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The Crown is one of the most popular shows on Netflix. The story depicts the life of Queen Elizabeth II, and it starts when she is a young woman. People see her as she progresses through the decades.  

The series is so popular that it dominated the 2021 Emmys and took home a major award. As The Crown gears up for its fifth season, people want to know how close to recent events the plot will go. Will the show depict Prince Philip’s death? 

‘The Crown’ depicts Queen Elizabeth throughout the decades

The historical drama The Crown begins with Queen Elizabeth’s marriage in 1947. She became the wife of Philip, who was the Duke of Edinburgh. The first season depicts certain events up to the year 1955. During that time, Winston Churchill was the prime minister of the country. 

The following seasons cover other historical moments like the Suez Crisis. The show also focuses on Lady Diana Spencer and Margaret Thatcher. People get to learn more about Queen Elizabeth’s life and all the people she has interacted with so far. 

Currently, the series is on its fourth season, and fans are waiting for a new batch of episodes. They can expect The Crown to end after its sixth season. The story will not become too current, so viewers will not see the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. 

As the timeline of the show progresses, the cast has to switch actors to portray older characters every two seasons. For example, Claire Foy played a younger Queen Elizabeth in the first two seasons. Olivia Colman took over for seasons 3 and 4. 

‘The Crown’ made a statement following Prince Philip’s death

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth smiling at each other in front of blurred trees, 2007
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth | Tim Graham/Getty Images

Philip’s death made headlines everywhere earlier this year. British citizens were already familiar with the late Prince, but many Americans were getting to know him through the Netflix series. According to Harper’s Bazaar, The Crown made a statement, and the team offered their sympathy for the royal family. 

“Netflix, Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television and the production team on The Crown are deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement explained. “Our thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time.” 

USA Today reports that the show’s writer provides an “informed speculation” about Philip and the others. The story still has many years left to cover him and the queen. However, the production team made no statements about including his death. 

So far, it is unclear if the plans for the final season have changed. People will know more when the production date approaches. 

Cast changes and release date for season 5

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According to Entertainment Weekly, the production for season 5 of The Crown began in the summer of this year. The release likely will be sometime in 2022, but the exact date is unclear. Fans can expect new actors to take on the role of the primary characters.  

Specifically, new stars will portray Queen Elizabeth and Philip. Imelda Staunton is going to take over for Colman. For Philip, Tobias Menzies is not going to reprise his role. Instead, Jonathan Pryce will play the part. Viewers can expect other cast changes as well. 

Season 4 was the last time Helena Bonham Carter would appear on the show as Princess Margaret. Now, Lesley Manville will be the face of the British royal. Additionally, Emerald Fennell is not going to return as Camilla Parker Bowles. 

While Emma Corrin is not going to be Princess Diana in season 5, she may appear in flashbacks. People can expect Gillian Anderson to return as Thatcher.

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