The Crown has covered controversies from Royal affairs to family feuds but it’s conveniently going to end in the early 2000s and miss of perhaps some of the most controversial storylines of all.
The Royal drama won’t be covering Prince Harry’s wild years and Megxit because recent events haven’t had enough time to ‘gain a proper perspective’, an executive producer has confirmed.
Suzanna Mackie revealed that the Royal drama will come to an end in the early 2000s, when Prince Harry and William were just teenagers, meaning Harry’s past behavior will be avoided by the creators.
Harry’s off the hook! The Crown has covered controversies from Royal affairs to family feuds but it’s conveniently going to end in the early 2000s and miss of perhaps some of the most controversial storylines of all
Speaking to Broadcast on Thursday, the producer, 35, claimed the Netflix show’s creator Peter Morgan ‘simply can’t’ write another season because recent history hasn’t ‘had time to gain a proper perspective’.
She explained: ‘Peter has said it very articulately, that he simply can’t write something unless there has been time to gain a proper perspective.’
Suzanne also reflected on the fact that Peter likes to leave a decade between The Crown’s plot lines and current modern life.
Moving on: Suzanna Mackie revealed that the Royal drama will come to an end in the early 2000s, when Prince Harry and William were just teenagers, meaning Harry’s past behavior will be avoided by the creators (pictured in 2002)
Final season: The Crown creator Peter Morgan will end the show after season six because the plot is too close to present day, executive producer Suzanne Mackie confirmed on Thursday
She explained: ‘I think he’s [Peter] always felt 10 years is the minimum amount of time that he can see something in a historical context, to allow him to really understand it. I don’t think he’ll deviate from that.
The executive producer continued: ‘We all know these stories, but what Peter does so brilliantly is get underneath that, and understand the landscape in a more nuanced, complex, surprising way.’
The Crown insider then explained that if the show’s script gets too close to present day events she fears the plot will start to feel contrived.
Choice: Susanne added Peter ‘simply can’t’ write another script because recent history hasn’t ‘had time to gain a proper perspective’ (Emma Corrin and Josh O’Connor pictured in show)
Praise: The executive producer (pictured in 2019) added: ‘What Peter does so brilliantly is get underneath that, and understand the landscape in a more nuanced, complex, surprising way’
Peter also previously expressed his relief at not having to write about recent events regarding the Riyals.
He told T&C: ‘The Meghan and Harry story is nowhere near over yet. And I’m happy that I’m never going to write it.’
Despite the show’s success, Suzanne said she agreed with Peter’s decision and thought it was definitely time to move on from the popular show.
Preference: Suzanne also reflected on the fact that Peter likes to leave a decade between The Crown’s plot lines and current modern life
Reflecting on casting Emma Corrin as Diana, Princess of Wales, in season four, Suzanne claimed it was one of her proudest career highlights.
Emma was originally brought to the show to help out while Emerald Fennell ran her lines as Camilla Parker-Bowles.
But after the young actress impressed executives at the read-through they gave her a screen test and realised ‘that might be Diana’.
Executive producer Suzanne Mackie shared earlier this year: ‘To be honest, whatever the life of ‘The Crown’ is after where we are now, I doubt we’ll ever go as far into the present day.’
Shining star: Suzanne also gushed that casting Emma (pictured) as Princess Diana in season four of the show was one of her proudest career highlights
Key moments in the Royal Family’s history the show will not cover includes Harry’s romance with Meghan Markle and the couple’s decision to step back as senior Royals.
Meghan and Harry rocked the foundations of the Royal Family in 2020 when they announced their shock decision as they ‘work to become financially independent’.
In an extraordinary statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they wanted to ‘carve out a progressive new role’ and ‘step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family’.
What you WON’T see – the key Royal moments that will be skipped as The Crown comes to an end in the early 2000s
- HARRY, MEGHAN AND MEGXIT
Harry’s off the hook! Key moments in the Royal Family’s history the show will not cover includes Harry’s romance with Meghan Markle and the couple’s decision to step back as senior Royals
Meghan and Harry rocked the foundations of the Royal Family in 2020 when they announced their shock decision as they ‘work to become financially independent’.
In an extraordinary statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they wanted to ‘carve out a progressive new role’ and ‘step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family’.
HARRY’S NAZI SHAME
In 2005, he caused major controversy as the then 20-year-old Prince was widely condemned for wearing a Nazi uniform, complete with swastika armband, to a fancy dress party.
Images of Harry, pictured holding a drink and a cigarette caused ‘public outrage’, with the young Prince forced to issue and apology.
BOMBSHELL OPRAH INTERVIEW
The show will of course skip the latest controversy surrounding the Royal family – Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made a number of claims about ‘the firm’.
Claims included allegations of racism aimed towards their son Archie, while it was also said that Meghan’s pleas for help were ignored when she was suicidal.
Skipped: Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made a number of claims about ‘the firm’, will be missed
PRINCE ANDREW’S EPSTEIN SCANDAL
In a turbulent time for the House of Windsor Prince Andrew was also ‘sacked’ from all Royal duties by the Queen after a disastrous Newsnight interview about his years of friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Andrew was also alleged to have had sex with then 17-year-old Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, and has denied any wrongdoing.
Scandal: It will also not include Prince Andrew’s scandalous friendship with billionaire paedophile Epstein, which engulfed the Royals and resulted in his ‘sacking’
CHARLES AND CAMILLA’S MARRIAGE
The latter years will notably skip Charles’ relationship with Camilla following Diana’s death in 1997.
The couple were photographed publicly together for the first time in two years later 1999, though they had tried to keep their rekindled romance out of the public eye amid the huge outpouring of grief over Diana.
Charles and Camilla moved in together in 2003, announced their engagement in 2005 and went on to tie the knot at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in April that year.
Love: The latter years will notably skip Charles’ relationship with Camilla following Diana’s death in 1997 (Charles and Camilla on their wedding day in April 2005)
They said they wanted to balance their time between the UK and North America, ‘continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages’.
Since their exit, the couple first moved to Canada before later settling in an £11m mansion in Montecito in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles.
They’ve since welcomed a daughter Lilibet Diana last month, a baby sister to their son Archie Harrison, two.
But while Harry’s life as a loving husband and father will be skipped, his wild partying days will also not be aired, which will no doubt come as a relief to the Duke.
Most notably, his 2005 controversy in which the then 20-year-old Prince was widely condemned for wearing a Nazi uniform, complete with swastika armband, to a fancy dress party.
Not to be: It’s thought the sixth series will end before portraying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s sensational break from the Royal Family (pictured October 2019)
Images of Harry, pictured holding a drink and a cigarette caused ‘public outrage’, with the young Prince forced to issue and apology.
His actions sparked angry condemnation from politicians, anti-fascist groups and Jewish human rights organisations.
In a statement, he said: ‘I’m very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone’.
He added: ‘It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise.’
With The Crown ending in the early 2000s, the show will of course skip the latest controversy surrounding the Royal family – Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made a number of claims about ‘the firm’.
Claims included allegations of racism aimed towards their son Archie, while it was also said that Meghan’s pleas for help were ignored when she was suicidal.
Missed: With The Crown ending in the early 2000s, the show will of course miss Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made a number of claims about ‘the firm’
Outrage: In 2005, Harry caused major controversy as the then 20-year-old Prince was widely condemned for wearing a Nazi uniform, complete with swastika armband, to a fancy dress party (pictured in 2005)
In a turbulent time for the House of Windsor Prince Andrew was also ‘sacked’ from all Royal duties by the Queen after a disastrous Newsnight interview about his years of friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Andrew was also alleged to have had sex with then 17-year-old Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, with the current series of The Crown largely focusing on the love triangle between Charles, Diana and Camilla, the latter years will notably skip Charles’ relationship with Camilla following Diana’s death in 1997.
The couple were photographed publicly together for the first time in two years later 1999, though they had tried to keep their rekindled romance out of the public eye amid the huge outpouring of grief over Diana.
Scandal: It will also not include Prince Andrew’s scandalous friendship with billionaire paedophile Epstein, which engulfed the Royals and resulted in his ‘sacking’
Shocking: Prince Andrew was also alleged to have had sex with then 17-year-old Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing (Prince Andrew, Virginia Roberts, aged 17, and Ghislaine Maxwell at Ghislaine Maxwell’s townhouse in London in 2001)
It is said that Camilla was first introduced to William in 1998, though Harry was not present. Camilla later accompanied Charles and the boys on a trip to Greece in 1999.
Charles and Camilla moved in together in 2003, announced their engagement in 2005 and went on to tie the knot at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in April that year.
The Crown’s wrapping up of the Royal saga in the early 2000s comes after Harry and Meghan signed a mega bucks deal streaming service Netflix last year, worth a whopping £112m.
Love: With the current series of The Crown largely focusing on the love triangle between Charles, Diana and Camilla, the latter years will notably skip Charles’ relationship with Camilla following Diana’s death in 1997 (Charles and Camilla on their wedding day in April 2005)
The production company, Archewell productions, will see documentaries, feature films, scripted shows and children’s programming made for the streaming giant.
The couple currently have one production in the works, Heart of Invictus, which will be a multi-episode documentary series about the Invictus Games – the international tournament for wounded soldiers which the Prince founded in 2014.
Netflix announced last July that The Crown will air for six series after originally being confirmed to end with season five.
Kerching: The Crown’s wrapping up of the Royal saga in the early 2000s comes after Harry and Meghan signed a mega bucks deal streaming service Netflix last year, worth a whopping £112m
Creator Peter Morgan revealed he decided to ‘return to the original plan,’ meaning Imelda Staunton will now appear for two series as an older Queen Elizabeth II instead of the planned one.
In recent times, The Crown has faced mounting criticism from politicians, Royal experts and friends of Charles for fabricating a string of controversial incidents.
In December last year, Netflix broke its silence on the controversy over the series, insisting there was no need to warn its millions of viewers that key scenes are invented.
The streaming giant claimed it was widely understood the hit series was a ‘work of fiction’ based on historical events.
And it wrote to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, rejecting his suggestion that a disclaimer at the start of each episode would be helpful.
Controversy: In recent times, The Crown has faced mounting criticism from politicians, Royal experts and friends of Charles for fabricating a string of controversial incidents (pictured Emma Corrin as Princess Diana)
In a public statement on the controversy, Netflix told The Mail on Sunday: ‘We have always presented The Crown as a drama, and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events.
‘As a result, we have no plans – and see no need – to add a disclaimer.’
But the statement was described by one critic as ‘arrogant’. Others said the company’s intransigence was adding to the Royal Family’s disquiet over the affair.
Netflix has been accused of escalating the row by urging viewers to watch an explosive documentary about Princess Diana which it said would provide ‘answers’ to criticism of The Crown.
Backlash: In December last year, Netflix broke its silence on the controversy over the series, insisting there was no need to warn its millions of viewers that key scenes are invented (pictured Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles)
Its tweet promoting the documentary – Diana: In Her Own Words – led to vicious online attacks on Prince Charles and Camilla.
The Queen’s former press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, accused Netflix of getting trolls ‘to do their dirty work for them’.
In January 2020 it was previously announced that The Crown would end after its fifth series, with series four, airing late last year.
Peter said: ‘As we started to discuss the storylines for Series 5, it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons.’
There’s more? The Crown will air for six series after originally being confirmed to end with season five (Olivia Colman pictured as Queen Elizabeth II in series 3)
The news was announced by Netflix on their Twitter account, as they wrote: ‘News from the palace: we can confirm there will be a sixth (and final) season of @TheCrownNetflix, in addition to the previously announced five!’
The streaming service then clarified that fans will still have one more series featuring the current cast, including Olivia Colman and Helen Bonham Carter, with an older range of stars taking over in series five.
In the fifth series Lesley Manville will take over the role of Princess Margaret from Helena Bonham Carter.
Exciting: The news was announced by Netflix on Twitter, along with the statement from creator Peter Morgan, who said they ‘went back to the original plan’
Royally good: Imelda Staunton is to play the Queen in The Crown’s final two series. The 63-year-old will take over the role of Elizabeth II for seasons five and six of the Netflix drama
Congrats! Lesley Manville has been cast as Princess Margaret (right in 1966) for the fifth and sixth seasons of The Crown
Portrayal: The star, who is believed to have been producers first choice for the role, is set to play the Queen’s younger sister during one of the ‘darkest periods of her life’ (pictured 1995)
She was believed to have been producers first choice for the role, is set to play the Queen’s younger sister during one of the ‘darkest periods of her life.’
The role was also taken on by Vanessa Kirby in season one and two, documenting the early years of Princess Margaret’s marriage to Anthony Armstrong Jones.
Netflix previously revealed that more than 73 million households have streamed at least part of show since it first launched in November 2016.
Award-winning: Oscar-winner Olivia (L) is playing Queen Elizabeth II (pictured right in 1964) in series three and four of The Crown
Coronation: Claire Foy (L) played a young Queen Elizabeth II (pictured right in 1955) as she ascended the throne following her late father’s death during seasons one and two
Series three of The Crown hit Netflix in November 2019, with Oscar-winner Olivia Colman taking the throne from Claire Foy, who portrayed the monarch in the first two seasons.
The third series followed events including the Aberfan mining disaster, the moon landing, the romance between Prince Charles and Camilla Shand and the investiture of Charles as the Prince of Wales.
Also appearing in the series are Tobias Menzies as Prince Phillip, Helena as Princess Margaret, Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles, and Ben Daniels as Anthony Armstrong Jones, the Earl of Snowdon.
Peter previously told The Sun: ‘At the outset I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons.
‘But now that we have begun work on the stories for season five it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop.’
New guard: The fourth season, which will air in 2020, sees the addition of Emma Corrin as Princess Diana (L) and Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher (R)
When The Crown was first announced, it was thought the series would run for six series, spanning six decades, and cover The Royal Family’s history up to 2003.
Cindy Holland, vice president of original content at Netflix, said: ‘The first three seasons of The Crown defined an era, and I know the upcoming fourth season will build further on that success.
‘It’s a stunning example of award-winning entertainment, created in the UK and loved by millions of fans around the world.
‘I fully support Peter Morgan’s creative decision and am excited to see how he, Imelda Staunton and the cast and crew of season five, bring this landmark series to a fitting and spectacular end.’
It comes after it was revealed last week that The Crown bosses have cast Jonny Lee Miller as Prime Minister John Major in the upcoming series.
In the ‘surprise’ casting, Netflix chiefs revealed the Trainspotting star, 48, who is rumoured to have rekindled his romance with ex Angelina Jolie, will play the Tory Prime Minister, who was in charge of the country from November 1990 and May 1997.
Shock: It comes after it was revealed last week that The Crown bosses Jonny Lee Miller as Prime Minister John Major last week (pictured in Elementary)
He followed on from Margaret Thatcher’s leadership, with The Iron Lady played by Gillian Anderson in the wildly-popular Netflix period drama.
Insiders told The Sun: ‘It may seem like an unlikely casting as the two men couldn’t be more different, but the creators of the Crown aren’t interested in an actor playing a version of themselves.
‘It was a similar idea to when Sex Education star Gillian Anderson was cast as Margaret Thatcher in the last series of The Crown, a decision which surprised fans of the show at the time.
‘But at 48, Jonny is actually the perfect age to play Sir John, who became PM at the age of 47 after Maggie was removed from power.’
Former PM: Sir John was Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, and served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary under Thatcher from 1987 to 1990 (pictured in 2015)
Insiders told The Sun: ‘It may seem like an unlikely casting as the two men couldn’t be more different, but the creators of the Crown aren’t interested in an actor playing a version of themselves’
Sir John was Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, and served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary under Thatcher from 1987 to 1990.
Major entered politics at a young age, standing as a young Conservative for Lambeth Council at the age of 21 and became chairman of the Housing Committee.
He then stood for Parliament twice in St Pancras from 1974 and lost, before winning in Huntingdonshire in 1979.
The politician became a minister in 1985 and became a part of the Cabinet in 1987 as Chief Secretary to the Treasury before being promoted to Foreign Secretary in 1989, and shortly after he was named Chancellor.
Major replaced Mrs Thatcher in 1990 after winning a leadership contest which she dropped out of.
Politician: Major replaced Mrs Thatcher in 1990 after winning a leadership contest which she dropped out of (pictured in 1990)
Mrs Thatcher had won a first ballot in the leadership contest, but failed to secure outright victory, and initially pledged to continue her bid.
But the majority of her cabinet members had told her she would not win, which Mr Major knew, and she later decided to step down.
He then pledged to ‘destroy’ his predecessor after believing she was critical of him following her departure, according to a book by former Daily Telegraph editor Charles Moore in 2019.
Major was known for having a mild-mannered style which may appear to be in stark contrast to Miller, who is known for playing bad boy characters like Sick Boy in Trainspotting.
Bit different: Major was known for having a mild-mannered style in stark contrast to Miller, who is known for playing bad boy characters like Sick Boy in Trainspotting (pictured)
THE CROWN: The Politicians
WINSTON CHURCHILL
John Lithgow
SERIES: One
TIME IN OFFICE: From 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955
– John was the only American actor to star in the first season of the show and wore a fat suit for the role
ANTHONY EDEN
Jeremy Northam
SERIES: One
TIME IN OFFICE: Succeeded Churchill in 1955 and held the post til 1957
HAROLD MACMILLAN
Anton Lesser
SERIES: Two
TIME IN OFFICE: Took over from Eden when he resigned in 1957 until 1963
HAROLD WILSON
Jason Watkins
SERIES: Three
TIME IN OFFICE: From October 1964 to June 1970, and again from March 1974 to April 1976
JOHN F. KENNEDY AND JACKIE O
Michael C. Hall and Jodi Balfour
SERIES: Two
– The Crown portrayed the late president as a high-functioning drug addict
JOHN F. KENNEDY AND JACKIE O
MARGARET THATCHER
Gillian Anderson
SERIES: Four
TIME IN OFFICE: Thatcher became the first female prime minister when she was elected in 1979 and held the position until 1990.
Fans of the show were notably surprised by Miller’s casting announcement, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
One person wrote: ‘Jonny Lee Miller – best known for playing Sick Boy in Trainspotting – will play Prime Minister Sir John Major in the fifth season of The Crown. Didn’t see that coming.. (sic)’
Another added: ‘I think its unprecedented, yeah. A major part of the excitement also comes from the casting as opposed to to the storylines, which is quite unusual in itself.
‘Jonny Lee Miller as John Major though, just announced. I mean, Sir John must be smiling today.’
While one person joked: ‘Oh ok ok I’ll start watching The Crown!! But I am going to be very confused hornily because Jonny Lee Miller is Mr Superhottypants-McBrilliantActor, and John Major is Mr Noneofthosethings (sic)’
Reaction: Fans of the show were notably surprised by Miller’s casting announcement, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts
The announcement comes after it was revealed he has been reconnecting with ex Angelina following her visits to his Brooklyn-area apartment.
She has been staying at the ultra luxurious Carlyle Hotel overlooking Central Park while visiting New York with her children, where room prices begin at $700, with suites ranging thousands of dollars per night.
The Sun recently claimed that Miller has not only met Pax, 17, but also Jolie’s youngest son Knox, 12. Angelina shares custody of both kids with ex-husband Brad Pitt, in addition to Maddox, 19, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 15 and and Vivienne, 12
‘On her first evening with Jonny, Angelina only took Knox along, and they got on like a house on fire,’ a source told the outlet. ‘Knox is a sweet kid and I imagine she decided he was the easiest one to begin introductions with.’
And Pax was curious what Miller was like so he came the next evening.
They get along well: The announcement comes after it was revealed he has been reconnecting with ex Angelina following her visits to his Brooklyn-area apartment
‘She went back the next afternoon with Pax, who was curious to meet this guy she’s always spoken so fondly about,’ said the insider. ‘They only hung out for a short while at Jonny’s apartment, but they seemed to get along well.’
Last week, The Girl Interrupted star spent about three hours inside — where the pair reportedly enjoyed dinner — and was then spotted exiting the premise at 10:30pm.
They were married in 1996 after meeting on the set of their movie Hackers a year prior, but separated shortly after and officially divorced in 1999.
Back in March, it was reported that The Crown’s casting directors have begun looking for a sandy-haired pre-teen boy to play Prince William in the much-anticipated fifth series of the hit Netflix show.
Back then: He will play the Tory Prime Minister, who was in charge of the country from November 1990 and May 1997 (Major and his wife Norma in 1990)
Netflix is said to have already put out casting calls to hundreds of top schools and drama clubs for a youngster to play the future king as preparations to film the fifth series get underway.
A Netflix source told the Times that the hunt for the Duke of Cambridge was in its early days, while the search for his younger brother, Prince Harry, would begin at a later stage.
Casting director Nina Gold is said to be looking for youngsters between the ages of nine and 13 to play Prince William, who was played in the fourth series by Lucas Barber-Grant.
Could it be? Netflix have reportedly put out casting calls to hundreds of top schools and drama clubs for a youngster to play Prince William (pictured in August 1995 with his parents and Prince Harry) in The Crown’s fifth series