Superyachts to star in next two seasons of Netflix’s The Crown

The 73-metre (239-foot) Lürssen superyacht Titania is set to take a starring role in the fifth and six series of Netflix drama The Crown, which focuses on the British royal family.

The yacht, which was delivered by Lürssen in 2006, is reportedly being used to play the part of a Codecasa yacht named Bash – historically known as Jonikal – which once belonged to Egyptian businessman and former owner of Knightsbridge department store Harrods, Mohamed Al-Fayed.

Titania is owned by British businessman John Caudwell, who commented on the news via his social media accounts, stating that he “cannot confirm or deny any filming secrets”, but hinted that viewers should “keep your eyes peeled towards the end of season five and start of season six”.

The fifth season of The Crown, which is currently filming, is set to follow the lives of the British royal family during the 1990s.

Titania will most likely be used as a set to re-enact a holiday that Princess Diana took with Al-Fayed’s son Dodi on board the yacht in St Tropez during the summer of 1997, shortly before the two died in a car crash in late August 1997. Dodi Fayed was Diana’s romantic partner at the time following her separation from Prince Charles.

Although the two yachts have a similar exterior look, with classic lines, a white superstructure and a raked bow, Titania is in fact 10 metres (32 feet) longer than Bash. Delivered in 1990, Bash measures 63.73 metres (209 feet). The extra length on board Titania will likely aid filming, however, by offering additional space on board for cast and crew. "No doubt, Netflix's stars and crew will appreciate the extra space and facilities. I know Titania's many other high-profile charter guests do," commented Caudwell.

Delivered in 2006, Titania offers accommodation for 12 guests looked after by 21 members of crew. Luxury amenities on board include a beach club, two master cabins, a cinema, a fully-stocked toybox with diving gear and a large jacuzzi with a swim-up bar. The standout feature on board Titania is the wellness centre, complete with a beach club, sauna, massage room and gym where guests can be tended to by the on-board masseuse, beautician and personal trainer.

When not used for filming, Titania is a popular charter yacht. She is managed for charter by Burgess with a weekly charter rate starting from €660,000.

M/Y Christina O will also feature alongside Titania and former Royal Yacht Britannia. Formerly owned by Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, the classic 99.15-metre (325-foot) Christina O was first delivered in 1943 before Onassis refurbished her in a $4 million (c. €3.4 million) refit under his ownership in the 1950s.

During her lifetime, Christina O served in the Second World War and welcomed aboard a star-studded group of guests including Winston Churchill, the Kennedys, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Rudolf Nureyev.

The classic superyacht is reportedly playing the part of a 121.95-metre (400-foot) superyacht named Alexander. Delivered in 1965 by German shipyard Lubecker Flender Werke, the superyacht hosted Prince Charles, Princess Diana and their sons Prince William and Prince Harry a year before the couple separated.

The third largest classic yacht in the world, Alexander boasts an interior volume of 5,933 GT and accommodations for up to 54 guests and 60 crew. Highlights on board include a private cinema, a number of al fresco lounge and dining areas, a dual swimming pool and Jacuzzi with panoramic views out to sea, a formal dining room and a certified helipad.

Powered by twin MAN diesel engines that produce a total 16,100 HP, Alexander can reach a top speed of 18.5 knots and offers a range of 4,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 16 knots.

Alexander has historically spent time cruising the Greek Islands and the Red Sea, but when Princess Diana and Prince Charles were on board they spent their time sailing around Italy. Filming, however, is currently taking place in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Although the exterior of the two yachts is distinctly different, Christina O has classic elements and opulent interiors similar to Alexander, which will likely feature in scenes of the upcoming series due to premiere in November 2022.

For those keen to sample the same experience as the royals, Christina O is available for charter with Morley Yachts with a weekly charter rate starting from €630,000.

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