Bob Hawke’s widow Blanche d’Alpuget slams Richard Roxburgh for his performance in The Crown

The swirling criticism surrounding The Crown season 4 continues, with another family member lashing out at the show.

Blanche d’Alpuget, the widow of former PM Bob Hawke, has joined the growing number of critics against The Crown, this time taking aim at actor Richard Roxburgh for his depiction of her late husband.

The Aussie actor appears in the controversial fourth season of the lavish Netflix series, portraying the popular Labor PM as a fervent republican who despises the monarchy.

In one particular episode – which d’Alpuget labelled “cringe-worthy” – Roxburgh’s Hawke character referred to the Queen as a pig in pearls in an interview on Four Corners.

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Richard Roxburgh as Bob Hawke in The Crown. Picture: Supplied

Prime Minister, Bob Hawke in 1984. Picture: Terri Barrett

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, d’Alpuget slammed Roxburgh’s performance in the scene, revealing it made her “very cross” with the actor – who she accused of lacking principle.

“It was just that quote from Bob which I thought showed a kowtowing cultural cringe really, to English snobbery about Australians,” d’Alpuget said.

“And I thought: ‘Haven’t we got over the cultural cringe?’”

She went on to say the episode in question, Terra Nullius, in which Hawke reveals his hopes that Prince Charles and Diana’s Royal Tour will convince Australians to leave the Commonwealth and replace the Queen as head of state, represented the country in an unflattering light.

“I was very cross with the actor for presenting something that he must have known was untrue, and presented both Bob and Australia in a very bad light.

“Actors say they have to perform what they’re given, but I think it’s also possible to stand up for your principles … if you have some.”

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d’Alpuget was ‘very cross’ with Richard Roxburgh in The Crown. Picture: Supplied

Hawke and his wife Blanche d'Alpuget in 2008. Picture: AAP

Her scathing comments come after Four Corners itself spoke out against the segment featured in the series.

“Hey @netflix Huge fan,” the program wrote in a tweet. “While we’re loving the fact that you’ve featured us in @TheCrownNetflix, we’re in the business of facts and there are a few things we want to clear up.

“Firstly, the 1983 Bob Hawke interview you recreated in season 4 was in fact from Feb 12, not Feb 26. We went back and found a TV guide just to check our archivists are as sharp as we thought, and they’re spot on (see attached. Thnx @canberratimes and @TroveAustralia).

“And while we’ve enjoyed your creative license, Hawke did not call the Queen a pig on our show and say, “You wouldn’t put a pig in charge of a herd of prime beef cattle, even if it does look good in twin set and pearls.” Here’s what he really said. Thnx again @netflix!”

(4/4) And while we’ve enjoyed your creative license, Hawke did not call the Queen a pig on our show and say, "You wouldn't put a pig in charge of a herd of prime beef cattle, even if it does look good in twin set and pearls." Here's what he really said. Thnx again @netflix! pic.twitter.com/0JY8sEOB5C

— 4corners (@4corners) November 25, 2020

Blanche d’Alpuget certainly isn’t the first family member connected with the show to speak out.

The widow of Major Hugh Lindsay, who died while skiing with Prince Charles in 1988, also criticised The Crown for its depiction of her husband’s death.

In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Sarah Horsley revealed she asked Netflix not to include the disaster, but her request was denied.

“I’m very upset by it and I’m dreading people seeing it,” said Ms Horsley. “I suppose members of the royal family have to grin and bear it, but for me it’s a very private tragedy.”

The death of Major Hugh Lindsay was used in the series as part of the Prince Charles, Princess Diana storyline. Picture: Netflix

A number of royal sources have claimed the season is the most exaggerated yet, calling for Netflix to slap a disclaimer on the opening credits.

The UK’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden recently told The Sun: “It’s a beautifully produced work of fiction, so as with other TV productions, Netflix should be very clear at the beginning it is just that.”

In the same article, historian Hugo Vickers pointed out that much of the fiction is “severely, dangerously wrong”.

Netflix, however, has refused to tag such a warning on The Crown, stating viewers are well aware it is “a work of fiction”.

News.com.au has contacted Rake actor Richard Roxburgh for comment.