Spencer

On Christmas Eve 1991, the British royal family prepares for the holiday at the Queen's Sandringham estate. Among the guests is Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales, who is feeling the strain of her deteriorating marriage to Prince Charles amidst his ongoing affair.

As the staff arranges for the royal family's arrival, Diana grapples with mental stress and delays her entrance. She takes a reflective drive through the Norfolk countryside, overwhelmed by her circumstances and seeking solace.

Diana meets Royal Head Chef Darren McGrady and reminisces about Park House, her childhood home. This encounter leads her to find an old jacket belonging to her father, stirring deep-seated memories.

Diana arrives at Sandringham and receives a warm greeting from her sons, William and Harry. However, she struggles to connect with the rest of the royal family, who largely ignore her presence.

Maggie, Diana's Royal Dresser and confidante, encourages her to confront the expectations of royal life. Their bond provides Diana with the strength to navigate the complexities of her situation.

While at Sandringham, Diana discovers a book about Anne Boleyn in her bedroom, triggering vivid dreams of Boleyn. These dreams reflect Diana's feelings of entrapment within her own royal duties.

On Christmas Day, Diana attends a service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. The atmosphere is tense when she spots Camilla among the attendees, which ignites a frenzy of media attention.

After the service, Diana confronts Charles about their sons participating in a pheasant shoot. His dismissive attitude only heightens Diana's frustration as he advises her to keep her private and public lives separate.

In a private scheme, Charles falsely discredits Maggie, suggesting she planted the Boleyn book in Diana's room. Major Gregory continues to pressure Diana to conform to royal expectations, further isolating her.

Overwhelmed by her reality, Diana contemplates self-harm but ultimately decides against it. Instead, she escapes the formal Christmas dinner, heading toward her childhood memories.

At her childhood home, Diana finds fleeting joy as she dances through the halls recalling her past. This bittersweet moment leads her to defiantly shred her pearl necklace, symbolizing her desire for freedom.

The day after Christmas, Maggie returns from London and shares heartfelt conversations with Diana. They discuss her struggles with mental health and her marriage, deepening their emotional connection.

Diana boldly confronts the reality of the pheasant shoot, expressing her determination to take William and Harry back to London. Charles reluctantly agrees, showcasing Diana's growing assertiveness.

As they leave for London, Diana shares a lighthearted moment with her sons, singing along to a song. They pass the scarecrow, humorously dressed in one of Diana’s outfits, symbolizing her journey to reclaim her sense of self.

The film concludes with Diana contemplating her uncertain future as she gazes across the River Thames. Despite the challenges ahead, she feels a newfound sense of liberation from royal constraints.