Here’s what the cast of ‘The Crown’ looks like in real life

Elizabeth Debicki, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton and Jonathan Pryce at the premiere of the fifth season of “The Crown. “Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images “The Crown” is based on the real-life royal drama behind Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. An entirely new cast took over in season five, led by Imelda Staunton as the Queen herself.

Here’s how the actors look in real life compared to their regal on-screen personas. Caroline Praderio contributed to an earlier version of this post. Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in the early days of her reign.

Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth in 1953, directly following her father’s death. NetflixClaire Foy auditioned for the role while she was six months pregnant, wearing a tiara, gloves, and gown. Foy is equally regal in real life.

Claire Foy in May 2022. Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis/Getty ImagesFoy won a Golden Globe for her work in “The Crown,” and actually thanked the real Queen Elizabeth in her acceptance speech.  “I really, really, really wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for some extraordinary women, and I’m going to thank them.

One of them is Queen Elizabeth II,” he said. “She has been at the center of the world for the past 63 years, and I think the world could do with a few more women at the center of it, if you ask me. “Olivia Colman took over the lead role for seasons three and four.

Olivia Colman stars as Queen Elizabeth II on seasons three and four of “The Crown. “Des Willie/NetflixQueen Elizabeth II is a mother of four children on season three. Colman won an Oscar in 2019 for her role as Queen Anne in “The Favourite.

” She’s been nominated for two more since. Olivia Colman attends the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022. Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images”I’m so thrilled to be part of ‘The Crown,'” Colman said in a statement.

“I think Claire Foy is an absolute genius. She’s an incredibly hard act to follow. “For seasons five and six, the Queen will be played by Imelda Staunton.

Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s “The Crown. “NetflixStaunton was announced in 2020 to be taking over as the lead role in “The Crown,” back when it was still thought that the show would only be five seasons. “As an actor it was a joy to see how both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman brought something special and unique to Peter Morgan’s scripts.

I am genuinely honoured to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking ‘The Crown’ to its conclusion,” said Staunton. Staunton is probably most well-known for her role as Dolores Umbridge in the “Harry Potter” franchise. Imelda Staunton on April 25, 2022.

Lia Toby/Getty ImagesBesides that, though, Staunton has had a decades-long acting career. She also has acted with her husband Jim Carter in both “Downton Abbey” films. Matt Smith played Prince Philip, who married Elizabeth when she was still a princess.

Prince Philip was from the Greek and Danish royal families. NetflixPrincess Elizabeth and Prince Philip first met in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina and Prince George, according to the Royal Family’s official website. They got married on November 20, 1947.

Smith is currently starring on HBO’s latest smash hit “House of the Dragon. “Matt Smith on July 27, 2022Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty ImagesSmith was the source of a media firestorm and online outrage when it was revealed that he was paid more than Foy during their time on “The Crown. ” He responded by speaking out in support of equal pay.

Tobias Menzies played a middle-aged Prince Philip. Philip is an essential person in Elizabeth’s support system. Sophie Mutevelian/NetflixThe real Elizabeth and Philip were married for an incredible 73 years until Philip’s death in 2021.

You might recognize Menzies from “Game of Thrones” or “Outlander. “Tobias Menzies on October 12, 2021. Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty ImagesHe played Edmure Tully, the brother of Catelyn Stark and uncle of Sansa, Arya, and Bran — and the aspiring king who was roundly mocked on the series finale.

On the flip side, he played the absolutely terrifying Black Jack Randall in “Outlander,” as well as his sweeter descendant Frank Randall. Prince Philip is now played by Jonathan Pryce. Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip in season five of “The Crown.

“NetflixAt the time of Philip’s death in 2021, he was the longest-serving British royal consort. Pryce was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2021. Jonathan Pryce on March 30, 2022.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesPryce was cast in August 2020, just a few months after he was nominated for an Oscar his performance in “The Two Popes. “Pryce is also known for his roles in “Game of Thrones,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, and “Tomorrow Never Dies. “Erin Doherty began playing Princess Anne in season three.

Erin Doherty as Princess Anne in season three of “The Crown. “Des Willie/NetflixDoherty plays an older Princess Anne, the only daughter and second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Doherty recently starred in the BBC series “Chloe.

“Erin Doherty on June 9, 2022. Dominik Bindl/Getty Images for Amazon Studio”To be a part of ‘The Crown’ feels both special and surreal,” Doherty wrote of her new role 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. ” Claudia Harrison took over as Princess Anne in season five. Princess Anne in “The Crown.

“NetflixSeason five will see the demise of Princess Anne’s first marriage and her courtship with now-husband Timothy Laurence. Harrison is a little less buttoned-up in real life. Claudia Harrison at the season five premiere of “The Crown” in 2022.

Jeff Spicer/Contributor/Getty Images”Anne’s an extraordinary character. She’s not there to make people feel better about themselves, but she is superb at her job and is a proper feminist,” Harrison told Town and Country. “She’s someone we can really look up to and I think she has no sense of entitlement.

“Josh O’Connor portrayed an all-grown-up then-Prince Charles, the heir to the throne. Josh O’Connor in season three. NetflixKing Charles is the eldest child of the royal couple.

He was invested as Prince of Wales by the Queen on July 1, 1969. After his mother Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022, he’ll be coronated as King Charles III in May 2023. O’Connor won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his performance in “The Crown.

“Josh O’Connor on September 19, 2021. Rich Fury/Getty Images”Seasons three and four will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Prince 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 of his role in a statement. Dominic West will play Prince Charles through season six.

Dominic West as Prince Charles in Netflix’s “The Crown. “Netflix”He’s a fascinating man, Charles, and it’s a fascinating life, and a fascinating role. I mean, apart from anything else, it’s a huge show, and I loved the first four seasons.

I realized that I could very happily live with this character for two years,” West told Entertainment Weekly. You might recognize West from “The Affair. “Dominic West on March 9, 2022.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for dunhillWest’s hair is a little shaggier in real life. Emma Corrin played the people’s princess, Princess Diana.

Corrin and O’Connor in season four. NetflixLady Diana Spencer — who became Princess Diana following her marriage to Prince Charles — was a huge presence in season four of “The Crown. “The real Diana met Prince Charles in 1977, when he was dating her older sister, and they got married after a brief courtship in 1981.

Corrin recently co-starred with Harry Styles in “My Policeman. “Emma Corrin attends the “My Policeman” premiere on October 15, 2022. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI”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. “They’ve appeared in British series such as “Grantchester” and “Pennyworth. ” Next up, they will star in “My Policeman” and the Netflix adaptation of “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

“Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana through the end of her life. Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, Princess of Wales in Netflix’s “The Crown. “NetflixPrincess Diana’s death in 1997 is confirmed to be in season six of “The Crown.

“”It’s my hope that people feel that there’s an enormous evolution in her as the season progresses. For me, it’s a journey into a human finding a part of themselves that is profoundly strong — there’s a piece that has survived so much and can flourish,” Debicki told Entertainment Weekly. In real life, Debicki has longer hair.

Elizabeth Debicki on May 2, 2022. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueDebicki is known her roles in “Widows,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Tenet,” and “The Great Gatsby.

” In real life, she also sports an adorable Australian accent, as she hails from Melbourne. Vanessa Kirby portrayed Elizabeth’s younger sister, Margaret, during seasons one and two. Princess Margaret was four years younger than the queen.

NetflixPrincess Margaret was entangled in a forbidden romance throughout season one. The relationship was one of the biggest scandals in royal family history.  Kirby opts for blonde hair in real life.

Vanessa Kirby on September 7, 2022. Kate Green/Getty ImagesKirby has also appeared in “Jupiter Ascending” and “Mission: Impossible — Fallout. ” In 2021, Kirby was nominated for her first Academy Award for her performance in “Pieces of a Woman.

“Helena Bonham Carter took over the role as Princess Margaret for season three. Bonham Carter in “The Crown. “Netflix”I’m not sure which I’m more terrified about — doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby,” she said in a statement.

“The only thing I can guarantee is that I’ll be shorter than Vanessa. “Carter is well-known for iconic roles in movies like “Fight Club” and the “Harry Potter” series. Helena Bonham Carter on May 3, 2022.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images”The Crown” wasn’t Carter’s first foray into the Royal Family: She won an Oscar for “The King’s Speech,” in which she played Queen Elizabeth II’s mother. Lesley Manville was cast as Princess Margaret for season five.

Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret in Netflix’s “The Crown. “NetflixManville called Princess Margaret “so avant-garde. So naughty, delightful and funny.

What a wonderful woman to play” during an interview with Deadline. Manville starred in “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” in 2022.

Lesley Manville on March 22, 2022. Tristan Fewings/Getty Images”The Crown” isn’t Manville’s only period TV show this year — she’s set to star in the Starz adaptation of “Dangerous Liaisons” which the same week as “The Crown. “Ben Miles played Peter Townsend, Margaret’s controversial lover, in the first two seasons.

Townsend was an Air Force officer. NetflixWhen Margaret asked for her sister’s permission to marry Townsend, Queen Elizabeth II refused. Because he was previously divorced, the Church of England and Parliament were reportedly against the match, despite the public’s support.

Miles is perhaps best known for his starring role on the British TV comedy “Coupling. “Ben Miles on August 9, 2022. David M.

Benett/Dave Benett/Getty ImagesHe is also known for his roles in “V for Vendetta” and “Speed Racer. ” Miles has recently appeared in “Andor,” and is set for a role in the upcoming “Tetris” movie. Townsend returned in season five to catch up with Princess Margaret, played by former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton.

Timothy Dalton as Peter Townsend. NetflixDalton appears in just one episode of season five, but it’s an impactful appearance as Princess Margaret takes stock of her life and her many relationships over the years. Dalton is a little more salt and peppery in real life.

Timothy Dalton in 2019. Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesDalton will be best known for his two films as 007 in the ’80s: “The Living Daylights” and “Licence to Kill.

“Matthew Goode joined the cast as Margaret’s future husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, in season two. Margaret reportedly met her future husband, a magazine photographer, in 1958. NetflixThree years after announcing that she wouldn’t marry Townsend, Margaret married Armstrong-Jones, who later became known as Lord Snowden.

The couple’s love story had some scandalous twists and turns.  Goode, who’s appeared on “The Offer” and “A Discovery of Witches,” is actually a brunette. Matthew Goode on June 20, 2022.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty ImagesHe has also appeared in films like “Leap Year,” “The King’s Man,” and “Downton Abbey. “Ben Daniels portrayed an older Armstrong-Jones in season three.

Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones tied the knot on May 6, 1960. NetflixAfter the birth of their second child in 1964, Armstrong-Jones reportedly began sleeping with other women while away on photographic assignments, according to The Evening Standard. Daniels is a celebrated stage actor.

Ben Daniels on April 3, 2022. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty ImagesDaniels recently starred on “Jupiter’s Legacy,” and will appear in season two of the Apple TV+ series “Foundation.

“Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret’s grandmother. Queen Mary was also known as Mary of Teck. NetflixThe real-life Queen Mary died in 1953.

In real life, she’s an accomplished stage actress who was named a Dame by the real Queen in 2001. Dame Eileen Atkins in 2016. Joel Ryan/Invision/APAtkins has recently starred in “Magic in the Moonlight” and “Paddington 2.

“Victoria Hamilton played the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II’s mother was the original Queen Elizabeth. NetflixThe Queen Mother is the affectionate name given to Elizabeth and Margaret’s mother, who was was the wife of King George VI.

Hamilton traded old-fashioned finger waves for a blonde pixie cut. Victoria Hamilton attends the 2018 Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Dave Benett/Getty ImagesHamilton, an accomplished stage actress, starred in the 1995 film “Pride and Prejudice” and the 1999 film “Mansfield Park.

“Marion Bailey played the Queen Mother in seasons three and four. Marion Bailey as the Queen Mother on season three of “The Crown. “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. “Bailey is equally graceful but more brunette in real life. Marion Bailey attends the 2018 UK premiere of “Peterloo.

“Shirlaine Forrest/Getty ImagesMarion Bailey is known for films like “Allied,” “Mr. Turner,” and “Vera Drake. “Marcia Warren took over as the Queen Mother in season five.

The Queen Mother. NetflixThe Queen Mother lived to be an impressive 101 years old, dying in 2002. Warren has a more chic bob in real life.

Marcia Warren attends “The Crown” season five premiere in 2022. Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty ImagesJared Harris played King George VI, Elizabeth and Margaret’s father, during season one. King George VI, as portrayed in “The Crown.

“NetflixKing George VI reluctantly claimed the throne in 1937, after his older brother gave it up in order to marry an American socialite. His daughter Elizabeth became queen directly following his death in 1952. Offscreen, Harris usually grows out his beard.

Jared Harris on November 18, 2021. Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty ImagesHarris played another king, the infamous Henry VIII, in “The Other Boleyn Girl. “His father was the late Richard Harris, who is best known now as the original Dumbledore.

Alex Jennings played King Edward VIII, the older brother of King George VI who abdicated the throne in 1936. King Edward VIII renounced the throne. NetflixDirectly after his father died in 1936, Edward VIII took the throne.

Less than a year later, in a scandalous, unprecedented move, he renounced the throne in order to marry an American divorcee. Jennings wears glasses in real life. He returned briefly for a series of flashbacks in season five.

Alex Jennings on May 8, 2022. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)Jennings has also starred on recent TV series like “This Is Going to Hurt,” “Small Axe,” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral.

“Derek Jacobi played King Edward for one episode in season three. Jacobi is a famous and beloved stage actor. NetflixThe episode, “Dangling Man,” focused on the former king’s attempts to reconcile with his family, and his last meeting with his niece, the Queen, before his death in 1972.

Jacobi is a legendary British actor. Derek Jacobi in 2020. David M.

Benett/Dave Benett/Getty ImagesLike many other “Crown” actors, this wasn’t the first time he appeared in a project about the royal family. He had a role in “The King’s Speech” as Cosmo Gordon Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Wallis Simpson, Edward’s wife, was portrayed by Lia Williams.

Wallis Simpson was an American socialite. NetflixSimpson, an American socialite, was divorced twice before she fell in love with the royal. After Edward abdicated the throne for her, they married in 1937 and stayed together until Edward’s death in 1972.

Williams looks sophisticated in real life with a blonde pixie cut. She also returned for flashbacks in season five. Lia Williams attends the press night after party for “The Night Of The Iguana” in July 2019.

Dave Benett/Getty ImagesWilliams is known for films like “The Foreigner” and “The Missing. “Geraldine Chaplin played Simpson in season three. She’s the daughter of Charlie Chaplin.

NetflixThe real Simpson lived to be 89, dying in 1986. Many members of the royal family attended her funeral, even though it was her relationship with the Duke of Windsor that led to his abdication. She’s the daughter of screen legend Charlie Chaplin.

Geraldine Chaplin in 2019. Isa Foltin/Getty ImagesYou might know her daughter, Oona, from her role as Talisa in “Game of Thrones. “Greg Wise played Lord Louis Mountbatten, who served in the Royal Navy.

Louis Mountbatten was Prince Philip’s uncle. NetflixMountbatten was a great-grandson of Queen Victoria. You may recognize Wise from “Sense and Sensibility” or “Johnny English.

” He’s also married to Emma Thompson. Greg Wise attends on January 13, 2022. Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty ImagesHe also co-wrote the Emilia Clarke rom-com “Last Christmas” with his wife.

John Lithgow — season one’s only American actor — played Prime Minster Winston Churchill. Churchill famously led Britain to victory in World War II. NetflixChurchill was prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945, and again from 1951 to 1955.

Lithgow wore a fat suit to portray the storied politician. John Lithgow on June 14, 2022. Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesHe had to don the fat suit again to play Fox magnate Roger Ailes in “Bombshell.

“Churchill’s wife, Clementine, was portrayed by Harriet Walter. Clementine was a greatly influential during her husband’s political career. NetflixAccording to the History Channel, “Winston himself credited [Clementine] as the primary driver behind his astonishingly successful life.

“Walter, who looks much younger in real life, was also named a Dame by the actual Queen. Dame Harriet Walter on March 22, 2022. Tristan Fewings/Getty ImagesWalter portrayed Rebecca’s mom Deborah in season two of “Ted Lasso.

” She’ll reunite with her “Crown” co-star Alex Jennings in the 2022 holiday film “Your Christmas or Mine?”Jeremy Northam played Anthony Eden, the British politician who succeeded Churchill as prime minister. Northam’s Eden appears in season one and season two. NetflixEden succeeded Churchill in 1955.

The real Northam usually opts for a clean-shaven face and glasses. Jeremy Northam in 2012. Dave M.

Benett/Getty ImagesNortham acted alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in “Emma” and Sandra Bullock in “The Net. “During season two, Anton Lesser portrayed Harold Macmillan, the prime minister who succeeded Eden. Lesser as Macmillan.

NetflixHarold Macmillan took over as prime minister when Sir Anthony Eden resigned in 1957. Lesser is fairly camera-shy in real life — here’s how he looked a few years ago, in 2008. Anton Lesser in 2008.

robbie jack/Corbis/Getty ImagesYou may also recognize Lesser for his role as Qyburn in “Game of Thrones” or Major Partagaz in “Andor. “Jason Watkins played Prime Minister Harold Wilson in season three. Jason Watkins as Harold Wilson on season three of “The Crown.

“Sophie Mutevelian/NetflixAccording 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. Watkins stars on the ITV series “McDonald & Dodds. “Jason Watkins on August 12, 2021.

Kirsty O’Connor/PA Images/Getty ImagesHe also starred on the British comedy-drama series “Being Human. “Gillian Anderson took on the role of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in season four. Anderson as Thatcher.

NetflixAnderson, best known for her long-time role as Scully in “The X-Files,” took on the Iron Lady during season four. Thatcher became the first female prime minister when she was elected in 1979. She held the position until 1990.

Anderson doesn’t actually rock Thatcher’s signature bouffant in real life. Gillian Anderson on September 30, 2021. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesAnderson, who can most recently be seen in Netflix’s “Sex Education,” released a statement on joining the show, Variety reported.

“I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of ‘The Crown’ and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman. Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable, but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era,” she said. Jonny Lee Miller plays season five’s prime minister, John Major.

Majors was the prime minister during the Queen’s “annus horribilis. “NetflixMajor was the political leader of the UK from 1990 to 1997. Miller is almost unrecognizable in the role.

Jonny Lee Miller attends “The Crown” season five premiere in 2022. Jeff Spicer/Getty ImagesMiller might best be known to audiences for playing Sherlock Holmes in the show “Elementary” — or as Angelina Jolie’s first husband. Read the original article on Insider.