Kristen Stewart opened up about her lasting emotional bond with Lady Diana in a recent interview with The Telegraph, nearly five years after playing the late princess in the film Spencer (2021). The role, which earned Stewart an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, continues to deeply affect her, as she described moments when feelings overwhelm her unexpectedly.
It still happens to me. I could cry for her at any moment,
Stewart said.
The Haunting Presence of Diana in Stewart’s Life
Stewart explained that passing through significant places like London and Paris triggers profound memories and emotions connected to Diana’s life and tragic death in a car accident on 31 August 1997. The actress spoke about Diana’s immense capacity for love and how it lingers in her mind.
I still can’t drive through this city — and it happens to me in Paris too — without thinking about her,
Stewart revealed.
All the love that poured out of this woman…
she added, showing visible emotion.
Challenges and Unique Choices in Portraying Diana
Reflecting on the early stages of preparing for the role, Stewart admitted she doubted her suitability and even suggested director Pablo Larraín might consider another actress. Differences in physical appearance, such as eye color, further added to her concerns.
I told Pablo (Larraín) that he was crazy and that he should probably hire someone else, but he absolutely refused,
she recalled.
I have green eyes, and she had those very famous blue eyes that matched her ring. So I asked him, ‘What if we make the engagement ring green instead?’
she joked, referencing the iconic sapphire and diamond ring now worn by Kate Middleton.
Larraín emphasized that the film aimed to capture Diana’s spirit rather than focus on physical imitation.
He saw a certain parallel between our experiences. Something in my energy made sense to him,
Stewart explained.
Reflecting on Diana’s Media Struggles and Stewart’s Emotional Impact
Stewart shared her thoughts on the intense media scrutiny Diana faced throughout her life, describing how it dismantled the princess piece by piece, exposing her vulnerabilities and rebellious nature. The toll this relentless attention took deeply resonated with Stewart, especially after finishing the film.
They tore her apart piece by piece. Her rebellious qualities were so desperate, so young, so vulnerable,
she said.
That level of attention drains the soul. When we finished shooting ‘Spencer’, I felt a bit like an empty shell — and I think she felt that way too. That was the point.
The Transformative Influence of Diana’s Energy on Stewart
Previously in a 2022 interview with People, Stewart described Diana as possessing an unstoppable light and a unique gift to make others feel truly seen, even during the difficult period of her marriage’s breakdown depicted in the film. Embracing Diana’s energy had a profound personal effect on Stewart.
Trying to even brush against that energy made me grow as a person,
Stewart reflected.
Even if it was only in my imagination, convincing myself that I suddenly had that superpower she had — making people feel good.
Kristen Stewart’s continued emotional connection to Lady Diana highlights the deep challenges and transformative experience of portraying such a complex, iconic figure. As her reflections show, embodying Diana’s spirit involved confronting pain, vulnerability, and an overwhelming media spotlight—elements that remain alive in Stewart’s thoughts years after the film’s release. This connection not only underscores the powerful impact of the role but also suggests that Lady Diana’s legacy continues to inspire and haunt those who seek to tell her story.
