Did you spot the hidden Princess Diana reference in season 3 of The Crown?

Season 3 of critically acclaimed Netflix series The Crown seems to have made a subtle reference to Princess Diana, despite the fact she’s not in the show yet.

The Crown’s third season takes place between 1964 and the summer of 1977. Key events covered during this time are Harold Wilson’s election as Prime Minister, and the Queen’s silver jubilee.

In episode eight, we first meet Camilla Shand (Emma Fennell), the now Duchess of Cornwall, and Andrew Parker-Bowles (Andrew Buchan).

Because of the problems in their relationship, Camilla finds herself flirting with Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor). In fact, The Crown explores an interesting love triangle in this season.

In one scene, Princess Anne (Erin Doherty) warns brother Prince Charles about his involvement with Camilla, and says that there’d ‘always be three people in the marriage’.

MORE: Netflix responds to rumours that Imelda Staunton is taking over from Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown

This makes reference to Camilla’s on-off relationship with Andrew Parker-Bowles, but also seems to echo something Princess Diana said in 1995. The reference was spotted by Vanity Fair's Still Watching podcast.

Famously, Martin Bashir asked Princess Diana, “Do you think Mrs Parker-Bowles was a factor in the breakdown of your marriage?"

MORE: The bizarre detail in every photo of Princess Diana and Prince Charles you probably never noticed before

To which she very honestly replied, “Well there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”

At the time of the interview, they were legally separated but not yet divorced. The interview was kept secret from Buckingham Palace and was watched by 22.8 million people.

The couple’s divorce was finalised on 28th August 1996, after the Queen wrote to both of them advising them to proceed with one.

Princess Diana will appear in season 4 of The Crown, and will be played by Emma Corrin. Filming has already began, so hopefully fans won’t have long to wait.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles met in November 1977, so the series should explore their relationship pretty soon. We're looking forward to seeing it!