The Royals vs. 'The Crown' — How Do the Stars Compare to the Real-Life Monarchy? (PHOTOS)
One of Netflix's biggest series is nearly back with Season 4, but while fans wait for The Crown to return, we're taking a look at how the actors compare to the real-life inspiration.
From Queen Elizabeth to Prince Charles, viewers have seen some incredible casting for one of the world's most famous families. Netflix subscribers aren't the only ones who have noticed the uncanny similarities as star Claire Foy received the 2018 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
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Similar to Foy, many of The Crown's stars have been recognized at awards ceremonies with nominations and wins. Olivia Colman took home a Golden Globe, like Foy, for her version of Queen Elizabeth II, and others recognized with Emmy nominations over the years include Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Colman and Helena Bonham Carter.
Now with a new season on the horizon, we're sure the newest additions including Emma Corrin as Princess Diana will be just as gifted in their dramatized portrayals of the royals. As fans await the November 15 release date, scroll through the images below to see a side-by-side comparison of the real-life royal (or political figure) along with their onscreen counterparts from The Crown both past and present.
The Crown, Season 4 Premiere, Sunday, November 15, Netflix
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Queen Elizabeth
Between her voice, costumes, and physical appearance, the similarities between orignal Crown star Claire Foy and the Queen are uncanny. Though it’s hard to picture anyone else in the iconic role, Olivia Colman’s Season 3 portrayal proved, others can easily fit the mold with a seamless transition. She’ll officially be succeeded by Imelda Staunton who will portray the monarch for Seasons 5 and 6.
Prince Philip
Earning his first Emmy nomination for the role of Prince Philip, Matt Smith certainly embodied the mystifying counterpart to Queen Elizabeth. Taking on a slightly older portrayal is Outlander‘s Tobias Menzies who transformed his outward appearance for Season 3 and will continue to do in Season 4. As for Season’s 5 and 6, the honor will be handed off to Jonathan Pryce.
Princess Margaret
Vanessa Kirby wowed audiences with her edgy and raw performance as Queen Elizabeth’s lovelorn sister Princess Margaret, and Helena Bonham Carter proved she was just as good after stepping into the role for Season 3. The actress known for her many films has some familiarity with the royals — she played the Queen Mother in 2010’s Oscar Winning film The King’s Speech. While Bonham Carter will return for Season 4, she’ll pass the baton to Lesley Manville for Seasons 5 and 6.
Anthony Armstrong-Jones
Portrayed by Matthew Goode in Season 2, the role of Princess Margaret’s husband was filled by actor Ben Daniels in Season 3. Daniels is known for his roles in House of Cards, Fox’s The Exorcist, and the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Both actors certainly capture the suave side of the photographer.
The Queen Mother
Queen Elizabeth’s mother certainly shared her opinion when it came to her daughter’s actions in power based on Victoria Hamilton’s portrayal in Seasons 1 and 2. During Season 3, Marion Bailey stepped into the Queen Mother’s shoes, and carried that same judgemental torch. Considering that the Queen Mother lived until 2002, she’s likely to play a part throughout the show’s run.
Prince Charles
Julian Baring was the young actor behind Season 2’s Prince of Wales, but Josh O’Connor blew fans away with his riveting Season 3 performance as the lonely prince. While fans saw Baring’s version of Charles struggle at school, O’Connor’s has tackled Charles’ romantic relationships which will include Princess Diana in Season 4. Rumors about Seasons 5 and 6 casting suggest The Affair‘s Dominic West could step into the role, but it has yet to be confirmed.
Princess Anne
Erin Doherty entered the scene as the Queen’s second-eldest child, Princess Anne, in Season 3. The actress really dug into Anne’s indifference towards the system as well as her blunt approach to romance. Doherty’s physical appearance also mirrors Anne’s quite closely, making her portrayal even more convincing as she carries on into Season 4.
Camilla Parker Bowles
Call the Midwife‘s Emerald Fennell was cast in the pivotal role of Camilla — Prince Charles’ love interest during the ’70s-set third season. The actress will return for more drama in Season 4 after proving her uncanny resemblance to the real-life royal figure. Expect some tense moments Camilla has been described as the third person in Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana will finally play a role in The Crown as Emma Corrin portrays the “Peoples’ Princess” in Season 4. The actress resembles the young suitor of Prince Charles greatly as she peeks up at the camera from under her bangs. While fans will see the beginning of her and Charles’ romance, Netflix is already promising a look into the future as they revealed Elizabeth Debicki will play the princess for Seasons 5 and 6.
Margaret Thatcher
Gillian Anderson may not play a royal but her role as Margaret Thatcher is sure to make an impact on The Crown in her Season 4 debut. The former Prime Minister will go head-to-head with Queen Elizabeth and it’s clear based on Anderson’s transformation, that she’s ready for the task.
