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DAME HELEN MIRREN
Wrote to the Queen before playing her
Before taking on the title role in 2006 film The Queen, Dame Helen Mirren wrote to the monarch, the actress has revealed, as it focused on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. “I said: ‘We are doing this film. We are investigating a very difficult time in your life. I hope it’s not too awful for you,’” said Dame Helen, 76. “In my research I found myself with a growing respect for her, and I just wanted to say that.”
Her Majesty did not respond but her secretary did. “You know, ‘Yours sincerely, da di da di da, on behalf of the Queen.’ I was very relieved subsequently that I had written that letter.”
After the film’s release, Helen was invited to dinner at Buckingham Palace but was unable to go due to US filming obligations.