I am feeling something similar. The show has now veered into remembered history, at least for me, and so the characters "live" (well, except Diana) because I remember, say, the news conference about their wedding engagement. And then you have to wonder how we process things that are "history" and things that are "recent" - I've also asked myself questions about when "history" actually starts. Does it start right now? Do we live inside of it? Also: a good antidote or counter programming to The Crown, especially this season is the 5 part podcast about Diana on "You're Wrong About" - a great podcast always, but the 5 parter about Diana is amazing. And cringeworthy...