By Mariel Turner
6:48am PST, Nov 15, 2020
From royal romance and forbidden love to scandal, intrigue and political upheaval, "The Crown" has it all. Season 4 debuted on Netflix on Nov. 15, 2020, giving fans a look at Queen Elizabeth II as well as her family and foes navigating a new era — from 1979 through the '80s — as the critically acclaimed saga continues. Wonderwall.com is showing you all the real-life royals (like Emma Corrin as a young Princess Diana) and politicians (Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher) plus the actors who portray them on the show. Keep reading to see who's playing whom on the lush costume drama series…
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Princess Diana (seen here in 1981) was Prince Charles's first wife. She was married to the royal from 1981 until 1996 and tragically passed away in 1997 in a Paris car accident.
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Emma Corrin tackles the role of Lady Diana Spencer, who soon becomes Princess Diana, on season 4 of "The Crown." She plays the Princess of Wales from ages 16 to 27.
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Before landing the role of Princess Diana, Emma Corrin didn't have many acting jobs on her resume. The newcomer joined the cast for season 4.
Though she's not a royal, another important British player gets the Hollywood treatment on season 4 of "The Crown." Margaret Thatcher served as Britain's prime minister from 1979 to 1990. See who's tackling this role on the Netflix series…
It's Gillian Anderson! The actress plays Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on season 4 of "The Crown."
Gillian Anderson, who was born in America but raised in England for much of her childhood, steps into the role of Margaret Thatcher on season 4 of "The Crown." She's no stranger to Netflix series or British accents, as she's also currently starring on the hit British-based Netflix show "Sex Education."
The queen's heir, Prince Charles (seen here in 1980), is a dynamic figure in the British monarchy. He's brought to life as an adult on seasons 3 and 4 of the Netflix series by a young British actor…
Josh O'Connor tackles the role of Prince Charles 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 — take center stage during season 4.
Prior to joining the cast of "The Crown," Josh O'Connor had roles on the BBC One miniseries "Les Miserables" and in the 2017 film "God's Own Country." He has since been nominated for a BAFTA Award for his work as Prince Charles.
Camilla Parker Bowles became a main player in the British royal family when she and Prince Charles got 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.
Emerald Fennell takes on the role of Camilla Parker Bowles in the third and fourth seasons of "The Crown."
Emerald Fennell, who plays Prince Charles's confidant and mistress Camilla Parker Bowles on season 3 and 4 of "The Crown," works both behind and in front of the camera. She was the showrunner for season 2 of "Killing Eve" — for which she earned two Emmy nominations — and has acted on series like "Call the Midwife" and "Vita and Virginia." She's also a talented writer and director whose movie "Promising Young Woman" starring Carey Mulligan debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.
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) has since become the longest living and longest reigning British monarch in history as well as the longest living female head of state worldwide.
Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth on seasons 1 and 2 of "The Crown." See what she looks like in real life next…
English actress Claire Foy portrayed Queen Elizabeth II during her younger years on "The Crown." She earned critical acclaim for her performance and won best actress Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for her work on the hit Netflix show. Claire, who exited the role after season 2 as the monarch aged, was also nominated for BAFTA and Emmy awards for her performance as the royal.
When it came time to play a middle-aged Queen Elizabeth II (seen here in 1981 at Buckingham Palace), "The Crown" cast an older actress for seasons 3 and 4.
Olivia Colman stars as Queen Elizabeth II on seasons 3 and 4 of "The Crown." Next up? A look at Olivia out of character…
Playing Queen Elizabeth II wasn't Olivia Colman's first time tackling royalty. The star won an Oscar in 2019 for her performance as another British monarch — Queen Anne in "The Favourite" — the same year she made her debut as Queen Elizabeth II on "The Crown."
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!
Matt Smith played Prince Philip on seasons 1 and 2 of "The Crown." See their similarities next…
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 — has also received accolades and praise for his portrayal of the Duke of Edinburgh.
To portray Prince Philip in his middle years, "The Crown" recast for seasons 3 and 4. The Duke of Edinburgh is seen here during Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's 1986 New Zealand Tour.
Tobias Menzies tackled the role of an older Prince Philip on "The Crown" on seasons 3 and 4.
In real life, Tobias Menzies has a lot of experience with period roles. Before playing Prince Philip, he took on Edmure Tully on "Game of Thrones" and two roles on the time-travel historical drama "Outlander" — both Frank and Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall.
Princess Anne (seen here in the 1960s) is Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter. She's currently 14th in line to the throne.
Erin Doherty took on the role of Princess Anne on "The Crown" beginning in season 3 and continuing into season 4.
Landing the role of Princess Anne was a big deal for Erin Doherty. Prior to signing onto the Netflix show, she'd had small roles on British series like "Call the Midwife" and the BBC One miniseries "Les Miserables."
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.
Vanessa Kirby dazzled as Princess Margaret on "The Crown" seasons 1 and 2.
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 — was nominated for a BAFTA Award for best supporting actress for her performance. She's since gone on to wow audiences in action movies including "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" and "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw."
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…
Helena Bonham Carter took on the role of Princess Margaret for seasons 3 and 4 of "The Crown."
Helena Bonham Carter has tackled the role of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon on the third and fourth seasons of the show. The actress is no stranger to playing royalty: She previously played Queen Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, in 2010's "The King's Speech."
Queen Elizabeth, later known as the Queen Mother, was Queen Elizabeth II's mum and mother-in-law to Prince Philip. 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.
Victoria Hamilton appeared on season 1 and 2 of "The Crown" as the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Keep reading to see her in real life.
Victoria Hamilton portrayed the beloved Queen Mother on "The Crown" for its first two seasons. This the second time she's portrayed British royalty. The English actress played Queen Victoria in her early years in the 2001 television production "Victoria & Albert."
Winston Churchill is one of the best known and most well-respected British prime ministers of all time. He was Queen Elizabeth II's first prime minister during her reign and had previously helped lead Britain to victory during World War II.
John Lithgow portrayed Sir Winston Churchill on "The Crown." Their similarities are pretty uncanny…
Hollywood icon John Lithgow portrayed Sir Winston Churchill on "The Crown." He took home an Emmy for his depiction of the British prime minister on season 1.
King George VI (seen here in 1946) ascended to 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, are depicted on season 1 of "The Crown."
Jared Harris portrayed King George VI on "The Crown." Next, see what he looks like in real life.
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."
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.
Jodi Balfour played Jacqueline Kennedy on the second season of "The Crown." You'll be surprised by what she looks like in her day-to-day life.
Actress Jodi Balfour played Jacqueline Kennedy on season 2 of "The Crown." It was the first major mainstream role for the South African actress.
President John F. Kennedy is considered by many to be one of the most revered American presidents in 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.
Michael C. Hall appeared as John F. Kennedy on season 2 of "The Crown."
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."
American socialite Wallis Simpson was married to her second husband when she met Edward, Prince of Wales, but the marriage didn't last. After Wallis (seen here in 1968) obtained a divorce, the then-King Edward VIII abdicated Britain's throne to marry her. Wallis became the Duchess of Windsor and the couple lived their lives as socialites in Paris until Edward died in 1972.
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 London's West End.
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 — 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.
British actor Alex Jennings portrays the exiled, fun-loving former King Edward VIII on "The Crown." Alex has also played royalty previously, taking on the role of Prince Charles in the 2006 film "The Queen."
Queen Mary was Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions from 1910 to 1936. Grandmother to Queen Elizabeth II, Mary was incredibly distraught when her eldest son, Edward, abdicated the throne. The stressful time period was portrayed on season 1 of "The Crown."
Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary on season 1 of "The Crown."
Award-winning actress Eileen Atkins played Queen Mary on "The Crown." Eileen isn't unfamiliar with portraying royalty, as the English thespian also played Queen Mary in the 2002 television film "Bertie and Elizabeth."
Photographer and filmmaker Antony Armstrong-Jones 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, are depicted beginning on season 2 of "The Crown."
British actor Matthew Goode took on the role of Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, on season 2 of "The Crown." Matthew received major recognition for his role as Henry Talbot on the historical drama "Downton Abbey" and currently stars on the supernatural drama "A Discovery of Witches."
Prince Charles — who's now a grandfather in his 70s — is pictured here as a little boy in 1954. The eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II was portrayed as a youngster throughout the first and second seasons of "The Crown."
Billy Jenkins (center) played young Prince Charles on season 2 of "The Crown."
Billy Jenkins played a young Prince Charles on "The Crown." The then-10-year-old previously acted on the AMC series "Humans."
Captain Peter Townsend was a personal attendant to King George VI and a former love of Princess Margaret. Peter proposed to Margaret but was ultimately unable to marry her due to his divorce, an ordeal that's portrayed on season 1 of "The Crown."
British actor Ben Miles portrayed Captain Peter Townsend on season 1 of "The Crown." Ben is also known for his role as Patrick Maitland on the British TV comedy "Coupling."
Anthony Eden was 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."
Actor Jeremy Northam took on the role of Sir Anthony Eden on "The Crown." The British actor previously played a character connected to the monarchy, Sir Thomas More, on Showtime's "The Tudors."
Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, was Prince Philip's uncle and a great-grandson of Queen Victoria. He is depicted as a very ambitious character on "The Crown."
Greg Wise took on the role of Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, on "The Crown." Greg is an accomplished British actor known for playing John Willoughby in the 1995 film "Sense and Sensibility." He's been married to actress-writer Emma Thompson since 2003.
