During the recording of the fifth season of The Crown Netflix’s Queen Elizabeth II has died. Which made it clear that the last chapters of the production would be much more than the chronicle of the events that surrounded the British royal family. Specifically, during the most recent thirty years. Also, they will become the symbolic farewell to the beloved leader, the center of the fiction in the five premieres. In addition to that, the conclusion of an argument that covered the most controversial details of the contemporary history of England.
Divided into two parts — one that premieres in November and the other in April of next year — the installment delves into events of enormous interest. From the death of Princess Diana of Wales, to that of the long-lived monarch. The series will not only provide dramatic depth to multiple events that marked the last decades of the 20th century. At the same time, it will show its significance in the future.
We leave you a review of the fundamental events that you should remember from the five previous seasons, ahead of the premiere of the next one. A way to revisit the great events that made The Crown in one of Netflix’s flagship series. Also, the favorite of a good number of the platform’s subscribers. Through its chapters, they have enjoyed a valuable journey into the contemporary transformations of one of the most beloved royal houses in Europe. And perhaps, several of the circumstances that involved the most relevant events of almost fifty years in the world.
Season 1 (1947–1955)
Released on November 4, 2016, it tells the life of the Queen Isabel (played by Claire Foy), in her youth. At that time, the heir to the throne, the duke of windsor (Alex Jennings), had abdicated for love. Therefore, the event of the marriage of the young member of the royal house became a matter of state. The plot explores her wedding to him Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Matt Smith) and the tensions to which both were subjected. Especially the way he had to give up his titles before marrying the future queen.
But the chapters also focused their attention on the first challenges of Isabel II at the head of the country’s constitutional power. That includes the confrontation with Winston Churchill (John Lithgow), acting prime minister, and his subsequent resignation. An event affected the political stability of England. Also shown is the illness and death of George VI (Jared Harris) an event that made the transition of monarchical power in the country harder.
Finally, the first chapters of The Crownthey recounted the frustrated romance between the Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) and Peter Townsend (Ben Miles). The latter, the royal equerry that ended up in the middle of a debate about the succession and the moral responsibility of members of the royal family. A devastating event, after what happened to the Duke of Windsor.
The scandal transcended the walls of Buckingham and became a shameful event that called into question the durability of the crown as an element of power. Amid pressure and a loud discussion in the House of Lords, Margaret announced that she would not marry Townsend.
Season 2 (1956–1964)
The second installment of the Netflix production arrived in its catalog on December 8, 2017. This time, and after its exploration of the family romantic drama of the previous one, the story becomes more political. So the script, again focused on the queen (Claire Foy), delves into the Suez crisis in 1956. The military conflict, which took place on Egyptian soil, involved a complicated political and arms alliance between England, France and Israel.
It was one of the first opportunities in which Isabel had to face the weight of diplomacy and make decisions with global repercussions. Although it was a victory for the alliance against Egypt, it was pressure from the Soviet Union and the United States that forced the withdrawal of troops. Something that the series analyzes from Isabel’s perspective. Specifically, the constant feeling of frustration that He awakened among his friends and allies the moral defeat that the failure in the Middle East meant.
At the other extreme, the retirement of Harold Macmillan (Anton Lesser), the third prime minister since Elizabeth came to power. Also shown is the public debate due to the Profumo case and finally, the births of Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964.
Season 3 (1964–1977)
Premiered on November 17, 2019, the third season is, perhaps, the one that divides the series into two completely different perspectives. On the one hand, Claire Foy stops playing the queen. In her place is played by Olivia Colman, who delves into the aspects surrounding the character’s maturity, as well as her further spiritual and moral growth. On the other hand, the tone of the series changes completely, when analyzing all types of political debates that shake the monarchy as a symbol.
What the arrival as prime minister of Harold Wilson (Jason Watkins) and the surprising discovery that the advisor Sir Anthony Blunt (Samuel West), was a Soviet spy. In the cultural context, the series told about the collapse of a major coal mine in the Welsh town of Aberfa and the tragedy that followed. As well as the investiture of Prince carlos (Josh O’Connor) in 1969 and its implications for the future.
As if trying to complete the cycle of the first season, it is explored in the tragedy of Princess Margaret. This time, played by actress Helena Bonham Carter, the character suffers a series of painful circumstances. Which includes a failed romance, a suicide attempt and a divorce.
Season 4 (1979–1990)
The first season, which covers contemporary events remembered by a large part of the series’ audience, premiered on November 15, 2020. Once again, Olivia Colman plays the queen, who is now going through some tensions in her marriage with the prince philip (Tobias Menzies). Also on this occasion, there is a confrontation of will and points of view, with the prime minister Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson). What will be the central structure of the political aspect of the script.
But the most striking element, and without a doubt, controversial, was the way in which the series narrated the romance, marriage and breakup between the princes of Wales. Carlos (Josh O’Connor) and Diana Spencer (Emma Corrin), not only become the protagonists of the plot. At the same time, what happened between the two shifts the focus of attention on the political and diplomatic affairs of the Crown. As if it were an allegory of what happened in real life, the plot analyzes the scandals that surrounded the newlyweds. From the massive wedding ceremony, their tour of Australia in 1983 and everything that happened in the following one, which took the couple to New Zealand. The Crown shows the growing influence of Diana and the discontent and lack of love of Charles.
For its last episodes, the installment narrates the Falklands War, as part of the international pressure that shook the figure of the queen. Likewise, the way Michael Fagan broke into Buckingham Palace (demonstrating his lack of security) and finally, the departure of Margaret Thatcher from office.
Season 5 (1991–1997)
The call Annus horribilis of Isabel II hit the small screen on November 9, 2022. The fifth installment of The Crown, again changes interpreter for the monarch. So now, it will be the award-winning Imelda Staunton who narrates her life in fiction. On this occasion, the plot is the most turbulent and the one closest to the tabloid headlines. So the argument goes from the arrival of John Major (Jonny Lee Miller) as Prime Minister to the collapse of his marriage Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Carlos (Dominic West). All in the midst of the successive scandals between the princes of Wales and how their marriage imploded in the public eye.
The plot was considered insulting by the British royal family, which insisted that the Netflix production had to clarify that it was fiction. Which caused that starting this season — the penultimate one —the specific series that is a free recreation of real historical events.