It is all change on the third series of The Crown as the story of the British monarchy enters a new chapter, introducing a whole new cast in the royal roles originally made famous by Claire Foy, Matt Smith et al.
With details of when we can expect the new episodes to start streaming on Netflix now finally announced, we’ve rounded up everything we know so far about the new series…
When does The Crown series three start?
Netflix announced that the high-anticipated third series of The Crown will hit the streaming service on 17 November 2019.
They shared a special Royal Announcement on Twitter, wishing the public “the most splendid of viewing experiences”.
But that was not all, as with the announcement came a (very small) peek at Olivia Colman in action as Queen Elizabeth II in a 20-second teaser.
Who is in The Crown series three cast?
Towards the end of last year, it was revealed that Oscar winner Olivia Colman would succeed Claire Foy in the role of the Queen, portraying her as she enters middle age.
Outlander and Black Mirror star Tobias Menzies takes over from Matt Smith as Prince Phillip, while Helena Bonham Carter will play Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby.
God’s Own Country and The Durrells actor Josh O’Connor has been cast as a young Prince Charles, while Erin Doherty will play Princess Anne.
Meanwhile, Cutting It and House Of Cards star Ben Daniels takes over from Matthew Goode as Tony Armstrong-Jones and Victoria Hamilton is succeeded as The Queen Mother by Marion Bailey.
New characters will include Camilla Parker-Bowles, who will be played by Call The Midwife star Emerald Fennell and Prime Minister Harold Wilson, played by The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies star Jason Watkins.
Showrunner Peter Morgan has also spoken of his intention to keep the cast the same for the next two series, before bringing in a whole new set of actors in for the planned fifth and sixth series.
Filming began on series three in July 2018, wrapping in February 2019, while work on the next series is believed to begin this month.
What takes place in The Crown series three?
The show’s first and second seasons focused on the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign from 1947 to 1963.
The action moves on to 1964 in series three, and will cover the years up to 1977, hence why older actors needed to be cast.
While it is not yet clear what parts of royal history the series will cover, the casting of Camilla Parker-Bowles suggests Prince Charles’ early friendship with his now-wife will feature in the story.
Similarly, with the casting Prime Minister Harold Wilson, it is thought the Queen’s close working relationship with him will be a central plot.
Prince Philip actor Tobias Menzies recently revealed to Radio Times one episode will focus on the Apollo 11 moon landing, and how his character reacted to the event.
Other notable things that happened during this time period include the decolonisation of Africa and the Caribbean, the birth of Prince Edward and Prince Charles’ coronation as the Prince of Wales.
Will Princess Diana be in series three of The Crown?
With the announcement earlier this year that newcomer Emma Corrin will take on the role of Princess Diana in The Crown, fans had anticipated seeing her in the upcoming series.
However, Diana does not enter the royal timeline until the end of 1977, meaning she will be introduced in series four.
Emma previously had a minor part in ITV drama Grantchester, before landing a role in US Batman spin-off drama, Pennyworth.
She said in a statement upon her casting: “Princess Diana was an icon and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity and I will strive to do her justice.”
What else do we know about The Crown series four?
While it is yet to be confirmed, it is heavily rumoured Sex Education and X-Files star Gillian Anderson will join the cast as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, which has provoked a lot of reaction online.
The fourth series of The Crown is expected to hit Netflix in 2020.
