Netflix show slammed for mocking Prince Philip's death: 'Step too far'

Charlie Booker's Death to 2021 mockumentary on Netflix has been slammed after mocking Prince Philip's death with some saying it was a "step too far".

The programme is the second instalment from writer and satirist Charlie and co-writer Annabel Jones and takes a tongue in cheek look at the past year.

This year, it focused on the doom and gloom of the ongoing Covid pandemic and turmoil within the Royal Family, as well as Prince Philip's passing.

"The documentary-style special mixes archival footage harvested from across the year with commentary from fictitious characters played by some of the world’s most beloved actors," the synopsis reads.

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At one point, the mockumentary touches on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah and spoke of how much it impacted the royal family with a voiceover then heard saying, "After the interview, Prince Philip withdraws from public life permanently, by dying.

"Millions watched the funeral of his Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke Of Deadinburgh."

Prince Philip passed away on April 9 this year at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle.

The Duke of Edinburgh was married to the Queen for over 70 years and his passing left her and the rest of the royal family devastated.

Social media users slammed the joke with one user writing, "#DeathTo2021 is terribly brilliant and chaotic, the Prince Phillip gag was maybe a step too far, though."

"The Prince Phillip joke was a touch too far and maybe a little distasteful… but the rest of the show was SPOT ON!" another added.

"I have to say, I don’t usually find things like this funny, but I thoroughly enjoyed. However, the Prince Phillip joke wasn’t needed, he deserves much more respect," a third wrote.

Others commented that it was "brutal", while some thought it was amusing.

The Queen paid tribute to Prince Philip in her Christmas Day message, the first in 73 years that she didn't spend with her husband.

She spoke of missing the "mischievous twinkle" and "familiar laugh" of the Duke and also added that she was "proud beyond words" of his achievements.

Her Majesty also wore a treasured sapphire chrysanthemum brooch that she wore on her honeymoon in 1947 and at their 60th wedding anniversary.

"Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones," she said. "This year, especially, I understand why.

"But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world.

"His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible.

"That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him."

She added, "But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings – and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas."

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