The Crown cast – real royals and the actors who play them – who's who

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From royal romance and forbidden love to scandal, intrigue and political upheaval, “The Crown” has it all. Season 5 — which debuted on Netflix on Nov. 9, 2022 — will give fans a look at the late Princess Diana (now portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki) amid the implosion of her marriage to Prince Charles. The season also introduces new older versions of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne and more members of the royal family as the critically acclaimed drama chronicles their dealings throughout the 1990s. Wonderwall.com rounded up all the real-life players — plus the stars who portray them on the show — to see how closely they resemble each other.

Keep reading to see who’s playing whom on the Emmy-winning series…

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Princess Diana (seen here in 1997) divorced Prince Charles in the summer of 1996 following a four-year separation. She died the following year in a car crash in Paris. She was just 36.

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Elizabeth Debick is a dead ringer for a slightly older version of Princess Diana on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Elizabeth Debicki, who stars as Princess Diana on season 5 of “The Crown,” previously appeared in “The Great Gatsby,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” The Australian actress also won raves for her work in the 2016 miniseries “The Night Manager.”

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Prince William — who’s now first in line to the British throne — is King Charles III’s first child with first wife Princess Diana. He’s seen here at age 13 in 1995.

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Senan West makes his acting debut as a young Prince William on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Senan West makes his acting debut as Prince William on “The Crown.” His real-life dad, actor Dominic West, stars as his on-screen father, Prince Charles, on the hit Netflix series.

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Prince Harry — who retired from official royal duties in early 2020 — is King Charles III’s second child with first wife Princess Diana. He’s seen here at age 11 in 1995.

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They look just alike! Newcomer Will Powell portrays a young Prince Harry on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Will Powell is making his big acting debut as a young Prince Harry on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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In the summer of 2022, Queen Elizabeth II — who died at 96 in September 2022 — became the second longest reigning monarch in history. It wasn’t her first time breaking a major record: In 2015, she became the longest reigning monarch in British history. “The Crown” cast an older actress to portray Her Majesty (seen here in 1990) during her later years…

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Imelda Staunton takes over as the third iteration of Queen Elizabeth II on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Imelda Staunton, who stars as Queen Elizabeth II on season 5 of “The Crown,”recently portrayed Maud Bagshaw in the 2019 “Downton Abbey” movie and its 2022 sequel. The English actress is best known for her work as Dolores Umbridge in the “Harry Potter” film franchise.

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King Charles III (seen here circa 1990 when he was still Prince Charles) is Queen Elizabeth II’s oldest child and heir. Following his scandal-plagued marriage to Princess Diana, he married true love Camilla Parker Bowles, who’s now known as Queen Consort Camilla.

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Dominic West stars as Prince Charles — the future King Charles III — on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Dominic West, who stars as Prince Charles on season 5 of “The Crown,” scored a major breakthrough when he made his debut as Jimmy McNulty on “The Wire” in 2002. The English actor went on to star on “The Affair” from 2014 to 2019.

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Camilla Parker Bowles, who’s now known as Queen Consort Camilla, married Prince Charles in 2005 — a decade after her first marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles came to an end. King Charles III’s second wife (seen here in 1998) has a son and a daughter from her first marriage.

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Olivia Williams joins the cast of “The Crown” in season 5 as Prince Charles’s future second wife, Camilla Parker Bowles — who in 2022 became Queen Consort Camilla.

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She’s not a blonde! Olivia Williams, who portrays Camilla Parker Bowles on season 5 of “The Crown,” previously appeared in “The Sixth Sense,” “Hyde Park on Hudson” and “The Father.” The English actress also stars on “The Nevers.”

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Prince Philip (seen here in 1990) died at 99 in April 2021. “The Crown” brought on an older actor to portray the late Duke of Edinburgh in his final years…

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Jonathan Pryce takes over as the third iteration of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Jonathan Pryce, who stars on season 5 of “The Crown” as Prince Philip, scored an Oscar nomination in 2020 for his performance as Pope Francis in “The Two Popes.” The Welsh actor also had a memorable stint on “Game of Thrones.”

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Princess Margaret (seen here in 1990) was Queen Elizabeth II’s younger sister and only sibling. She died at 71 in 2002. “The Crown” cast an older actress to portray her in her final years…

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Lesley Manville stars as an older version of Princess Margaret on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Lesley Manville, who stars as Princess Margaret on season 5 of “The Crown,” scored an Oscar nomination in 2018 for her work in “Phantom Thread.” The English actress also appeared in 2014’s “Maleficent” and its 2019 sequel.

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Penelope “Penny” Knatchbull (seen here in 1980) became Prince Philip’s close friend and confidant — despite their 32-year age gap — after they met in 1974 and bonded over their mutual love of horses and the outdoors. Over the years, she’s been described as the “second-most important woman” in the late Duke of Edinburgh’s life — behind his wife, Queen Elizabeth II — and season 5 of “The Crown” will reportedly explore rumors they were more than friends. Penny married Philip’s godson, Norton Knatchbull, Lord Romsey, in 1979.

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Natascha McElhone stars on season 5 of “The Crown” as Prince Philip’s dear friend (and rumored love) Penelope “Penny” Knatchbull.

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Natascha McElhone, who portrays Penelope “Penny” Knatchbull on season 5 of “The Crown,” previously starred on “Californication” and “Designated Survivor.” The English actress currently appears on the “Halo” TV show.

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Princess Anne (seen here in 1990) is Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s second child and only daughter. She married second husband Timothy Laurence in 1992 — the same year she divorced her first husband, Mark Phillips, with whom she shares a son and a daughter.

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Claudia Harrison stars as an older version of Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter, Princess Anne, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Claudia Harrison, who stars as Princess Anne on season 5 of “The Crown,” previously had stints on “Murphy’s Law” and “Humans.”

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Prince Andrew (seen here in 1995) is Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s third child. According to long-standing rumors, despite his propensity for scandal, Andrew was Her Majesty’s favorite child.

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James Murray stars as Queen Elizabeth’s scandal-prone third child, Prince Andrew, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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English actor James Murray, who stars as Prince Andrew on season 5 of “The Crown,” has worked predominantly in British television over the years, though he also had a role in the hit 2019 Netflix movie “6 Underground.”

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Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (seen here circa 1990) was Queen Elizabeth II’s mother and King George VI’s widow. She died at 101 in 2002 — less than two months after her younger daughter, Princess Margaret, died at 71.

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Marcia Warren portrays Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Marcia Warren, who stars as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on season 5 of “The Crown,” made her acting debut in the early ’70s. The English actress has appeared predominantly in British TV productions over the years, though she also popped up in the 2010 rom-com “Leap Year.”

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Peter Townsend (pictured in 1978) romanced Princess Margaret in the early 1950s following his divorce from his first wife. A few years after their headline-making love affair came to an end, he married his second wife. An older version of the former British Royal Air Force officer — who died at 80 in 1995 — will make a brief appearance on season 5 of “The Crown,” portrayed by an iconic English actor…

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Timothy Dalton will make a brief appearance as Princess Margaret’s former love, Peter Townsend, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Timothy Dalton, who pops up as an older version of Peter Townsend on season 5 of “The Crown,” famously portrayed James Bond in two 007 movies. The English actor more recently starred on “Doom Patrol” and “Penny Dreadful.”

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Egyptian film producer Dodi Al Fayed (seen here circa 1990) romanced Princess Diana in the summer of 1997. He died alongside her in a car crash in Paris just weeks into their love affair.

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Khalid Abdalla stars as Egyptian film producer Dodi Al Fayed — who died alongside Princess Diana in a 1997 car crash in Paris — on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Khalid Abdalla, who stars as Dodi Al Fayed on season 5 of “The Crown,” had a three-episode stint on the Disney+ series “Moon Knight” in 2022. The Egyptian-British actor-activist made his feature film debut in “United 93” in 2006.

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Dodi Al Fayed’s father, Mohammed Al Fayed (seen here in 2003), is a billionaire who owned the luxury department store Harrods.

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Salim Daw stars as Dodi Al Fayed’s father, billionaire Mohammed Al Fayed, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Salim Daw, who stars as Mohammed Al Fayed on season 5 of “The Crown,” made his acting debut in the early ’80s. He previously starred in “Gaza mon amour” and later had a recurring role on the FX political drama “Tyrant.”

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John Major (seen here in 1992) served as Britain’s prime minister from 1990 to 1997. Season 5 of “The Crown” fictionalizes his working relationship with Queen Elizabeth II and her heir, King Charles III — Prince Charles at the time.

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Jonny Lee Miller stars as John Major, who served as Britain’s prime minister from 1990 to 1997, on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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Jonny Lee Miller, who stars as John Major on season 5 of “The Crown,” made his feature film debut with “Hackers” in 1995. The English actor later starred as Sherlock Holmes on “Elementary” from 2012 to 2019.

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Martin Bashir (seen here in 1995) famously interviewed Princess Diana for a special episode of BBC’s “Panorama” titled “An Interview with HRH The Princess of Wales” in which she opened up about Prince Charles’s affair with Camilla Parker Bowles — now King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded,” she said.

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Prasanna Puwanarajah portrays British journalist Martin Bashir on season 5 of “The Crown.”

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How crazy is this? Prasanna Puwanarajah — who portrays Martin Bashir on season 5 of “The Crown” — previously played the British journalist in the widely panned 2003 biopic “Diana,” in which Naomi Watts starred as the late Princess Diana.

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Prince Edward (seen here in 1990) is Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s youngest child and third son.

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Sam Woolf stars as Queen Elizbaeth II’s youngest child, Prince Edward, on season 5 of “The Crown.” He previously popped up on episodes of “Humans” and “Call the Midwife.”

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Former Royal Navy officer Timothy Laurence (seen here in 1993) married Princess Anne in 1992 — the same year she divorced her first husband, Mark Phillips.

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Theo Fraser Steele portrays Princess Anne’s second husband, Timothy Laurence, on season 5 of “The Crown.” He previously had a small role in the 2007 film “The Golden Compass.”

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Princess Diana (seen here in 1981) was Prince Charles’s first wife. She was married to the royal from 1981 to 1996 and tragically passed away in 1997 in a Paris car accident.

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Emma Corrin — who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns — tackled the role of Lady Diana Spencer, who became Princess Diana, on season 4 of “The Crown.” The Brit played the Princess of Wales from ages 16 to 27.

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Emma Corrin had a four-episode stint on the Batman prequel series “Pennyworth” before they joined the cast of “The Crown” — for which they scored an Emmy nomination in 2021 for their work as Princess Diana.

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Though she’s not a royal, another important British historical figure got the Hollywood treatment on season 4 of “The Crown.” Margaret Thatcher (seen here in 1975) served as Britain’s prime minister from 1979 to 1990. See who tackled the role on the Netflix series…

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Gillian Anderson starred as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on season 4 of “The Crown.”

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Gillian Anderson stepped into the role of Margaret Thatcher on season 4 of “The Crown” and won an Emmy in 2021 for her efforts. She previously starred on “The X-Files” and “The Fall.”

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The queen’s heir, King Charles III (seen here in 1980), is a dynamic figure in the British monarchy. He was brought to life as an adult Prince Charles on seasons 3 and 4 of the Netflix series by a young British actor…

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Josh O’Connor tackled the role of Prince Charles — the future King Charles III — as an adult on seasons 3 and 4 of “The Crown.” His romance and toxic roller-coaster marriage to Princess Diana — and relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, the future Queen Consort Camilla — took center stage during season 4.

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Prior to joining the cast of “The Crown,” Josh O’Connor had roles on the BBC One miniseries “Les Misérables” and in the 2017 film “God’s Own Country.” He won an Emmy in 2021 for his work as Prince Charles on “The Crown.”

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Camilla Parker Bowles — the future Queen Consort Camilla — became a main player in the British royal family when she and Prince Charles got romantically involved both before and during their respective first marriages. They’re seen here in 1979 — nine years after they first dated and two years before he married Lady Diana Spencer.

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Emerald Fennell took on the role of Camilla Parker Bowles on the third and fourth seasons of “The Crown.”

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Emerald Fennell — who played Prince Charles’s confidant and mistress, Camilla Parker Bowles, on seasons 3 and 4 of “The Crown” — works both behind and in front of the camera. She scored two Emmy nominations for writing and executive producing the second season of “Killing Eve” and won an Oscar in 2021 for writing her feature film directorial debut, “Promising Young Woman.” Later that year, she earned another Emmy nomination for her work on “The Crown.”

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Queen Elizabeth II ascended the British throne at 25 following the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. The beloved monarch (seen here in 1953) went on to become the longest living and longest reigning British monarch in history as well as the longest living female head of state worldwide. She died at 96 in September 2022.

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Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II on seasons 1 and 2 of “The Crown.” See what she looks like in real life next…

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English actress Claire Foy portrayed Queen Elizabeth II during her younger years on “The Crown.” She won two Emmys for her work on the hit Netflix show.

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“The Crown” cast an older actress to play a middle-aged version of Queen Elizabeth II (seen here in 1981) on seasons 3 and 4.

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Olivia Colman starred as Queen Elizabeth II on seasons 3 and 4 of “The Crown.” Next up? A look at Olivia out of character…

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Playing Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t Olivia Colman’s first time tackling royalty. In 2019 — the same year she made her debut as Queen Elizabeth II on “The Crown” — the English actress won an Oscar for her performance as another British monarch: Queen Anne in “The Favourite.” Two years later, she won her first Emmy for her work on the Netflix drama.

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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (seen here in 1958), married Queen Elizabeth II on Nov. 20, 1947. Season 1 of “The Crown” depicts the early years of their marriage and doesn’t shy away from showing their disagreements and hardships. The couple worked through their differences, however, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017.

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Matt Smith played Prince Philip on seasons 1 and 2 of “The Crown.”

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Matt Smith took on the role of Prince Philip on “The Crown” during its first two seasons. The British actor — who’s a “Doctor Who” alum — scored an Emmy nomination in 2018 for his work as the Duke of Edinburgh.

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“The Crown” brought on a new star to portray Prince Philip (seen here in 1986) in his middle years on the third and fourth seasons of the hit Netflix drama.

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Tobias Menzies tackled the role of an older Prince Philip on seasons 3 and 4 of “The Crown.”

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Tobias Menzies — who previously starred on “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander” — won an Emmy in 2021 for his work on “The Crown.”

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Princess Anne (seen here in the 1960s) is Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter.

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Erin Doherty took on the role of Princess Anne on seasons 3 and 4 of “The Crown.”

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Landing the role of Princess Anne was a big deal for Erin Doherty. Prior to signing on to the Netflix show, she’d had small roles on British series like “Call the Midwife” and the BBC One miniseries “Les Misérables.”

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Princess Margaret was Queen Elizabeth II’s glamorous little sister who was known for pushing boundaries as a young royal. While Margaret (seen here in 1956) experienced heartbreak on season 1 of “The Crown” after falling in love with a divorced older man — Captain Peter Townsend, whom she was ultimately not allowed to marry — season 2 saw her move on with a new love, Antony Armstrong-Jones.

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Vanessa Kirby dazzled as Princess Margaret on seasons 1 and 2 of “The Crown.”

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Vanessa Kirby took on Princess Margaret on “The Crown” for its first two seasons. The English actress — who at the time was best known for her brilliant theater work — earned an Emmy nomination in 2018 for her efforts. She’s since gone on to wow audiences in action movies including “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.”

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The third and fourth seasons of “The Crown” feature an older Princess Margaret (seen here in 1983), so another actress stepped in to play her…

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Helena Bonham Carter took on the role of Princess Margaret for seasons 3 and 4 of “The Crown.”

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Helena Bonham Carter tackled the role of Princess Margaret on the third and fourth seasons of “The Crown” and earned two Emmy nominations for her efforts. The English actress is no stranger to playing royalty: She previously scored an Oscar nomination for her work as Queen Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, in 2010’s “The King’s Speech.”

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King George VI’s wife, Queen Elizabeth, became known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother when their daughter ascended the throne and became Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen Mother (seen here in 1946) was known for her cheerful disposition and remained a popular figure until her death at 101 in 2002.

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Victoria Hamilton appeared on seasons 1 and 2 of “The Crown” as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

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Victoria Hamilton portrayed Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on the first two seasons of “The Crown.” The English actress played a different royal — Queen Victoria — in the 2001 two-part TV special “Victoria & Albert.”

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Winston Churchill (seen here in an undated portrait) helped lead Britain to victory during World War II. He was in the midst of his second term as prime minister when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne.

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John Lithgow portrayed Winston Churchill on the first three seasons of “The Crown.” Their similarities are pretty uncanny…

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Hollywood icon John Lithgow portrayed Winston Churchill on “The Crown.” The “3rd Rock from the Sun” alum took home an Emmy in 2017 for his work on the Netflix drama.

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King George VI (seen here in 1946) ascended the throne after his older brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936. George — or “Bertie” as he was known to family (his real first name was Albert) — was a reluctant king due to his stammer and shy nature. His health problems, death and the succession of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, were depicted on season 1 of “The Crown.”

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Jared Harris portrayed King George VI on “The Crown.” Next, see what he looks like in real life.

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Character actor Jared Harris portrayed King George VI on “The Crown.” The British actor (whose father was legendary Irish actor Richard Harris) is perhaps best known for playing Lane Pryce on “Mad Men.”

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Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother, Queen Mary (seen here in 1935), ruled the United Kingdom and the British Dominions from 1910 to 1936. She was incredibly distraught when her eldest son, Edward, abdicated the throne. The stressful time period was portrayed on season 1 of “The Crown.”

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Eileen Atkins portrayed Queen Mary on season 1 of “The Crown.”

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Emmy-winning actress Eileen Atkins portrayed Queen Mary on “The Crown” — 14 years after she first took on the same role in the 2002 made-for-TV movie “Bertie and Elizabeth.”

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Photographer and filmmaker Antony Armstrong-Jones (seen here in in 1967) married Princess Margaret in 1960 after her love affair with Captain Peter Townsend came to an end. Following their marriage, he was made 1st Earl of Snowdon. Their union, and the troubles that plagued it, were depicted on season 2 of “The Crown.”

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Matthew Goode starred as Princess Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, on season 2 of Netflix’s “The Crown.”

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Matthew Goode took on the role of Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, on season 2 of “The Crown.” The “Downton Abbey” alum scored an Emmy nomination in 2018 for his efforts.

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Prince Charles — the future King Charles III — is pictured here as a little boy in 1954. Queen Elizabeth II’s oldest son appeared as a youngster throughout the first two seasons of “The Crown.”

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Billy Jenkins portrayed a young Prince Charles on season 2 of “The Crown.”

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Billy Jenkins portrayed a young Prince Charles on “The Crown.” The then-10-year-old previously acted on the AMC series “Humans.”

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Anthony Eden (seen here in 1956) served as Britain’s prime minister from 1955 to 1957. He is considered by many historians to be one of the least successful prime ministers — an attitude that is reflected on “The Crown.”

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Jeremy Northam portrayed Prime Minister Anthony Eden alongside Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II on the first two seasons of “The Crown.”

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Jeremy Northam took on the role of Sir Anthony Eden on “The Crown.” The English actor previously starred as Sir Thomas More on “The Tudors.”

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Princess Margaret’s lover Captain Peter Townsend (who’s pictured in an undated photo) served as a personal attendant to King George VI. He proposed but was barred from marrying Margaret due to his previous marriage and divorce — an ordeal that’s portrayed on season 1 of “The Crown.”

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Ben Miles portrayed Captain Peter Townsend on season 1 of “The Crown.” The English actor previously starred as Patrick Maitland on the British sitcom “Coupling.”

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Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma was Prince Philip’s uncle and Queen Victoria’s great-grandson. He is depicted as a very ambitious character on “The Crown.”

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Greg Wise took on the role of Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma on the first two seasons of “The Crown.” The English actor shot into the spotlight after he starred as John Willoughby in the 1995 adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility.” He fell in love with co-star Emma Thompson, whom he married in 2003.

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American socialite Wallis Simpson was married to her second husband when she met King Edward VIII. He abdicated Britain’s throne to marry her following her divorce. Wallis (seen here in 1968) became the Duchess of Windsor, and the couple lived out the remainder of their days in Paris until Edward died in 1972.

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English actress Lia Williams took on the role of Wallis Simpson on “The Crown.” Lia is best known for her television, film and stage work, having performed on Broadway and in London’s West End.

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The actions of King Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor, caused one of the most unexpected ascensions in British history. The rebellious monarch (seen here in 1960) abdicated the throne (his brother, Albert — Queen Elizabeth II’s father — then became King George VI) after less than a year as king so that he could marry American socialite and two-time divorcée Wallis Simpson. His abdication, which was depicted on season 1 of “The Crown,” caused shockwaves across the world, but the couple stayed married until his death in 1972.

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British actor Alex Jennings portrayed the exiled, fun-loving former King Edward VIII on “The Crown.” Alex previously played Prince Charles in the 2006 film “The Queen.”

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Season 2 of “The Crown” saw the addition of two historical figures who were considered near royalty during their time: America’s first lady Jacqueline Kennedy (seen here in 1960) and President John F. Kennedy. Jackie is considered one of the most popular and beloved first ladies of all time, a position she held until her husband’s death in 1963.

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Jodi Balfour played Jacqueline Kennedy on the second season of “The Crown.”

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Jodi Balfour portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy on season 2 of “The Crown.”

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President John F. Kennedy (seen here in 1961) is one of the most revered presidents in American history. JFK had an average approval rating of 70% during his term — the highest of any president in the history of the Gallup poll — before his assassination in 1963.

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Michael C. Hall portrayed John F. Kennedy on season 2 of “The Crown.”

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Michael C. Hall played President John F. Kennedy on season 2 of “The Crown.” He’s best known for his roles on “Six Feet Under” and “Dexter.”






























































































































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