Photo: Des Willie/Netflix; Netflix; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Since its majestic debut in November 2016,Netflix’s hit seriesThe Crownhas been a reigning success — and now, isabdicating after its sixth and final season.
Winning 21Emmy Awardsthrough the first four seasons — and earning an additional six nominations for its fifth season — the drama series brought the vast saga ofQueen Elizabethand the modern royal family to a new audience. While navigating the darker corners of the royal family’s history, the show alsorevitalized the public perception of the monarch, whodied on Sept. 8, 2022.
“People born during her reign had no idea about the magic she exerted in those early years — it restored the glamour and surprising femininity that she had,“Robert Lacey, the series’ historical consultant, told PEOPLE in November 2023. “It’s educated young people and people around the world about the Queen as a person. Viewers came to understand that she had a job to do. At a time of great change and flux,here is the story of a person who stood solidly.”
Ahead, see the lineup of actors alongside their real-life counterparts through the years, fromPrince PhiliptoPrincess Dianaand beyond.
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Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth
Netflix; Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
02of 34Olivia Colman as Queen ElizabethNetflix; William Lovelace/Daily Express/GettyFoy passed the reins to award-winning actressOlivia Colmanfor seasons 3 and 4 ofThe Crown, which covered 1964 through 1990 of the Queen’s reign. These seasons depicted a more self-assured Queen as she continued to lead the U.K. and raise her four children — who became much more of a focus on the show.ColmantoldThe Daily Mirrorin 2020 of playing the British monarch (who was still alive at the time), “There is muchmore pressure when you’re playing someone who is still living, and you have this fear that they’re watching it, and won’t like it.“The actress continued, “You’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, what if Queen Elizabeth II watches the series and sees me? Perhaps she will think that my interpretation is completely wrong. She’s going to change channels.’ “Colman won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth and can also be seen inFleabag,The Favourite(2018),The Lost Daughter(2021),HeartstopperandWonka(2023).
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Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth
Netflix; William Lovelace/Daily Express/Getty
Foy passed the reins to award-winning actressOlivia Colmanfor seasons 3 and 4 ofThe Crown, which covered 1964 through 1990 of the Queen’s reign. These seasons depicted a more self-assured Queen as she continued to lead the U.K. and raise her four children — who became much more of a focus on the show.
ColmantoldThe Daily Mirrorin 2020 of playing the British monarch (who was still alive at the time), “There is muchmore pressure when you’re playing someone who is still living, and you have this fear that they’re watching it, and won’t like it.”
The actress continued, “You’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, what if Queen Elizabeth II watches the series and sees me? Perhaps she will think that my interpretation is completely wrong. She’s going to change channels.’ "
Colman won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth and can also be seen inFleabag,The Favourite(2018),The Lost Daughter(2021),HeartstopperandWonka(2023).
03of 34Imelda Staunton as Queen ElizabethNetflix; Tim Graham Photo LibrarySeasons 5 and 6 ofThe Crown,which follow the royal family’s life from the early-1990s to the early-2000s, see actressImelda Stauntonas Queen Elizabeth. Staunton has appeared in projects such asVera Drake(2004); a fewHarry Potterfilms as Dolores Umbridge;Downton Abbey(2019) andDownton Abbey: A New Era(2022) — and fans can now watch her take on the role during what was a very turbulent time for the royal family.In November 2022, Stauntonopened up toEntertainment Tonightabout what it waslike to film the showfollowingQueen Elizabeth’s death. “Everyone was extremely sad, and I know I was very inconsolable that evening,” Staunton said. “My reaction surprised me. Of course, I would feel something. But having lived with her very closely for two years, it felt strange.“She added, “We filmed the day after the funeral, and I felt it was difficult for the other people looking at me ‘cause we have a lot of supporting artists and they were all looking at this act of playing the person who had been buried yesterday.”
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Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth
Netflix; Tim Graham Photo Library
Seasons 5 and 6 ofThe Crown,which follow the royal family’s life from the early-1990s to the early-2000s, see actressImelda Stauntonas Queen Elizabeth. Staunton has appeared in projects such asVera Drake(2004); a fewHarry Potterfilms as Dolores Umbridge;Downton Abbey(2019) andDownton Abbey: A New Era(2022) — and fans can now watch her take on the role during what was a very turbulent time for the royal family.
In November 2022, Stauntonopened up toEntertainment Tonightabout what it waslike to film the showfollowingQueen Elizabeth’s death. “Everyone was extremely sad, and I know I was very inconsolable that evening,” Staunton said. “My reaction surprised me. Of course, I would feel something. But having lived with her very closely for two years, it felt strange.”
She added, “We filmed the day after the funeral, and I felt it was difficult for the other people looking at me ‘cause we have a lot of supporting artists and they were all looking at this act of playing the person who had been buried yesterday.”
04of 34Matt Smith as Prince PhilipNetflix; Donald McKague/Michael Ochs Archives/GettyDoctor WhoactorMatt Smithplayed Queen Elizabeth’s late husband Prince Philip in seasons 1 and 2 of the series. The first two seasons of the show saw a young Philip struggling to adjust to his wife’s new role as Queen and his own role as the Duke of Edinburgh.“He’s torn between the duty to his wife and a duty to himself,” the actortold theL.A. Timesin 2017. “And I found that conflict very interesting to explore and play because he’s pulled in two different directions constantly. No other man in that period would kneel before his wife or walk two feet behind her. That was very difficult for him.“Smith earned an Emmy nomination for his supporting role on the show and went on to star on HBO’sHouse of the Dragon.
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Matt Smith as Prince Philip
Netflix; Donald McKague/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Doctor WhoactorMatt Smithplayed Queen Elizabeth’s late husband Prince Philip in seasons 1 and 2 of the series. The first two seasons of the show saw a young Philip struggling to adjust to his wife’s new role as Queen and his own role as the Duke of Edinburgh.
“He’s torn between the duty to his wife and a duty to himself,” the actortold theL.A. Timesin 2017. “And I found that conflict very interesting to explore and play because he’s pulled in two different directions constantly. No other man in that period would kneel before his wife or walk two feet behind her. That was very difficult for him.”
Smith earned an Emmy nomination for his supporting role on the show and went on to star on HBO’sHouse of the Dragon.
05of 34Tobias Menzies as Prince PhilipNetflix; Central Press/Hulton Archive/GettyTobias Menzies addedThe Crownto his list of acting credits when he took over the role of Prince Philip during seasons 3 and 4. During these seasons, viewers watched as Philip visited with survivors of the Aberfan mining disaster, became enthralled with theApollo 11 moon landingand more.In 2018, his performance onThe Crownwon him an Emmyfor outstanding supporting actor. Menzies’ other credits includeOutlander,Game of ThronesandYou Hurt My Feelings(2023).
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Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip
Netflix; Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty
Tobias Menzies addedThe Crownto his list of acting credits when he took over the role of Prince Philip during seasons 3 and 4. During these seasons, viewers watched as Philip visited with survivors of the Aberfan mining disaster, became enthralled with theApollo 11 moon landingand more.
In 2018, his performance onThe Crownwon him an Emmyfor outstanding supporting actor. Menzies’ other credits includeOutlander,Game of ThronesandYou Hurt My Feelings(2023).
06of 34Jonathan Pryce as Prince PhilipNetflix; Tim Graham Photo LibraryJonathan Pryceportrays Prince Philip during seasons 5 and 6 of the show.“I am delighted to be working with Netflix again. The positive experience I had makingThe Two Popeshas given me the confidence to tackle the daunting prospect of portraying Prince Philip.” Prycesaid in August 2020. “To be doing so with [director]Peter Morganin the company of Imelda and Lesley [Manville] will be a joy.“The Crownis just another addition to Pryce’s impressive résumé. He is also known forTomorrow Never Dies(1997),Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End(2007),The Wife(2017) andAll the Old Knives(2022).
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Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip
Jonathan Pryceportrays Prince Philip during seasons 5 and 6 of the show.
“I am delighted to be working with Netflix again. The positive experience I had makingThe Two Popeshas given me the confidence to tackle the daunting prospect of portraying Prince Philip.” Prycesaid in August 2020. “To be doing so with [director]Peter Morganin the company of Imelda and Lesley [Manville] will be a joy.”
The Crownis just another addition to Pryce’s impressive résumé. He is also known forTomorrow Never Dies(1997),Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End(2007),The Wife(2017) andAll the Old Knives(2022).
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Netflix; STF/AFP
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Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret
Netflix; Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty
Fans most likely recognize Bonham Carter from her role as Bellatrix Lestrange in theHarry Potterfranchise, but she has also appeared inCharlie and the Chocolate Factory(2005),Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street(2007),Dark Shadows(2012),Enola Holmes(2020) andEnola Holmes2(2022).
09of 34Lesley Manville as Princess MargaretNetflix; Tim Graham Photo LibraryLesley Manvilleplays Princess Margaret in the final years of her life in seasons 5 and 6.During a2020 interview with Deadline, Manville recalled the moment she was offered the role. “There was never any doubt that I would say yes,” she said. “When they said ‘Margaret,’ I hadn’t really thought about it. Then I thought, ‘Yes, Margaret!’ That’s fabulous because she was so avant-garde. So naughty, delightful and funny. What a wonderful woman to play.“Viewers might recognize Manville from her roles inPhantom Thread(2017),Ordinary Love(2019),Let Him Go(2020) andMrs. Harris Goes to Paris(2022).
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Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret
Lesley Manvilleplays Princess Margaret in the final years of her life in seasons 5 and 6.
During a2020 interview with Deadline, Manville recalled the moment she was offered the role. “There was never any doubt that I would say yes,” she said. “When they said ‘Margaret,’ I hadn’t really thought about it. Then I thought, ‘Yes, Margaret!’ That’s fabulous because she was so avant-garde. So naughty, delightful and funny. What a wonderful woman to play.”
Viewers might recognize Manville from her roles inPhantom Thread(2017),Ordinary Love(2019),Let Him Go(2020) andMrs. Harris Goes to Paris(2022).
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Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles
Netflix; Derek Hudson/Getty
O’Connor earned a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the now-King and has also appeared inGod’s Own Country(2017),Only You(2018),Emma.(2020) and the upcomingChallengers.
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Dominic West as Prince Charles
West has other credits to his name, including projects likeThe Wire,The AffairandDownton Abbey: A New Era(2022).
12of 34Emma Corrin as Princess DianaEmma Corrin; Princess Diana.Des Willie/Netflix; Reginald Davis/ShutterstockThe Crownfirst introduced viewers to the “People’s Princess” in season 4, with actorEmma Corrincast in the role. Corrinplayed the beloved royalfor just one season, which spanned 1979 through 1990, before passing off the role. At that time, they portrayed Princess Diana’s rise to fame and gave viewers a closer look into the princess’s difficult marriage to Charles.Corrin received lots of acclaim for their portrayal and has taken on roles in Amazon Prime Video’sMy Policeman(2022) and FX’s miniseriesA Murder at the End of the World.
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Emma Corrin as Princess Diana
Emma Corrin; Princess Diana.Des Willie/Netflix; Reginald Davis/Shutterstock
The Crownfirst introduced viewers to the “People’s Princess” in season 4, with actorEmma Corrincast in the role. Corrinplayed the beloved royalfor just one season, which spanned 1979 through 1990, before passing off the role. At that time, they portrayed Princess Diana’s rise to fame and gave viewers a closer look into the princess’s difficult marriage to Charles.
Corrin received lots of acclaim for their portrayal and has taken on roles in Amazon Prime Video’sMy Policeman(2022) and FX’s miniseriesA Murder at the End of the World.
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Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana
Keith Bernstein/Netflix, Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Australian actressElizabeth Debickistepped into Diana’s shoes for seasons 5 and 6, which cover the mid-’90s to early-2000s. Viewers can see the dissolution of Princess Diana and Prince Charles' marriage as well asthe princess’s 1997 death.
During a2022 interview withThe Guardian, Debicki opened up about her handling the role. “I went off instinct, andI didn’t overthink it. I’ve watched this show and loved it for years,” she said. “I knew I was stepping into working with people who were extremely intelligent and very sensitive about how they went about creating the script and making decisions. So I never felt like I’d jumped on unstable ground.”
14of 34Rufus Kampa and Ed McVey as Prince WilliamRufus Campa; Ed McCoy; Prince William at St. Andrew’s University on November 20, 2004.Keith Bernstein/Netflix; Netflix; Anwar Hussein/GettyInboth of their first on-screen roles, Rufus Kampa and Ed McVey portray Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s eldest son in season 6.Kampa playsPrince Williamin his childhood days, grappling with his mother’s death in the first part of season 6, while Ed McVey plays the now-Duke of Cornwallduring his college years atthe University of St. Andrews in Scotland— where he met his future wife,Kate Middleton.
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Rufus Kampa and Ed McVey as Prince William
Rufus Campa; Ed McCoy; Prince William at St. Andrew’s University on November 20, 2004.Keith Bernstein/Netflix; Netflix; Anwar Hussein/Getty
Keith Bernstein/Netflix; Netflix; Anwar Hussein/Getty
Inboth of their first on-screen roles, Rufus Kampa and Ed McVey portray Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s eldest son in season 6.
Kampa playsPrince Williamin his childhood days, grappling with his mother’s death in the first part of season 6, while Ed McVey plays the now-Duke of Cornwallduring his college years atthe University of St. Andrews in Scotland— where he met his future wife,Kate Middleton.
15of 34Fflyn Edwards and Luther Ford as Prince HarryFlynn Edwards; Luther Ford; Prince Harry during the Braemar gathering held in Scotland in 2001.Keith Bernstein/Netflix; SplashNews.com; David Cheskin — PA Images/PA Images/GettyIn the first installment of season 6, Fflyn Edwards plays the younger version ofPrince Harry. The actor has also been seen on1899,Shadow and BoneandThe Continental: From the World of John Wick.Meanwhile, acting newcomer Luther Ford takes on the ginger prince in the second part of season 6, where the royal family shifts into the new millennium. Talking about his approach to playing Harry, FordtoldHeromagazinein 2023, “I think the thing that helped me the most was that Diana said to Harry, ‘You can be as naughty as you like, just don’t get caught.” And I was just like, ‘Yes!’ It kind of summed up my experience of being inThe Crown.“He continued, “A lot of what is being explored is the dynamic between Harry and William, of the heir and the ‘spare,’ and having your brother as the closest person to you but also underlying feelings of competition.”
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Fflyn Edwards and Luther Ford as Prince Harry
Flynn Edwards; Luther Ford; Prince Harry during the Braemar gathering held in Scotland in 2001.Keith Bernstein/Netflix; SplashNews.com; David Cheskin — PA Images/PA Images/Getty
Keith Bernstein/Netflix; SplashNews.com; David Cheskin — PA Images/PA Images/Getty
In the first installment of season 6, Fflyn Edwards plays the younger version ofPrince Harry. The actor has also been seen on1899,Shadow and BoneandThe Continental: From the World of John Wick.
Meanwhile, acting newcomer Luther Ford takes on the ginger prince in the second part of season 6, where the royal family shifts into the new millennium. Talking about his approach to playing Harry, FordtoldHeromagazinein 2023, “I think the thing that helped me the most was that Diana said to Harry, ‘You can be as naughty as you like, just don’t get caught.” And I was just like, ‘Yes!’ It kind of summed up my experience of being inThe Crown.”
He continued, “A lot of what is being explored is the dynamic between Harry and William, of the heir and the ‘spare,’ and having your brother as the closest person to you but also underlying feelings of competition.”
16of 34Erin Doherty as Princess AnneNetflix; Tim Graham Photo LibraryErin Dohertyplayed the Queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, in seasons 3 and 4 of the drama series, calling the royal “a woman of great strength and heart” when her casting was announced.Departing from her role onThe Crown —which she viewed as"kind of like mourning someone”— Doherty has held roles onChloeand inFirebrand(2023).
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Erin Doherty as Princess Anne
Erin Dohertyplayed the Queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, in seasons 3 and 4 of the drama series, calling the royal “a woman of great strength and heart” when her casting was announced.
Departing from her role onThe Crown —which she viewed as"kind of like mourning someone”— Doherty has held roles onChloeand inFirebrand(2023).
17of 34Claudia Harrison as Princess AnneKeith Bernstein/Netflix, Tim Graham Photo Library via GettyIn seasons 5 and 6, Claudia Harrisonportrays Princess Anne, post-divorced from her ex-husband,Mark Phillips.In 2022, the actresstoldThe Guardianshe wanted “[Princess Anne’s] wit and her sense of humor” to be expressed through her portrayal. “Look at what she has done. With her role as the Princess Royal, she has been exceptional, and I hopeThe Crownis part of turning her into a feminist icon,” she said.Outside of the hit Netflix series, Harrison is known for her roles inThe Cat’s Meow(2004) and episodes ofMurphy’s Law,The IT Crowd,HumansandDelicious.
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Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne
In seasons 5 and 6, Claudia Harrisonportrays Princess Anne, post-divorced from her ex-husband,Mark Phillips.
In 2022, the actresstoldThe Guardianshe wanted “[Princess Anne’s] wit and her sense of humor” to be expressed through her portrayal. “Look at what she has done. With her role as the Princess Royal, she has been exceptional, and I hopeThe Crownis part of turning her into a feminist icon,” she said.
Outside of the hit Netflix series, Harrison is known for her roles inThe Cat’s Meow(2004) and episodes ofMurphy’s Law,The IT Crowd,HumansandDelicious.
18of 34Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker BowlesDes Willie/Netflix; Serge Lemoine/Getty ImagesEmerald Fennellplayed the now-Queen Consort during seasons 3 and 4, which showcased the early days of Camilla and Prince Charles’ romance. By the end of season 4, fans saw Camilla and Prince Charles both married — just not to each other.“I’m absolutely over the moon, and completely terrified, to be joining so many hugely talented people onThe Crown,” the actress and director said of taking the role, which earned her an Emmy nomination.During the same year as her last season onThe Crown, the actress launched her 2020 directorial debut,Promising Young Woman, whichearned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay— becoming the first woman to win in the category. Her second film,Saltburn, which starsJacob ElordiandBarry Keoghan, was released in November 2023, just months after she appeared inGreta Gerwig’sBarbie(2023) as Midge.
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Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles
Des Willie/Netflix; Serge Lemoine/Getty Images
Emerald Fennellplayed the now-Queen Consort during seasons 3 and 4, which showcased the early days of Camilla and Prince Charles’ romance. By the end of season 4, fans saw Camilla and Prince Charles both married — just not to each other.
“I’m absolutely over the moon, and completely terrified, to be joining so many hugely talented people onThe Crown,” the actress and director said of taking the role, which earned her an Emmy nomination.
During the same year as her last season onThe Crown, the actress launched her 2020 directorial debut,Promising Young Woman, whichearned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay— becoming the first woman to win in the category. Her second film,Saltburn, which starsJacob ElordiandBarry Keoghan, was released in November 2023, just months after she appeared inGreta Gerwig’sBarbie(2023) as Midge.
19of 34Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker BowlesOlivia WIlliams; Camilla Parker Bowles at her home in Corsham, Wiltshire in 1992.Netflix; ShutterstockDonning Camilla’s signature bob haircut, Olivia Williams took on the role in the final two seasons, which cover Camilla and Prince Charles' affair during the collapse of his and Princess Diana’s relationship.In a 2022interview withThe Times,Williams described season 5’s reimagined version of"Tampongate”— the infamously leaked private phone conversation between Camilla and Prince Charles — as “the absolute best scene inThe Crown.” She said, “I think the writing and the way this episode is structured is so brilliant.“The actress' other credits includeRushmore(1998),The Sixth Sense(1999),The Ghost Writer(2010),The Father(2020) andThe Nevers.
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Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles
Olivia WIlliams; Camilla Parker Bowles at her home in Corsham, Wiltshire in 1992.Netflix; Shutterstock
Netflix; Shutterstock
Donning Camilla’s signature bob haircut, Olivia Williams took on the role in the final two seasons, which cover Camilla and Prince Charles' affair during the collapse of his and Princess Diana’s relationship.
In a 2022interview withThe Times,Williams described season 5’s reimagined version of"Tampongate”— the infamously leaked private phone conversation between Camilla and Prince Charles — as “the absolute best scene inThe Crown.” She said, “I think the writing and the way this episode is structured is so brilliant.”
The actress' other credits includeRushmore(1998),The Sixth Sense(1999),The Ghost Writer(2010),The Father(2020) andThe Nevers.
20of 34Meg Bellamy as Kate MiddletonMeg Bellamy; Kate Middleton at Game Fair, Blenheim Palace in August 2004.Justin Downing/Netflix; Stephen Lock/ShutterstockMeg Bellamy makes her on-screen debut as Kate Middleton — the now-Princess of Wales — in the second part of season 6, which depicts the beginnings of her and Prince William’s romance.Announcing the news in 2022, the actresswrote on Instagram, “Pinch me please.. So excited to announce that I will be playing Kate Middleton in Series 6 of Netflix’s ‘The Crown’. It is such an honour to be joining the most incredible cast and crew, and I will strive to do Kate justice.”
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Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton
Meg Bellamy; Kate Middleton at Game Fair, Blenheim Palace in August 2004.Justin Downing/Netflix; Stephen Lock/Shutterstock
Justin Downing/Netflix; Stephen Lock/Shutterstock
Meg Bellamy makes her on-screen debut as Kate Middleton — the now-Princess of Wales — in the second part of season 6, which depicts the beginnings of her and Prince William’s romance.
Announcing the news in 2022, the actresswrote on Instagram, “Pinch me please.. So excited to announce that I will be playing Kate Middleton in Series 6 of Netflix’s ‘The Crown’. It is such an honour to be joining the most incredible cast and crew, and I will strive to do Kate justice.”
21of 34Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret ThatcherGillian Anderson; Margaret Thatcher in 1983.Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; GettyGillian Andersonadded another dose of star power to the show asMargaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister who served the nation from 1979 to 1990. To capture the character, Anderson said she first had topush her own personal opinions to the side.“I had to get to a point where it’s nothing to do with my opinions of her policies, of her actions,” shetoldHarper’s Bazaarin 2020.The result, Anderson said, is that her portrayal became “only about her as a human being and her motivation as a politician and as a mother.“In addition toThe Crown, Anderson has had roles on the seriesThe X-Files,Hannibal,Sex Education,The GreatandThe First Lady, as well as inWhite Bird: A Wonder Story(2023).
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Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
Gillian Anderson; Margaret Thatcher in 1983.Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; Getty
Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; Getty
Gillian Andersonadded another dose of star power to the show asMargaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister who served the nation from 1979 to 1990. To capture the character, Anderson said she first had topush her own personal opinions to the side.
“I had to get to a point where it’s nothing to do with my opinions of her policies, of her actions,” shetoldHarper’s Bazaarin 2020.
The result, Anderson said, is that her portrayal became “only about her as a human being and her motivation as a politician and as a mother.”
In addition toThe Crown, Anderson has had roles on the seriesThe X-Files,Hannibal,Sex Education,The GreatandThe First Lady, as well as inWhite Bird: A Wonder Story(2023).
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Greg Wise and Charles Dance as Lord Louis Mountbatten
Greg Wise; Charles Dance; Earl Mountbatten wearing his naval uniform, 1950.Alex Bailey/Netflix; Des Willie/Netflix; Getty
Alex Bailey/Netflix; Des Willie/Netflix; Getty
23of 34Victoria Hamilton as The Queen MotherNetflix; Hulton-Deutsch/Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/GettyIn seasons 1 and 2, Victoria Hamilton played the older Queen Elizabeth, also known asthe Queen Mother.Chatting with Metro.co.ukabout acting post-The Crown, Hamilton joked, “I have an innate need to kill the Queen Mother in every job I do now until the day I die, I think…. She was wonderful to play but I spent two years in a padded swim costume with fake boobs and a grey wig.“TheTony-nominated actress has also appeared on the seriesDeep State,LifeandCobra.
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Victoria Hamilton as The Queen Mother
Netflix; Hulton-Deutsch/Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty
In seasons 1 and 2, Victoria Hamilton played the older Queen Elizabeth, also known asthe Queen Mother.
Chatting with Metro.co.ukabout acting post-The Crown, Hamilton joked, “I have an innate need to kill the Queen Mother in every job I do now until the day I die, I think…. She was wonderful to play but I spent two years in a padded swim costume with fake boobs and a grey wig.”
TheTony-nominated actress has also appeared on the seriesDeep State,LifeandCobra.
24of 34Marion Bailey as The Queen MotherMarion Bailey; The Queen Mother celebrates her 90th birthday in London, UK, 4th August 1990.Mark Mainz/Netflix; Georges De Keerle/GettyAfter Hamilton’s two-season portrayal,Marion Baileytook over the role for seasons 3 and 4.“It’s a brilliant show, and we have a tough act to follow, but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother,” Bailey said afternews of her castingwas announced in July 2018.Bailey also has acted in projects likeObsessionandAll the Light We Cannot See.
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Marion Bailey as The Queen Mother
Marion Bailey; The Queen Mother celebrates her 90th birthday in London, UK, 4th August 1990.Mark Mainz/Netflix; Georges De Keerle/Getty
Mark Mainz/Netflix; Georges De Keerle/Getty
After Hamilton’s two-season portrayal,Marion Baileytook over the role for seasons 3 and 4.
“It’s a brilliant show, and we have a tough act to follow, but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother,” Bailey said afternews of her castingwas announced in July 2018.
Bailey also has acted in projects likeObsessionandAll the Light We Cannot See.
25of 34Marcia Warren as The Queen MotherMarcia Warren; The Queen Mother in grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital at the Chelsea Flower Show.Netflix; Peter Jordan — PA Images/PA Images/GettyAppearing on the seriesNo Place Like Home,DangerfieldandAgatha Raisin, veteran actress Marcia Warren stepped into the Queen Mother’s shoes for seasons 5 and 6, which cover the then-oldest-living royal’s final years untilshe died on March 30, 2002.When Warren landed the role, she “thought it was a joke and burst out laughing.” The actresstoldSaga Magazinein 2022, “I’d never even seen it because I don’t have Netflix. Once I’d caught up with all four series, I realized how incredibleThe Crownis, so was even more terrified when I started filming. It was such a terrific responsibility.”
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Marcia Warren as The Queen Mother
Marcia Warren; The Queen Mother in grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital at the Chelsea Flower Show.Netflix; Peter Jordan — PA Images/PA Images/Getty
Netflix; Peter Jordan — PA Images/PA Images/Getty
Appearing on the seriesNo Place Like Home,DangerfieldandAgatha Raisin, veteran actress Marcia Warren stepped into the Queen Mother’s shoes for seasons 5 and 6, which cover the then-oldest-living royal’s final years untilshe died on March 30, 2002.
When Warren landed the role, she “thought it was a joke and burst out laughing.” The actresstoldSaga Magazinein 2022, “I’d never even seen it because I don’t have Netflix. Once I’d caught up with all four series, I realized how incredibleThe Crownis, so was even more terrified when I started filming. It was such a terrific responsibility.”
26of 34Matthew Goode and Ben Daniels as Antony Armstrong-JonesBen Daniels; Matthew Goode; Antony Armstrong-Jones after announcing his engagement to Princess Margaret.Des Willie/Netflix; Alex Bailey/Netflix; Hulton Archive/GettyIn seasons 1 and 2,Downton Abbeyactor Matthew Goode played Antony Armstrong-Jones, the photographer who would go on to become Princess Margaret’s husband. The actor also earned acting credits forThe King’s Man(2021),A Discovery of WitchesandThe Offer.Ben Daniels — known for his roles onFlesh and Bone,The Exorcist,Jupiter’s LegacyandFoundation— took over the role of Armstrong-Jones for seasons 3 and 4.
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Matthew Goode and Ben Daniels as Antony Armstrong-Jones
Ben Daniels; Matthew Goode; Antony Armstrong-Jones after announcing his engagement to Princess Margaret.Des Willie/Netflix; Alex Bailey/Netflix; Hulton Archive/Getty
Des Willie/Netflix; Alex Bailey/Netflix; Hulton Archive/Getty
In seasons 1 and 2,Downton Abbeyactor Matthew Goode played Antony Armstrong-Jones, the photographer who would go on to become Princess Margaret’s husband. The actor also earned acting credits forThe King’s Man(2021),A Discovery of WitchesandThe Offer.
Ben Daniels — known for his roles onFlesh and Bone,The Exorcist,Jupiter’s LegacyandFoundation— took over the role of Armstrong-Jones for seasons 3 and 4.
27of 34Lia Williams and Geraldine Chaplin as Wallis SimpsonLia WIlliams; Geraldine Chaplin; Portrait of the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.Alex Bailey/Netflix; Des Willie/Netflix; Bachrach/GettyIn seasons 1 and 2 ofThe Crown,Lia Williams portrayed Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée whom parliament would not allow Edward VIII to marry and whom he abdicated the throne for. (The actress went on to appear on HBO’sHis Dark Materials.)In season 3 (and one season 5 episode), Geraldine Chaplin played the controversial woman, and viewers saw Chaplin’s Simpson offer Prince Charles some advice on his relationship with Camilla. Chaplin’s acting credits includeJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom(2018),Britannia,Luka(2023) andSeneca(2023).
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Lia Williams and Geraldine Chaplin as Wallis Simpson
Lia WIlliams; Geraldine Chaplin; Portrait of the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.Alex Bailey/Netflix; Des Willie/Netflix; Bachrach/Getty
Alex Bailey/Netflix; Des Willie/Netflix; Bachrach/Getty
In seasons 1 and 2 ofThe Crown,Lia Williams portrayed Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée whom parliament would not allow Edward VIII to marry and whom he abdicated the throne for. (The actress went on to appear on HBO’sHis Dark Materials.)
In season 3 (and one season 5 episode), Geraldine Chaplin played the controversial woman, and viewers saw Chaplin’s Simpson offer Prince Charles some advice on his relationship with Camilla. Chaplin’s acting credits includeJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom(2018),Britannia,Luka(2023) andSeneca(2023).
28of 34John Lithgow as Prime Minister Winston ChurchillNetflix; Evening Standard/GettyJohn Lithgow won an Emmy and was nominated for a Golden Globe for playing Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the first season ofThe Crown.Lithgow’s other work includes3rd Rock from the Sun,Dexter,Perry Mason,The Old Man,Sharper(2023) andKillers of the Flower Moon(2023).
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John Lithgow as Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Netflix; Evening Standard/Getty
John Lithgow won an Emmy and was nominated for a Golden Globe for playing Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the first season ofThe Crown.Lithgow’s other work includes3rd Rock from the Sun,Dexter,Perry Mason,The Old Man,Sharper(2023) andKillers of the Flower Moon(2023).
29of 34Jason Watkins as Prime Minister Harold WilsonJason Watkins; Harold Wilson in the Cabinet Room at Number Ten Downing Street.Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; George Freston/Fox Photos/GettyDuring season 3, Jason Watkins portrayed Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who served two tenures as head of the U.K. government in the late-’60s and the ’70s.“I am delighted to become part of this exceptional show. And so thrilled to be working once again with Peter Morgan,” Watkins said at the time of his casting. “Harold Wilson is a significant and fascinating character in our history. So looking forward to bringing him to life, through a decade that transformed us culturally and politically. And excited to be working so closely with Olivia; and the whole team.“The actor has also made appearances inDes,The CatchandWicked Little Letters(2023), among other titles.
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Jason Watkins as Prime Minister Harold Wilson
Jason Watkins; Harold Wilson in the Cabinet Room at Number Ten Downing Street.Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; George Freston/Fox Photos/Getty
Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; George Freston/Fox Photos/Getty
During season 3, Jason Watkins portrayed Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who served two tenures as head of the U.K. government in the late-’60s and the ’70s.
“I am delighted to become part of this exceptional show. And so thrilled to be working once again with Peter Morgan,” Watkins said at the time of his casting. “Harold Wilson is a significant and fascinating character in our history. So looking forward to bringing him to life, through a decade that transformed us culturally and politically. And excited to be working so closely with Olivia; and the whole team.”
The actor has also made appearances inDes,The CatchandWicked Little Letters(2023), among other titles.
30of 34David Wilmot as Arthur ScargillDavid Wilmot; Arthur Scargill at the Labour Party conference in Blackpool, England, United Kingdom, in October 1985.Matt Sprake/SplashNews.com; Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/GettyIn one season 3 episode, David Wilmot played Arthur Scargill, who was President of the National Union of Mineworkers during some of the most tumultuous years for British Industry. He eventually triumphed over Prime Minister Edward Heath.Outside ofThe Crown, the actor has built an impressive résumé, which includes credits forAnna Karenina(2012),Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald(2018),Station ElevenandThe Wonder(2022).
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David Wilmot as Arthur Scargill
David Wilmot; Arthur Scargill at the Labour Party conference in Blackpool, England, United Kingdom, in October 1985.Matt Sprake/SplashNews.com; Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
Matt Sprake/SplashNews.com; Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
In one season 3 episode, David Wilmot played Arthur Scargill, who was President of the National Union of Mineworkers during some of the most tumultuous years for British Industry. He eventually triumphed over Prime Minister Edward Heath.
Outside ofThe Crown, the actor has built an impressive résumé, which includes credits forAnna Karenina(2012),Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald(2018),Station ElevenandThe Wonder(2022).
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Harry Treadaway as Roddy Llewellyn
Harry Treadaway; Roddy Llewelyn on September 6, 1977 in London.Netflix; Tom Wargacki/WireImage
Netflix; Tom Wargacki/WireImage
Harry Treadaway played Roddy Llewellyn, Princess Margaret’s lover, during season 3 of the hit show. While she was still married to Lord Snowdon, Princess Margaret was introduced to her landscape gardener, Llewellyn. At 25, he was 17 years younger than her — but he became a regular visitor to her private island in Mustique. Their love affair lasted eight years.
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Jared Harris as King George VI
Netflix; Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Getty
Jared Harris played Queen Elizabeth’s father,King George VI, in season 1. Harris’s character only appeared in half of the season beforehe died, making way for his older daughter’s ascension.
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Ben Miles as Peter Townsend
Netflix; Central Press/Getty
Ben Miles played military hero Group Capt. Peter Townsend, whoseill-fated love affairwith Princess Margaret provided plenty of drama for the show’s first season.
34of 34Khalid Abdalla as Dodi FayedKhalid Abdalla; Dodi al Fayed.Daniel Escale/Netflix ; Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis/GettyIn seasons 5 and 6,Khalid Abdallatakes on the role ofDodi Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire heir who was in aromantic relationship with Dianabefore theyboth died in a car crashin Paris in 1997.“Since people have known that I’m playing this role, they’ve expected me to be the token Arab character who passes across the screen and is irrelevant,” AbdallatoldTown & Country Magazinein 2022. “One of the great things about what’s happening here is that the Fayeds — Dodi, Mohamed and the family — are being treated with the same respect and cultural space that is given to other figures in the royal family.“The actor has been seen in films likeUnited 93(2006),The Kite Runner(2007) andGreen Zone(2010), as well as on the seriesHannaandMoon Knight.
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Khalid Abdalla as Dodi Fayed
Khalid Abdalla; Dodi al Fayed.Daniel Escale/Netflix ; Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis/Getty
Daniel Escale/Netflix ; Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis/Getty
In seasons 5 and 6,Khalid Abdallatakes on the role ofDodi Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire heir who was in aromantic relationship with Dianabefore theyboth died in a car crashin Paris in 1997.
“Since people have known that I’m playing this role, they’ve expected me to be the token Arab character who passes across the screen and is irrelevant,” AbdallatoldTown & Country Magazinein 2022. “One of the great things about what’s happening here is that the Fayeds — Dodi, Mohamed and the family — are being treated with the same respect and cultural space that is given to other figures in the royal family.”
The actor has been seen in films likeUnited 93(2006),The Kite Runner(2007) andGreen Zone(2010), as well as on the seriesHannaandMoon Knight.
source: people.com
