'Twilight' actress, Kristen Stewart (right), has been cast to play the late Princess Diana. EPA / Getty Images
'Twilight' actress, Kristen Stewart (right), has been cast to play the late Princess Diana. EPA / Getty Images
'Twilight' actress, Kristen Stewart (right), has been cast to play the late Princess Diana. EPA / Getty Images
'Twilight' actress, Kristen Stewart (right), has been cast to play the late Princess Diana. EPA / Getty Images

As Kristen Stewart is cast as Princess Diana, look back at who else has played her over the years


Farah Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

Kristen Stewart will play Princess Diana in an upcoming biopic.

It is thought that the movie will be about the breakdown of Princess Diana's marriage to Prince Charles, according to Hollywood trade publication Deadline. 

The film, which will be independently made and directed by Chilean Pablo Larrain, is expected to start shooting in 2021. No one has been announced for the role of Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, yet.

The upcoming Princess Diana biopic, starring Kristen Stewart, will focus of the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles, seen here when they got engaged in 1981. EPA
The upcoming Princess Diana biopic, starring Kristen Stewart, will focus of the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles, seen here when they got engaged in 1981. EPA

The movie, titled Spencer, after Diana's maiden name, will take place over three days in the early 1990s when Diana made the bombshell decision to part ways with Charles and remove herself from becoming queen.

"When someone decides not to be the queen, and says, I'd rather go and be myself, it's a big big decision, a fairy tale upside down," Larrain told Deadline.

"How and why do you decide to do that? It’s a great universal story that can reach millions and millions of people, and that’s what we want to do. We want to make a movie that goes wide, connects with a worldwide audience that is interested in such a fascinating life."

Who has played Princess Diana in the past?   

This is not the first time that the late Princess of Wales's life has been depicted on screen.

Emma Corrin in 'The Crown' (2020) 

British actress Emma Corrin is to star as Princess Diana in 'The Crown'. EPA
British actress Emma Corrin is to star as Princess Diana in 'The Crown'. EPA

A relative unknown, British actress Emma Corrin has previously starred in Pennyworth as Esme Winikus.

She was announced to be taking on the role of a young Princess Diana in the fourth season of the Netflix hit series The Crown. Corrin will portray the late royal as Lady Diana Spencer, before marrying Prince Charles.

"[I'm] beyond excited and honoured to be joining The Crown for its fourth season. I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I'm now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal," Corrin said of being cast in the role.

"Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!"

Series four of The Crown in expected to be released in November 2020.

Naomi Watts in 'Diana' (2013)

The Australian actress took on the role Princess Diana in the 2013 biopic, Diana, a film that was panned by critics. However, Watts's similarity to the People's Princess is undeniable. The film hones in on her life post-Prince Charles, and her love affairs with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews) and Egyptian film producer, Dodi Fayed.

Naomi Watts as Princess Diana in 'Diana'. Ecosse Films
Naomi Watts as Princess Diana in 'Diana'. Ecosse Films

“I got seduced by the fantastic character,” Watts said in 2014, looking back at the role. “Diana did a lot of things that had positive and negative results. She was multifaceted. [...] But ultimately there were problems [with the film] and it ended up taking a direction that was not the one I was hoping for.”

Genevieve O’Reilly in 'Diana: Last Days Of A Princess' (2007)

Irish actress Genevieve O'Reilly played Princess Diana in 'Diana: Last Days of a Princess'. TLC
Irish actress Genevieve O'Reilly played Princess Diana in 'Diana: Last Days of a Princess'. TLC

Irish actress Genevieve O'Reilly is best known for her role as Mon Mothma in the Star Wars franchise. However, in 2007, she took the starring role in Diana: Last Days of a Princess, TLC's dramatised documentary that reenacted interviews and the days leading up to Diana's 1997 death.

Laurence Burg in 'The Queen' (2006) 

The 2006 movie The Queen follows the British royal family, specifically Queen Elizabeth, in the days following Princess Diana's death.  The majority of the footage featuring Princess Diana is from real news archives, however French actress, and part-time Diana lookalike, Laurence Burg, stepped in where needed.

Amy Seccombe in 'Diana: A Tribute To The People’s Princess' (1998)

Amy Seccombe starred as Princess Diana in 1998 movie, 'Diana: A Tribute To The People’s Princess ​​​​​​'. YouTube
Amy Seccombe starred as Princess Diana in 1998 movie, 'Diana: A Tribute To The People’s Princess ​​​​​​'. YouTube

An early tribute to Princess Diana, this movie – available to watch in its entirety on YouTube – was released just a year after her death, and focused on Diana's love affair with Dodi Fayed, and the rumours she was going to accept his marriage proposal.

Jeanna de Waal in 'Diana: A True Musical Story'  (2020)

OK, so this isn't technically on screen, Diana: A True Musical Story is a broadway take on her life.

She is played by musical actress Jeanna de Waal, who said of the role: "To bring Diana to life onstage is obviously a huge privilege.

"I feel very daunted by the prospect, but I hope people who didn't know about her and weren't aware of her journey, leave the theatre with an idea of what she did for the world. She made everyone feel special, from the highest person to the lowest-ranking person, and I think we want to celebrate her."

The show has been given mixed reviews. Of it's preview run, the LA Times was damning in its verdict of the show, saying it was "no more British than The Real Housewives of New Jersey.The Times's critic Charles McNulty added that the show is "as American as Applebee's [and] has a generic quality that for all its efficient smoothness seems culturally misplaced."

'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdited%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Idries%20Trevathan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20240%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hirmer%20Publishers%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0
De Bruyne (70')

Man of the Match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

If you go...

Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Winners: Dubai Hurricanes

Runners up: Bahrain

 

West Asia Premiership

Winners: Bahrain

Runners up: UAE Premiership

 

UAE Premiership

Winners: Dubai Exiles

Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

 

UAE Division One

Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens

Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

 

UAE Division Two

Winners: Barrelhouse

Runners up: RAK Rugby

'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'

Director:Michael Lehmann

Stars:Kristen Bell

Rating: 1/5

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014
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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
TALE OF THE TAPE

Manny Pacquiao
Record: 59-6-2 (38 KOs)
Age: 38
Weight: 146lbs
Height: 166cm
Reach: 170cm

Jeff Horn
Record: 16-0-1 (11 KOs)
Age: 29
Weight: 146.2lbs
Height: 175cm
Reach: 173cm

Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)

Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)

Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)

COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Envision%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKarthik%20Mahadevan%20and%20Karthik%20Kannan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Netherlands%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%2FAssistive%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204impact%2C%20ABN%20Amro%2C%20Impact%20Ventures%20and%20group%20of%20angels%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

JERSEY INFO

Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.

The%20specs
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, Group C
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
Anfield, Liverpool
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)

THE SPECS

Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo

Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto

Power: 626bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)

On sale: Q1 2020

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Pension support
  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives