects of Raine's life. While the title might suggest the portrayal of a villainous character, over the course of the series, we see multi-dimensional facets of Raine Spencer.

The undeniably poignant moments of the documentary arrive when it delves into the tumultuous relationship between Raine and Diana. The journey from Diana detesting Raine to Diana reaching out to her stepmother for emotional support at critical junctures of her life is compellinglly portrayed.

Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother is a must-watch for those interested in royal history or individuals captivated by the enigmatic life of Princess Diana. It offers fresh perspectives and an unseen side of her early life. It does not just focus on the 'wicked stepmother’ archetype but unfolds a nuanced, complex character sketch filled with shades of grey.

A critical takeaway from this documentary is that the individuals involved in the royal household are more than just their public facades. It lays bare the individual behind the notorious media image, thus growing the understanding of Raine Spencer and her role in the Spencer family. You'll find it does not seek to pass judgment or portray Raine as a villain or a saint, but rather presents an unbiased, factual retelling of events that sheds a unique light on this misunderstood figure.

Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother is a significant contribution to the understanding of royal history, specifically the intriguing life story of Raine Spencer, adding depth to the legacy of Princess Diana's life. Its inventive storytelling and well-woven narrative promise an engaging watch.

Princess Diana's 'Wicked' Stepmother is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between August 5, 2020 and on