I've watched the first three episodes so far and I think it's really good. I didn't think it was dragged out - quite the opposite, in fact. I mean, Diana's death was a huge event that really rocked the foundations of the monarchy. I wonder if there's any truth to the engagement stuff or was it all done for dramatic licence? But then, I would have expected them to show Diana accepting the proposal so as to ramp up the romance/tragedy aspect, but she didn't. The stag scene was ridiculous - were they trying to set the scene for Diana's death? But sure, everyone knows she died. I agree that was unnecessary. Incidentally, I was amused that Princess Anne thought killing a stag might cheer up a teenage boy. But sure, that whole scene was probably pure fiction. Or was it done to highlight the gulf between Diana's world at the time (St. Tropez, the Ritz, luxury yachts etc.) and the austerity* and earthiness experienced by the royal family at Balmoral? And the boys moving between the two worlds.
I was struck by the scene in episode two where Charles and Diana were competing to be portrayed as a good parent (and using the boys as pawns in the process).
Who was the woman Diana was chatting to on the phone in episode 3? Was it her therapist?
Elizabeth Debicki did an incredible job as Princess Diana. I had to remind myself more than once that I was watching an actress.
*In so far as life in a castle surrounded by servants to tend to your every need can be austere.
I'll watch the last episode later.