How the cast of Netflix's 'The Crown' compares to the real-life royals

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Callie Ahlgrim,Gabbi ShawSep 30, 2020, 00:04 IST
How the cast of Netflix's 'The Crown' compares to the real-life royals

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth on Netflix's "The Crown."Netflix

  • Netflix's original series "The Crown" is based on the real-life royal drama behind Queen Elizabeth II's reign as the British monarch.
  • Its award-winning actors were replaced for the third and fourth seasons to reflect the aging of the characters.
  • Here's how the new and former cast members compare to the real people they play on the show.

Netflix's beloved and expensive original series "The Crown" rehashes all the royal drama behind Queen Elizabeth II's reign as the British monarch.

The first two seasons, set in the late '40s through the early '60s, were highly praised for the performances, but the actors on the show aren't just talented — they also look a lot like the real people that their roles are based on.

The third season takes place in the late '60s and early '70s. Season four, which drops in November, will cover the '80s, with the addition of Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher. The original cast members have been replaced to reflect the aging of the characters.

Here's how both batches of formidable actors compare to the real people they play on the show.

Caroline Praderio contributed to an earlier version of this post.

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Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in the early days of her reign.

Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in the early days of her reign.
Claire Foy won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. Netflix

Claire Foy auditioned for the role while she was six months pregnant, wearing a tiara, gloves, and gown.

Here's what the Queen really looked like at her coronation in 1953. She was 25 years old.

Here's what the Queen really looked like at her coronation in 1953. She was 25 years old.
Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth in 1953, directly following her father's death. AP

Queen Elizabeth II had a ground-breaking coronation, as it was the first ever to be televised. According to the Royal Family's official website, the historical event was watched by 27 million people in the UK alone.

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Matt Smith played the queen's husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Matt Smith played the queen's husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Matt Smith has also starred as the Doctor in "Doctor Who." Netflix

Matt Smith was the source of a media firestorm and online outrage when it was revealed that he was paid more than Foy. He responded by speaking out in support of equal pay.

This is what Prince Philip looked like after the official announcement of his engagement to Elizabeth in 1947.

This is what Prince Philip looked like after the official announcement of his engagement to Elizabeth in 1947.
He was known as Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten before their wedding. Popperfoto/Getty Images

November 20, 2019, marked the 72nd wedding anniversary of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, now the longest-reigning monarch alive.

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Olivia Colman has taken over the lead role.

Olivia Colman has taken over the lead role.
Olivia Colman will star as Queen Elizabeth II on seasons three and four of "The Crown." Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix

Netflix unveiled its first look at the older Queen in July 2018.

"I'm so thrilled to be part of 'The Crown,'" Colman wrote in a statement. "I think Claire Foy is an absolute genius. She's an incredibly hard act to follow."

Elizabeth was a mother of four and a global icon by the mid '60s.

Elizabeth was a mother of four and a global icon by the mid '60s.
Queen Elizabeth II in Germany after a 1965 State Reception. Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Elizabeth gave birth to her fourth and youngest child, Prince Edward, in 1964. Her role on the world stage continued to grow throughout the '60s.

She established her "walkabout" tradition, something like an informal meet-and-greet, during a trip to New Zealand in 1970.

According to "Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family: A Glorious Illustrated History," it has allowed her to establish a closer connection to thousands of subjects and "signaled a radical break with centuries of tradition."

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Tobias Menzies plays an older Prince Philip.

Tobias Menzies plays an older Prince Philip.
You might recognize Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully from "Game of Thrones." Des Willie/Netflix

"I'm thrilled to be joining the new cast of 'The Crown' and to be working with Olivia Colman again," Menzies wrote in a statement. "I look forward to becoming her 'leige man of life and limb.'"

Philip continued to stand by Elizabeth's side, executing royal duties throughout the '70s.

Philip continued to stand by Elizabeth's side, executing royal duties throughout the '70s.
Prince Philip in Poole, Dorset on June 8, 1972. Ray Bellisario/Popperfoto/Getty Images

Philip was awarded the Order of the Merit by the Queen in 1968, a highly exclusive honor that recognizes "great achievement in the fields of the arts, learning, literature and science."

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These young actors portrayed Elizabeth and Philip's two oldest children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

These young actors portrayed Elizabeth and Philip's two oldest children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
The actors playing Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Robert Viglasky/Netflix

Billy Jenkins played a young Prince Charles, while twins Grace and Amelia Gilmour played Princess Anne.

Prince Charles would go on to become the father of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Here's a picture of the adorable royal siblings in 1952.

Here's a picture of the adorable royal siblings in 1952.
They would soon be joined by two more brothers: Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964. AP

Prince Charles is next in line for the throne. Now 71 years old, he will be the oldest person in British history to be crowned — if he doesn't abdicate in favor of his son, Prince William.

Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter, comes after her three brothers and their kids in the line of succession.

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Erin Doherty took over as the young adult Princess Anne in season three.

Erin Doherty took over as the young adult Princess Anne in season three.
Erin Doherty had a small role on the BBC period drama series "Call the Midwife." Des Willie/Netflix

"To be a part of 'The Crown' feels both special and surreal," Doherty wrote in a statement. "There is such a special dynamic within Princess Anne that I am incredibly grateful to be able to explore. She is a woman of great strength and heart — I feel privileged to fight her corner."

Princess Anne turned 21 years old in 1971.

Princess Anne turned 21 years old in 1971.
Princess Anne during a visit to Turkey with her parents in October 1971. David Cairns/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

She entered public life at age 18 and has been an active member of the royal family ever since.

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Josh O'Connor portrays an all-grown-up Prince Charles, the heir to Queen Elizabeth's throne.

Josh O'Connor portrays an all-grown-up Prince Charles, the heir to Queen Elizabeth's throne.
Josh O'Connor also starred in "Florence Foster Jenkins." Des Willie/Netflix

"Seasons three and four will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Princes of Wales's life and our national story and I'm excited to be bringing to life the man in the midst of it all," he said in a statement.

Charles was invested as Prince of Wales by the Queen on July 1, 1969.

Charles was invested as Prince of Wales by the Queen on July 1, 1969.
Prince Charles wearing the gold coronet of the Prince of Wales. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

"We start off with Charles at Cambridge University, that's where we bring him into the series," O'Connor told RadioTimes.com.

Prince Charles enrolled at Cambridge University in 1967. He studied archaeology, anthropology, and history before receiving his degree in 1970.

"This is where we scale a significant part of his life which I feel so honored and excited to tell the story," O'Connor continued. "And tell a very different side of the story that we may not have seen or have known about."

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Vanessa Kirby was the first to portray Princess Margaret, the queen's younger sister.

Vanessa Kirby was the first to portray Princess Margaret, the queen's younger sister.
Vanessa Kirby has also appeared in "Jupiter Ascending" and "Mission: Impossible - Fallout." Robert Viglasky/Netflix

On the first two seasons of "The Crown," Margaret is portrayed as a vivacious, intelligent, yet somewhat rebellious young adult.

Here's a young Margaret in 1951, four months ahead of her 21st birthday.

Here's a young Margaret in 1951, four months ahead of her 21st birthday.
Margaret is pictured attending the premiere of the film "Captain Horatio Hornblower." Ron Burton/Keystone/Getty Images

She was Queen Elizabeth II's only sibling.

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In seasons one and two, Ben Miles played Peter Townsend, who had a controversial romance with Princess Margaret.

In seasons one and two, Ben Miles played Peter Townsend, who had a controversial romance with Princess Margaret.
Ben Miles is also known for his roles in "V for Vendetta" and "Speed Racer." Netflix

According to reports, a 22-year-old Margaret fell in love with Peter soon after the death of her father in 1952.

Here's Townsend in 1955, the same year he and Margaret reunited as a couple.

Here's Townsend in 1955, the same year he and Margaret reunited as a couple.
Townsend was a British colonel and aviator. Carlo Bavagnoli/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

As recounted on season one of "The Crown," Princess Margaret fell in love with one of the men working in the Queen's stables, Peter Townsend.

Because she was under 25, she had to ask for Queen Elizabeth's permission to marry him. But because he was previously divorced, Queen Elizabeth refused. The Church of England and Parliament were also said to be against the match.

She later tried again to marry him in 1955, after she turned 25 and would no longer need the Queen's permission. But Parliament said they'd revoke her royal privileges if she married a divorcee.

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Matthew Goode joined the cast as Margaret's husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, in season two.

Matthew Goode joined the cast as Margaret's husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, in season two.
Matthew Goode has appeared in films like "Leap Year," "Stoker," and "The Imitation Game." Alex Bailey / Netflix

Margaret reportedly met her future husband, a magazine photographer, at a dinner party in 1958. He photographed a famous portrait of her in 1959. Their relationship was kept very private in the beginning.

Armstrong-Jones is better known as Lord Snowden.

Armstrong-Jones is better known as Lord Snowden.
The couple pictured on February 26, 1960, just after announcing their engagement. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

Three years after announcing that she would not marry Townsend, Margaret married Armstrong-Jones.

They tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960 in the first royal wedding to be broadcast on TV.

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Helena Bonham Carter took over the role as Princess Margaret on season three.

Helena Bonham Carter took over the role as Princess Margaret on season three.
Helena Bonham Carter won an Oscar for playing the Queen Mother in "The King's Speech." Des Willie/Netflix

Princess Margaret still remains one of the most stylish royals in history, and the image captures the new decade: Bonham Carter is wearing a winged eyeliner, a make-up trend that became popular throughout the '60s, which is very different from how Kirby was styled on the first two seasons as the same character.

Here's Margaret, left, at the investiture of Prince Charles.

Here's Margaret, left, at the investiture of Prince Charles.
Princess Margaret and Princess Anne in 1969. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

She and her husband had welcomed two children by this time: David and Sarah, who were briefly introduced at the end of "The Crown's" second season.

Margaret was often followed by photographer Ray Bellisario, who's often called the "original paparazzo."

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Ben Daniels portrays an older Armstrong-Jones.

Ben Daniels portrays an older Armstrong-Jones.
Ben Daniels has starred in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" and on "House of Cards." Des Willie/Netflix

After the birth of their daughter in 1964, Armstrong-Jones reportedly began sleeping with other women while away on photographic assignments, according to The Evening Standard.

Here's Armstrong-Jones with his wife in 1970.

Here's Armstrong-Jones with his wife in 1970.
They were known as the Earl and Countess of Snowdon. Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Image

After years of reported infidelity on both sides, the couple separated in 1976. Two years later, Margaret became the first royal to divorce since Henry VIII, who reigned way back in the 1500s.

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Victoria Hamilton played Queen Elizabeth, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II.

Victoria Hamilton played Queen Elizabeth, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II.
Victoria Hamilton starred in the 1999 film "Mansfield Park." Netflix

Elizabeth was the wife of King George VI. She gave birth to her eldest daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II, in 1926. She welcomed her second daughter, Margaret, in 1930.

Here's the real Elizabeth, who was known fondly as the Queen Mother, in 1953.

Here's the real Elizabeth, who was known fondly as the Queen Mother, in 1953.
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, commonly known as the Queen Mother. Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

She wore black for a full year following her husband's death on February 6, 1952.

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Marion Bailey plays the Queen Mother in seasons three and four.

Marion Bailey plays the Queen Mother in seasons three and four.
Marion Bailey is known for films like "Allied," "Mr. Turner," and "Vera Drake." Des Willie/Netflix

"Wonderful to be joining 'The Crown,'" she said in a statement. "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."

This is what the Queen Mother looked like in 1969.

This is what the Queen Mother looked like in 1969.
The Queen Mother arrives at the Italian Embassy in London. PA Images via Getty Images

The Queen Mother died in 2002. She lived to be an impressive 101 years old.

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During the early seasons, Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary, Elizabeth II's grandmother.

During the early seasons, Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary, Elizabeth II's grandmother.
Eileen Atkins has starred in "Magic in the Moonlight" and "Paddington 2." Netflix

Queen Mary was already a princess when she married her second cousin once removed, the future King George V.

The real-life Queen Mary died in 1953.

The real-life Queen Mary died in 1953.
A portrait of Queen Mary from the coronation of her second-oldest son, George VI, in 1937. Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images

She was 85 years old when she died in her sleep.

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Jared Harris played King George VI, Elizabeth II's father.

Jared Harris played King George VI, Elizabeth II's father.
Jared Harris played the infamous Henry VIII in "The Other Boleyn Girl." Netflix

King George VI reluctantly claimed the throne in 1937, after his older brother gave it up in order to marry an American socialite, Wallis Simpson.

Here's George VI in his official coronation portrait from 1937.

Here's George VI in his official coronation portrait from 1937.
Side note: George VI is the one that "The King's Speech" is all about. Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images

Elizabeth II became queen directly following his death in 1952.

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Alex Jennings played King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936, during season one.

Alex Jennings played King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936, during season one.
Alex Jennings has also starred on recent TV series like "Unforgotten" and "Victoria." Netflix

Directly after his father died in 1936, Edward VIII took the throne. Less than a year later, he renounced it in a scandalous, unprecedented move.

Here's the real Edward after the abdication, in 1940.

Here's the real Edward after the abdication, in 1940.
After stepping down, he was named Duke of Windsor. AP

Edward had thrown the royal family into disarray by proposing to an American divorcee.

As head of the Church of England, which did not allow divorced people to remarry at the time, he was unable to remain king and continue with his nuptials.

"I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King [...] without the help and support of the woman I love," he said in a radio address to the nation in December 1936.

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Lia Williams played American socialite Wallis Simpson, who became Edward VIII's wife.

Lia Williams played American socialite Wallis Simpson, who became Edward VIII's wife.
Lia Williams is known for films like "The Foreigner" and "The Missing." Netflix

Simpson was divorced twice before she fell in love with the royal.

Williams looks remarkably like the real Wallis Simpson, pictured here in 1935.

Williams looks remarkably like the real Wallis Simpson, pictured here in 1935.
She became the Duchess of Windsor. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Edward and Simpson married in 1937 and stayed together until Edward's death in 1972. (And she wasn't the only commoner who married into royalty.)

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Greg Wise portrayed Prince Philip's uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten.

Greg Wise portrayed Prince Philip's uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten.
You may recognize Greg Wise from "Sense and Sensibility" or "Johnny English." Netflix

Mountbatten was a great-grandson of Queen Victoria, so he was both Prince Philip's uncle as well as a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.

This is Mountbatten in 1943.

This is Mountbatten in 1943.
He served in the Royal Navy and was a World War II hero. British Official Photographer/ IWM via Getty Images

Prince William named his third son Louis, likely in tribute to the late Lord Louis Mountbatten.

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John Lithgow played British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

John Lithgow played British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
John Lithgow also played Roger Ailes in 2019's "Bombshell." Netflix

Lithgow had to wear a fat suit to portray the storied politician.

Here's Churchill in 1945.

Here's Churchill in 1945.
He's pictured in his Downing Street office, shortly before the end of World War II. Popperfoto/Getty Images

Churchill was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945.

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Harriet Walter portrayed Churchill's wife, Clementine.

Harriet Walter portrayed Churchill's wife, Clementine.
Harriet Walter portrayed Dr. Kalonia in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Netflix

Clementine was greatly influential during her husband's political career.

According to the History Channel, "Winston himself credited her as the primary driver behind his astonishingly successful life."

This is the real Clementine in 1942.

This is the real Clementine in 1942.
She did her part as the wife of a wartime Prime Minister. Popperfoto/Getty Images

She died in 1977.

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Jeremy Northam played Anthony Eden, a British politician who became Prime Minister.

Jeremy Northam played Anthony Eden, a British politician who became Prime Minister.
Jeremy Northam acted alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in "Emma" and Sandra Bullock in "The Net." Netflix

Eden succeeded Churchill in 1955.

Northam nailed the real Eden's distinctive mustache.

Northam nailed the real Eden's distinctive mustache.
Eden is pictured on the day he took over as Prime Minister at 57 years old. Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images

"Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden is best known for his controversial handling of the Suez crisis in 1956," states the British government's official website.

He left office in 1957 and died 20 years later.

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Jason Watkins was cast for season three as Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Jason Watkins was cast for season three as Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Jason Watkins also stars on the BBC sitcom "Hold the Sunset." Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix

According to CNN, Wilson was the first prime minister from a lower-middle-class background during Queen Elizabeth II's reign and they got along well.

Here's Wilson making a speech in 1967.

Here's Wilson making a speech in 1967.
He was a member of the Labor Party. Rolls Press/Popperfoto/Getty Images

Wilson was Prime Minister from 1964 to 1970.

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Gillian Anderson is joining the cast on season four as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Gillian Anderson is joining the cast on season four as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Gillian Anderson is best known for her roles in "The X-Files" and "Sex Education." Netflix

Anderson was announced in September 2019 for season four, but not everyone knows how to feel about it, as the Iron Lady is a controversial historical figure.

Here's Thatcher and her husband Denis in 1979, after she was elected prime minister.

Here's Thatcher and her husband Denis in 1979, after she was elected prime minister.
Thatcher was the first female prime minister in the UK's history. Tim Graham/Getty Images

Thatcher became known as the Iron Lady for her uncompromising ways and strong will. She was prime minister from 1979 to 1990.

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Netflix also confirmed that Emma Corrin has been cast as Princess Diana.

Netflix also confirmed that Emma Corrin has been cast as Princess Diana.
Emma Corrin has previously appeared on ITV series "Grantchester." Netflix

"I have been glued to the show and to think I'm now joining this incredible talented acting family is surreal," Corrin wrote in a statement. "Princess Diana was an icon and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring."

She will be introduced to the series during season four.

Here's Diana, the future Princess of Wales, in 1980.

Here's Diana, the future Princess of Wales, in 1980.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1983. David Levenson/Getty Images

Lady Diana Spencer became Princess Diana following her marriage to Prince Charles.

The couple met in 1977 when Diana was 16 years old. Charles was dating her older sister, Sarah, at the time. They later married in 1981.

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