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The Crown is a British-American television drama series created and written by Peter Morgan for Netflix. It is produced by Sony Pictures television and Left Bank Productions.

Synopsis[]

The Crown portrays the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, until the early 21st century. Claire Foy portrays Elizabeth in seasons one and two, Olivia Colman in seasons three and four, and Imelda Staunton in Season 5 and 6. The first season depicts events up to 1955, with Winston Churchill resigning as prime minister and the Queen's sister Princess Margaret deciding not to marry Peter Townsend. The second season covers the Suez Crisis in 1956 leading to the retirement of Prime Minister Anthony Eden, the retirement of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1963 following the scandal of the Profumo affair, and the birth of Prince Edward in 1964. The third season covers 1964 to 1977, beginning with Harold Wilson's election as prime minister and ending with her Silver Jubilee, also covering Edward Heath's time as prime minister.

The third season also introduces Camilla Shand. The fourth season covers Margaret Thatcher's premiership and features Lady Diana Spencer, and introduce Princes William and Harry. Events depicted include the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, their 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand, the Falklands War, Michael Fagan's break-in at Buckingham Palace, Lord Mountbatten's funeral, the Princess of Wales's appearance at the Barnardo's Champion Children Awards and her 1989 flight on Concorde.

Season 5 occurs in the 1990s and introduces John Major. Events include the fire that severely damaged Windsor Castle, and the divorce of Charles and Diana. Season 6 covers events of 1997 to 2005 including princess Diana's car accident that killed both her and Dodi Al-Fayed, princess Margaret and Queen Mother's death as well as the marriage of Charles and Camilla.

Cast[]

Seasons 1 & 2[]

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II
Matt Smith as Prince Philip
Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret
Victoria Hamilton as Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother
Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary
Greg Wise as Lord Louis Mountbatten
Ben Miles as Peter Townsend
Jeremy Northam as Anthony Eden
Alex Jennings as Edward, Duke of Windsor
Lia Williams as Wallis, Duchess of Windsor
Jared Harris as King George VI
John Lithgow as Winston Churchill
Matthew Goode as Antony Armstrong-Jones
Anton Lesser as Harold Macmillan

Recurring Cast

Pip Torrens as Tommy Lascelles
Will Keen as Michael Adeane
Harry Hadden-Paton as Martin Charteris
Daniel Ings as Michael Parker
Harriet Walter as Clementine Churchill
Simon Chandler as Clement Attlee
Patrick Ryecart as Jock Colville
Kate Phillips as Venetia Scott

Featured Cast
Featured cast are billed with the main cast in the episode in which they appear.

  • Stephen Dillane as Graham Sutherland, a noted artist who paints a portrait of the ageing Churchill
  • Gemma Whelan as Patricia Campbell, a secretary who works with Altrincham and types up his editorial
  • John Heffernan as Lord Altrincham, a writer who penned a scathing criticism of the Queen
  • Paul Sparks as Billy Graham, a prominent American preacher with whom Elizabeth consults
  • Michael C. Hall as John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States who visits the Queen
  • Jodi Balfour as Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States
  • Burghart Klaussner as Dr. Kurt Hahn, the founder of Gordonstoun, where Philip and Charles went to school

Seasons 3 & 4[]

The Royal Family[]

Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II
Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip
Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles
Erin Doherty as Princess Anne
Marion Bailey as The Queen Mother
Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret
Ben Daniels as Antony Armstrong-Jones
Charles Dance as Lord Louis Mountbatten
Angus Imrie as Prince Andrew
Tom Byrne as Prince Edward

Government[]

Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher

Other Characters[]

Emma Corrin as Diana, Princess of Wales
Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles
Stephen Boxer as Denis Thatcher

Seasons 5 & 6[]

Recurring[]

Episodes[]

Season 1[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director
101 Wolferton Splash Wolferton Splash Peter Morgan Stephen Daldry
A young Princess Elizabeth marries Prince Philip. As King George VI's health worsens, Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister for the second time.
102 Hyde Park Corner Hyde Park Corner Peter Morgan Stephen Daldry
With King George too ill to travel, Elizabeth and Phillip embark on a four-continent Commonwealth tour. Party leaders attempt to undermine Churchill.
103 Windsor Windsor Peter Morgan Philip Martin
With Elizabeth in a new role, Phillip tries to assert some power. Churchill wants to delay the coronation. King George's disgraced brother arrives.
104 Act of God Act of God Peter Morgan Julian Jarrold
When dense fog cripples London for days and creates a serious health hazard, Churchill's inaction leaves him vulnerable to his political enemies.
105 Smoke and Mirrors Smoke and Mirrors Peter Morgan Julian Jarrold
Elizabeth rejects protocol by appointing Phillip to coordinate her coronation, but his ideas create conflict. The Duke of Windsor returns to London.
106 Geliginte Gelignite Peter Morgan Julian Jarrold
Margaret and Peter come to Elizabeth with a request. With a royal scandal about to break in the newspapers, the Queen Mother intervenes.
107 Scientia Potentia Est Scientia Potentia Est Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
As the Soviets test the H-bomb, both Churchill and Eden have major health crises. Angry about her inadequate education, Elizabeth hires a tutor.
108 Pride & Joy Pride & Joy Peter Morgan Philip Martin
Elizabeth and Phillip go on an exhausting world journey. Margaret takes over some of her sister's official duties and tries to liven things up.
109 Assassins Assassins Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
As tensions with Phillip increase, Elizabeth spends time with her old friend Porchey. Churchill's portrait is painted for his 80th birthday.
110 Gloriana Gloriana Peter Morgan Philip Martin
Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.

Season 2[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director
201 201 Misadventure Peter Morgan Philip Martin
As Philip leaves for a long tour, Elizabeth makes an upsetting discovery. Prime Minister Eden wants to strike back after Egypt seizes the Suez Canal.
202 202 A Company of Men Peter Morgan Philip Martin
Elizabeth feels disconnected from Philip. Eden copes with international pressure and ill health. An interview stirs up harrowing memories for Philip.
203 203 Lisbon Peter Morgan Philip Martin
Palace insiders try to prevent a scandal that could reflect poorly on Philip. Eden faces censure from his cabinet and the press.
204 204 Beryl Amy Jenkins and Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
When Elizabeth and Philip throw a grand party for their 10th anniversary, both Margaret and the new Prime Minister experience romantic tribulations.
205 205 Marionettes Peter Morgan Philippa Lowthorpe
After Elizabeth makes a tone-deaf speech at a Jaguar factory, she and the monarchy come under public attack by an outspoken lord.
206 206 Vergangenheit Peter Morgan Philippa Lowthorpe
A secret World War II document opens Elizabeth's eyes to grim realities about a family member. The Duke of Windsor campaigns to re-enter public life.
207 207 Matrimonium Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
A letter from Peter Townsend spurs Margaret to make a bold proposal. Elizabeth has good news that causes complications for Margaret.
208 208 Dear Mrs. Kennedy Peter Morgan Stephen Daldry
Inspired by Jackie Kennedy and against her government's wishes, Elizabeth takes an unconventional approach to resolving an issue in Ghana.
209 209 Paterfamilias Tom Edge and Peter Morgan Stephen Daldry
Philip insists that Prince Charles attend his alma mater in Scotland and reminisces about the life-changing difficulties he experienced there.
210 210 Mystery Man Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
A salacious government scandal hits close to home for Elizabeth and Philip. Elizabeth retreats to Scotland for the rest of a difficult pregnancy.

Season 3[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director
301 301 Olding Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
The royal family mourns the passing of Winston Churchill. The United Kingdom ushers in a new prime minister, the Labour Party's Harold Wilson whom Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth hear might be a Soviet spy.
302 302 Margaretology Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
While Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon visit the USA, the queen, at the bidding of Harold Wilson, asks them to make a side trip to Washington, D.C. to ask President Johnson for financial assistance for the United Kingdom.
303 303 Aberfan Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
A horrible disaster in the Welsh town of Aberfan leaves scores of children dead, but when the Queen takes a week to decide to visit the town to offer solace to its people, she must confront her reasons for postponing the trip.
304 304 Bubbikins Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
Left without a home by a political coup in Athens, Philip's eccentric mother, Princess Alice of Greece, is invited to live in Buckingham Palace by the Queen.
305 305 Coup Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
While the Queen travels abroad to learn about horse training, unhappiness among the British elite with the devaluation of the pound involves Lord Mountbatten in a plan to oust Harold Wilson.
306 306 Tywysog Cymru James Graham & Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
Prince Charles is sent to Aberystwyth to learn Welsh from an ardent nationalist in preparation for the ceremony for his investiture as Prince of Wales.
307 307 Moondust Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
The 1969 moon landing occasions a mid-life crisis in Prince Philip, who thinks of the adventures he has missed as the Queen's consort.
308 S3e7-2 Dangling Man David Hancock & Peter Morgan Samuel Donovan
While Princess Anne dates her elder brother's polo rival Andrew Parker Bowles, Prince Charles falls deeply in love with Camilla Shand causing the Queen Mother and Lord Mountbatten to interfere.
309 309 Imbroglio Peter Morgan Samuel Donovan
Charles visits the exiled Duke of Windsor in his Paris chateau, only to find him very ill. But will the Queen make peace with her uncle before he dies?
310 310 Cri de Coeur Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
As her marriage falls apart, Princess Margaret finds solace in the arms of a much younger landscape gardener. The Queen and the nation celebrate Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.

Season 4[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director
401 401 Gold Stick Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
As Elizabeth welcomes Britain's first woman prime minister and Charles meets a young Diana Spencer, an IRA attack brings tragedy to the royal family.
402 402 The Balmoral Test Peter Morgan Paul Whittington
Margaret Thatcher visits Balmoral but has trouble fitting in with the royal family, while Charles finds himself torn between his heart and family duty.
403 403 Fairytale Peter Morgan Benjamin Caron
After Charles proposes, Diana moves into Buckingham Palace and finds her life filled with princess training, loneliness — and Camilla Parker Bowles.
404 Season4episode4 Favourites Peter Morgan Paul Whittington
While Margaret Thatcher struggles with the disappearance of her favourite child, Elizabeth reexamines her relationships with her four children.
405 Season4episode5 Fagan Jonathan D. Wilson & Peter Morgan Paul Whittington
As Thatcher's policies create rising unemployment, a desperate man breaks into the palace, where he finds Elizabeth's bedroom and awakens her for a talk.
406 Season4episode6 Terra Nullius Peter Morgan Julian Jarrold
On a tour of Australia, Diana struggles to balance motherhood with her royal duties while both she and Charles cope with their marriage difficulties.
407 Episode4episode7 The Hereditary Principle Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
Grappling with mental health issues, Margaret seeks help and discovers an appalling secret about estranged relatives of the royal family.
408 The Crown Title Card 48:1 Peter Morgan Julian Jarrold
As many nations condemn apartheid in South Africa, tension mounts between Thatcher and Elizabeth over their clashing opinions on applying sanctions.
409 Season4episode9 Avalanche Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
Charles is caught in a deadly avalanche, prompting both him and Diana to reevaluate their commitment to their troubled marriage.
410 Season4episode10 War Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
Amid a growing challenge to her power, Thatcher fights for her position. Charles grows more determined to separate from Diana as their marriage unravels.

Season 5[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director
501 501 Queen Victoria Syndrome Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
A much-needed update to the Royal Yacht draws scrutiny to the Queen's reign. Hounded by the press, Charles and Diana have a second honeymoon in Italy.
502 502 The System Peter Morgan Jessica Hobbs
Prince Philip offers his support to a grieving family member. Keen to snatch a scoop, a tabloid journalist approaches Diana about a tell-all book.
503 503 Mou Mou Peter Morgan Alex Gabassi
In 1946, an Egyptian street vendor finds inspiration in the abdicated King Edward. Years later, he eagerly tries to integrate into British High Society.
504 504 Annus Horribilis Peter Morgan May el-Toukhy
Between a fire at Windsor Castle and tensions in her children's marriages, the Queen commemorates and reassesses her 40 years on the throne.
505 505 The Way Ahead Peter Morgan May el-Toukhy
Faced with the fallout of an intercepted call with Camilla and the consequent kickback to his marriage, Prince Charles must navigate a scandal.
506 506 Ipatiev House Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
Eager to lead a newly democratic Russia, President Yeltsin tries to win the Queen's support while she navigates new rifts in her marriage with Philip.
507 507 No Woman's Land Peter Morgan Erik Richter Strand
As BBC's Martin Bashir goes to great lengths to secure an interview with Diana, the lonely princess finds purpose and warmth in a London hospital.
508 508 Gunpowder Peter Morgan Erik Richter Strand
The Queen spends quality time with Prince William. On Guy Fawkes Night, fireworks make for a perfect distraction from Diana's BBC interview.
509 509 Couple 31 Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
The Princess of Wales contends with the repercussions of her statements. The Queen asks the Prime Minister for his help in a delicate family matter.
510 510 Decommissioned Peter Morgan Alex Gabassi
After heightened public scrutiny, Charles forges a new alliance in Hong Kong. Mohamed Al-Fayed offers his support to a newly-divorced Diana.

Season 6[]

# Image Title Writer(s) Director
601 TheCrownSeason6-s6e1 Persona Non Grata Peter Morgan Alex Gabassi
While Princess Diana and the boys depart for their vacation in St. Tropez, thanks to Mohamed Al Fayed, Prince Charles is pushing his most recent scheme to validate his relationship with Camilla in the public eye.
602 602 Two Photographs Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
As Diana and Dodi's romance blossoms, they return to the south of France and spend a lovely voyage getting to know one another away from prying eyes.
603 603 Dis-Moi Oui Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
Diana has another vacation with Dodi on the Fayed boat, but after returning to London, Diana starts to think about getting back together with William and Harry because Dodi is exhausted from a harsh lawsuit filed by his ex-fiance.
604 S6e4 Aftermath Peter Morgan Christian Schwochow
Following the tragic vehicle accident involving Diana and Dodi, Charles and Fayed each take a separate flight to Paris in order to oversee the arrangements.
605 S6e5 Willsmania Peter Morgan May el-Toukhy
Hounded by press and adoring girls, 15-year-old William struggles to find stability after Diana's death. Charles enlists his own parents to help his son.
606 S6e6 Ruritania Peter Morgan Erik Richter Strand
Eager to improve the monarchy's public image, the Queen seeks out savvy statesman Tony Blair--but the Prime Minister's advice defies royal protocol.
607 S6e7 Alma Mater Peter Morgan May el-Toukhy
Now at university, William sets his eyes on Kate Middleton. With meddling parents and other prospects in the mix, how will their connection bloom?
608 S6e8 Ritz Peter Morgan Alex Gabassi
After a series of strokes, a declining Margaret recalls a wild night with her sister at the Ritz in 1945, and later celebrates her 70th birthday there.
609 S6e9 Hope Street Peter Morgan Erik Richter Strand
Reeling from loss and wary of her Golden Jubilee, the Queen bonds with William, who finds his footing between normality and life in the royal limelight.
610 S6e10 Sleep Dearie Sleep Peter Morgan Stephen Daldry
The Queen gives Charles the green light to wed Camilla. Tasked with planning her own funeral ahead of her 80th birthday, she faces an existential crisis.

Format[]

The series is intended to relay 10 years in 10 episodes per season. Six seasons have aired bringing the series to an completion.

Production[]

In November 2014, it was announced that Netflix was to adapt the 2013 stage play The Audience into a television series. Peter Morgan, who wrote the 2006 film The Queen and the play, is the main scriptwriter for The Crown. The directors of the television series who were also involved in the stage production are Stephen Daldry, Philip Martin, Julian Jarrold, and Benjamin Caron. The first ten-part season was the most expensive drama produced by Netflix and Left Bank Pictures to date, costing at least £100 million. A second season was commissioned, with the series intended to span sixty episodes over six seasons. By October 2017, "early production" had begun on an anticipated third and fourth season, and by the following January, Netflix confirmed the series had been renewed for a third and fourth season.

In January 2020, Morgan announced that the series had been renewed for a fifth and final season. Speaking to ending the series with five seasons, after it had been intended to last six, Morgan said while crafting the stories for season five, "it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop"; Netflix and Sony supported Morgan's decision. However, in July 2020, Netflix announced that the series would receive a sixth season as originally intended. Morgan said that when the storylines were being discussed for season five, "it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons". He added that the final two seasons would still cover up to the early 21st century, enabling them "to cover the same period in greater detail".

Trivia[]

  • Head of Netflix confirms that there are six seasons planned for The Crown.[1]
  • Morgan originally envisioned three seasons chronicling the young, the middle-aged and the elder Queen Elizabeth.[2]
  • This is Netflix's most expensive drama to date, and the first series to be made in the UK.

Gallery[]

Promotional Posters[]

Trailers[]

External link[]

Notes and references[]

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