Princess Diana reigns in Malaga

They didn't appear to be locals and many were carrying British and Australian flags. It was only when Emma Corrin, dressed as Princess Diana, appeared that all became apparent: this was to be a scene for the fourth season of the Netflix series The Crown - a month before the release of the third season.

The platform's most expensive production, with a budget of 13 million dollars per episode, has chosen several locations across Malaga province to represent the British royal family's travels to various parts of the world.

In fact, the production company for The Crown in Spain, Palma Pictures, has been based in the old tobacco factory in the city since August and has also shot scenes in the Torremolinos congress centre in September 2018, chosen to represent LA airport.

Sunday was the turn of Malaga city which was transformed into Australia to recreate the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales during the 1980s. Adoring crowds, with banners and chanting slogans, received the royals who arrived in a period vehicle, with the backdrop of a prop phone box.

Streets were cut off to the general public for the filming, causing a mixture of excitement and annoyance. "This type of cultural activity gives visibility to Malaga, makes it an international city," said Juan Gómez, against the backdrop of others shouting: "It's Lady Di, it's Lady Di!"

However, the disruption also caused inconvenience for some local business owners. "I also have to work on a Sunday and I can't access my shop," said Vanesa Rodríguez.

Also on the list for filming in the city are the Castañón de Mena military residence near Teatinos and at the Monte Miramar palace to the east of the city centre.

Lady Di's appearance in on Sunday has certainly whet the appetite and many will be tuning in on 17 November to catch a glimpse of their local area when the third season is finally launched.