Season
Episode
Player server
The Crown

The Crown

20168
Drama
Released
Nov 04, 2016
Countries
United Kingdom, United States
Productions
Left Bank PicturesSony Pictures Television
The gripping, decades-spanning inside story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who shaped Britain's post-war destiny. The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world – Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses, two courts, one Crown.

About

Quick guide

A decade‑spanning drama that follows Queen Elizabeth II and the leaders who shape Britain’s post‑war era.

The Crown is a 2016‑2023 Netflix series that follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her 1947 wedding to the 2005 marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Each of the six seasons covers a decade of history, weaving political intrigue, royal protocols and personal relationships into a sweeping narrative. The show stars Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton as the Queen, with Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby and others portraying key figures such as Prince Philip and Princess Margaret. Production cost a reported $260 million, and the series has received praise for its performances and production value while sparking debate over historical accuracy. Despite its rich storytelling, the series includes mature themes that may not be suitable for all audiences.

What to know

  • Six seasons, each with ten episodes.
  • Spans 1947‑2005, covering major UK political events.
  • Features a rotating cast for the Queen and key royal figures.
  • Produced on an estimated $260 million budget.
  • Directed by a team including Stephen Daldry and Julian Jarrold.
  • Mixes historical fact with dramatized dialogue.
  • Contains political drama, romance and personal conflict.
  • Episodes run 39‑72 minutes, with a slow‑burn narrative style.

Watch if

If you enjoy nuanced period dramas that blend personal stories with grand political narratives, and you appreciate strong performances and detailed production design, The Crown offers an in‑depth look at the British monarchy’s influence on modern history.

Skip if

If you prefer light, family‑friendly entertainment or are uncomfortable with mature themes such as political power struggles and complex relationship dynamics, this series may not be the best fit.

political themespsychological elementsromance elementsdark tonemature themessuspenseful
Season Overview
Each of the six seasons of The Crown covers roughly ten years of history, from the 1940s through the early 21st century. The first season focuses on the Queen’s accession and early years, while the last season deals with the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla. The series uses a decade‑long narrative structure to explore the evolving nature of monarchy and the people surrounding it.
Political Intrigue
The show portrays the relationship between the monarchy and the government, featuring figures such as Winston Churchill, Harold Wilson, Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair. By weaving these interactions into the story, the series highlights how political decisions and scandals influenced the Crown’s image and its role in society.
Royal Family Dynamics
Family relationships are at the heart of the series, from the Queen’s early romances to her complex ties with Princess Margaret, Prince Charles and Diana. The drama examines the personal costs of royal duty and the ways in which personal choices affect public perception.
Historical Events
Key moments such as the Suez Crisis, the Profumo affair, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and the 1992 'annus horribilis' are dramatized to show how global events intersected with royal life, giving viewers a broader context for the monarchy’s evolution.
Cast Evolution
The Crown employs a rotating cast to match the timeline, with Claire Foy as the young Queen, Olivia Colman as the mature monarch and Imelda Staunton for later years. Supporting roles feature actors such as Matt Smith as Prince Philip and Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret.
Production Details
Produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony, the series cost at least £100 million for the first season. Filming took place at Elstree Studios and various UK locations, with meticulous period detail contributing to the show’s polished aesthetic.
Reception
The Crown has received critical acclaim for its performances and production value, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. However, critics have highlighted historical inaccuracies and creative liberties, sparking debate among historians and viewers alike.

FAQ

51 Q&A
Who plays Prince Charles?
Prince Charles is played by several actors. Young Charles is played by Billy Jenkins. Teenage Charles is played by Julian Baird. Adult Charles is played by Josh O'Connor and then by Dominic West.
How does The Crown portray Prince Philip's relationship with the Queen?
The show depicts Prince Philip as a supportive but sometimes difficult husband who struggles with his role as the Queen's consort. It shows moments of love, conflict, and duty.
Who plays Princess Margaret?
Princess Margaret is played by two actresses. Vanessa Kirby plays her when she is younger, and Helena Bonham Carter plays her in her middle years. Lesley Manville plays her in her later years.
What is the main story of The Crown?
The Crown tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II's life and her reign. It shows the challenges she faced as queen and in her personal life.
What was the Queen's decision in the final episode?
In the final episode of the series, Queen Elizabeth II decides to continue her reign and serve her country.
How many seasons of The Crown are there?
There are six seasons of The Crown.
When did The Crown start?
The Crown first aired in 2016.
Did Prince Philip cheat on the Queen?
The show suggests Prince Philip may have had close relationships with other women, but it does not explicitly show him cheating on the Queen.
What is the relationship between Charles and Camilla?
The show portrays Charles and Camilla's relationship as a deep love that faces many obstacles due to their royal duties and the expectations of the time.
Does The Crown show Diana's death?
The Crown shows the events leading up to Princess Diana's death and the public's reaction, but it does not depict the car crash itself.
What historical events are shown in The Crown?
The series covers major historical events during Queen Elizabeth II's reign, including political crises, royal weddings, and social changes.
Who plays Prince Philip?
Prince Philip is played by three actors. Matt Smith plays him when he is younger, Tobias Menzies plays him in his middle years, and Jonathan Pryce plays him in his later years.
What happens at the end of The Crown?
The series ends with Queen Elizabeth II reflecting on her long reign and looking towards the future of the monarchy.
Who are the main characters in The Crown?
The main characters are Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, and later, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Camilla Parker Bowles.
Does The Crown show the Queen's whole life?
The Crown covers Queen Elizabeth II's life from her wedding in 1947 up to the early 2000s, showing significant parts of her reign but not her entire life.
Did Queen Elizabeth II consider giving up the throne?
The show depicts moments where the Queen feels the weight of her duty and responsibilities, but it does not show her seriously considering giving up the throne.
Who plays Camilla Parker Bowles?
Camilla Parker Bowles is played by two actresses. Emerald Fennell plays her when she is younger, and Samantha Morton voices her in her older years. She is also played by Olivia Williams.
What is The Crown about?
The Crown is a historical drama series that follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the major political and personal events that shaped her reign.
Who plays Princess Diana?
Princess Diana is played by two actresses. Emma Corrin plays her when she is younger, and Elizabeth Debicki plays her in her later years.
Who played Queen Elizabeth in her middle years?
Queen Elizabeth II in her middle years is played by Olivia Colman.
Who played Queen Elizabeth in her later years?
Queen Elizabeth II in her later years is played by Imelda Staunton.
What happened to Princess Diana in the show?
The show depicts Princess Diana's marriage to Prince Charles, her struggles with royal life, her public popularity, and her tragic death.
Who plays Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown?
Queen Elizabeth II is played by three actresses. Claire Foy plays her when she is young, Olivia Colman plays her in her middle years, and Imelda Staunton plays her in her later years.
How did Princess Diana feel about Charles and Camilla?
The show portrays Princess Diana as aware of and deeply hurt by Prince Charles's ongoing relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.
Who played young Queen Elizabeth?
Young Queen Elizabeth II is played by Claire Foy.
What advice did Prince William give to Matt Smith?
In The Crown, Prince William jokingly told Matt Smith (who played Prince Philip) that he was doing a great job acting like his grandfather.
What was the Profumo affair?
The Profumo affair was a scandal in 1963 involving John Profumo, a government minister, and a woman named Christine Keeler. It caused a big stir in Britain.
What was the Queen's 'annus horribilis'?
The Queen's 'annus horribilis', meaning 'horrible year', was 1992. It was a tough year with many family troubles and a fire at Windsor Castle.
What is the Queen's relationship with Princess Margaret?
The Queen and her sister Princess Margaret had a close but sometimes difficult relationship. They loved each other but often disagreed.
What is the Queen's private life like in The Crown?
The show portrays the Queen's private life as often lonely and filled with duty, showing her struggles to balance her role as monarch with her family.
Is The Crown historically accurate?
The Crown takes inspiration from real events but takes creative liberties to tell a compelling story. It's a drama, not a documentary.
What is Peter Morgan's role in The Crown?
Peter Morgan is the creator and writer of The Crown. He developed the idea and wrote many of the episodes.
What happened during the 'War of the Waleses'?
The 'War of the Waleses' refers to the public and private struggles between Prince Charles and Princess Diana during their marriage, which was shown in The Crown.
What was the Suez Crisis?
The Suez Crisis was a conflict in 1956 when Egypt took control of the Suez Canal, leading to a military action by Britain and France that the Queen and her government had to manage.
Where was The Crown filmed?
The Crown was filmed in various locations, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and other historic sites in the UK.
What did Prince Philip think of The Crown?
There are reports that Prince Philip found the show amusing but also felt some portrayals were inaccurate and unfair.
What happened to Prince Andrew in The Crown?
The Crown has depicted Prince Andrew's life and his controversial associations, including his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
What is the significance of the corgis in The Crown?
The Queen's corgis are often shown as her loyal companions and a source of comfort in her demanding life.
Are the conversations in The Crown real?
Many conversations in The Crown are imagined by the show's writers to bring historical figures and events to life. Some are based on known interactions.
When does The Crown series end?
The Crown series concluded with its sixth season in late 2023.
What was Thatcher's role in The Crown?
Margaret Thatcher, the UK's first female Prime Minister, was a significant figure in Season 4 of The Crown, showing her complex relationship with the Queen.
What major events happen in Season 6 of The Crown?
Season 6 of The Crown covered events like the death of Princess Diana, the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla, and young Prince William and Harry at boarding school.
What is the Queen's relationship with her Prime Ministers?
The show portrays the Queen as having a formal yet often insightful relationship with her Prime Ministers, discussing important national matters with them.
Did Queen Elizabeth watch The Crown?
It has been reported that Queen Elizabeth watched some episodes of The Crown and had mixed feelings about it.
What is the difference between The Crown and a documentary?
The Crown is a fictional drama based on real events, while a documentary aims to present factual information. The Crown dramatizes and interprets events.
Who created The Crown?
Peter Morgan created the television series The Crown.
Does The Crown go up to the present day?
No, The Crown does not go up to the present day. The final season covers events up to the early 2000s.
How does the show balance family and duty for the Queen?
The Crown shows the Queen constantly struggling to balance her duties as monarch with her responsibilities and desires as a wife and mother.
What did the Queen think of The Crown?
Reports suggest Queen Elizabeth watched parts of the show and found it dramatized but also acknowledged some accuracy.
How much did The Crown cost to make?
The Crown is known for its high production costs, with reports suggesting it cost around $100 million per season.
What is shown about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
The TV series "The Crown" has not featured the story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in its seasons up to the early 2000s. Creator Peter Morgan stated that their story is too recent to be covered with historical perspective. While a young Prince Harry appears in Season 6, the focus is on events up to the early 2000s, and their later personal lives and decisions, like "Megxit", are not depicted due to a "20 year rule" to ensure historical distance. Prince Harry has watched the show and joked about fact-checking it, and he reportedly wishes for the show not to cover his departure from royal duties.

Actors

Imelda Staunton
Imelda Staunton
Queen Elizabeth II
Jonathan Pryce
Jonathan Pryce
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Lesley Manville
Lesley Manville
Princess Margaret
Dominic West
Dominic West
Prince Charles
Claudia Harrison
Claudia Harrison
Princess Anne
Marcia Warren
Marcia Warren
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother