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Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown delves deep into the intricacies of Britain’s royal family. Fans all over the world love to watch as the series unwraps these stories with surprising authenticity.
When it comes to the casting on the show, no one can deny the talent on the screen. From Harry Potter legend Helena Bonham Carter to Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, these actors truly capture the complexity of the monarchy.
But how do the ages and appearances of the cast stack up against the real people they portray on The Crown? Here is our definitive guide on The Crown cast’s heights, ages, birthdays, and even nationalities compared to their real-life counterparts.
Note: Ages for season 6 are estimations based on the series timeline ending in 2005. Also, all current ages are from when this article was written, November 2023.
Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II (Seasons 1 & 2)
| Claire Foy | Queen Elizabeth II | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 31-33 | 21-38 |
| Age now: | 39 | Died 8 Sept 2022 (age 96) |
| Birthday: | 16 April 1984 | 21 April 1926 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’4″ (163 cm) | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
Claire Foy was born on 16 April 1984, making her 32 when she first portrayed Queen Elizabeth II. Hailing from Stockport, England, Foy stands at a height of 5’4″, just like the monarch she portrays.
Queen Elizabeth II, born on 21 April 1926, was just 25 when she ascended to the throne. She was known for her dedication to the commonwealth for over 70 years. She became a symbol of endurance, having faced numerous challenges throughout her long reign.
Critics praised Claire Foy’s remarkable performance as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, and she received several awards, including two Emmys.
Claire’s other notable works include Wolf Hall and First Man, for which she received a BAFTA (British Academy Film Award) nomination.
Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Olivia Colman | Queen Elizabeth II | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 44-46 | 38-64 |
| Age now: | 49 | Died 8 Sept 2022 (age 96) |
| Birthday: | 30 January 1974 | 21 April 1926 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
Olivia Colman was born on 30 January 1974. Standing at 5’7″, the British actress was 44 when season 3 of The Crown began filming. She took over the role of Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch entered her late 30s.
Seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown explore Queen Elizabeth II’s reign through the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s. As the queen matured, she dealt with progressively tougher situations, including her sister Margaret’s marital troubles.
Highly acclaimed for her versatility, Olivia Colman was a perfect choice for Queen Elizabeth II in the middle of her reign. Colman has won an array of awards, including an Academy Award for her role in The Favourite.
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II (Seasons 5 & 6)
| Imelda Staunton | Queen Elizabeth II | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 65-67 | 65-79 |
| Age now: | 67 | Died 8 Sept 2022 (age 96) |
| Birthday: | 9 January 1956 | 21 April 1926 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’0″ (157 cm) | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
Imelda Staunton was born on 9 January 1956 and stands at 5’0″. The esteemed British actress was 65 when she assumed the role of Queen Elizabeth II for The Crown’s final two seasons. Imelda’s diverse acting portfolio includes roles in Vera Drake and as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series.
During seasons 5 and 6, Queen Elizabeth II grapples with the changing perceptions of the monarchy as the 20th century ends. The Crown doesn’t shy away from the drama and depicts her annus horribilis (“horrible year”) in 1992 and the scandalous divorce of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Matt Smith as Prince Philip (Seasons 1 & 2)
| Matt Smith | Prince Philip | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 33-35 | 26-43 |
| Age now: | 41 | Died 9 April 2021 (age 99) |
| Birthday: | 28 October 1982 | 10 June 1921 |
| Nationality: | British | British-Greek/Danish |
| Height: | 6’0″ (183 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
Matt Smith, born on 28 October 1982, stands tall at 6’0″, perfectly matching the stature of Prince Phillip. Smith was 33 at the beginning of filming season 1 of The Crown.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, born on 10 June 1921, was 30 when his wife, Elizabeth II, ascended to the throne. As her consort, he navigated the challenges of supporting the Queen while also finding his own role within the monarchy.
Best known as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who, Smith’s portrayal of Prince Phillip in The Crown earned him critical acclaim and solidified his standing as a versatile actor.
Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Tobias Menzies | Prince Philip | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 44-46 | 43-69 |
| Age now: | 49 | Died 9 April 2021 (age 99) |
| Birthday: | 7 March 1974 | 10 June 1921 |
| Nationality: | British | British-Greek/Danish |
| Height: | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
Tobias Menzies was born on 7 March 1974 and stands at 6’1″. The British actor took on the role of an older Prince Philip during seasons 3 and 4, portraying him at ages 43 to 69. Menzies has a broad acting range with roles in series like Outlander and Game of Thrones.
During this period, Prince Philip experienced both personal growth and public scrutiny. His dedication to the Queen and his occasional unconventional views made him a complex person to play.
Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip (Seasons 5 & 6)
| Jonathan Pryce | Prince Philip | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 74-76 | 70-84 |
| Age now: | 76 | Died 9 April 2021 (age 99) |
| Birthday: | 1 June 1947 | 10 June 1921 |
| Nationality: | Welsh | British-Greek/Danish |
| Height: | 6’0″ (183 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
Jonathan Pryce was born on 1 June 1947, stands at 6’0″, and was 74 when he portrayed Prince Philip in the show’s closing seasons. The Welsh actor’s acclaimed performances span theater, film, and TV, including roles in The Two Popes and Game of Thrones.
Prince Philip, in his later years, continued to play a vital role supporting Queen Elizabeth II, both publicly and privately, navigating the twilight of his life and the shifting dynamics of a modernizing monarchy.
Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Josh O’Connor | Prince Charles | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 28-30 | 16-42 |
| Age now: | 33 | 75 |
| Birthday: | 20 May 1990 | 14 November 1948 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Josh O’Connor, born on 20 May 1990 and standing tall at 6’1″, brilliantly took on the challenging role of Prince Charles in Seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown.
Through his compelling portrayal, O’Connor shed light on Charles’ tumultuous relationships, his struggle for identity within the royal family, and his path to becoming the Prince of Wales.
With prior acclaim for roles in God’s Own Country and The Durrells, O’Connor’s Prince Charles became one of the standout performances in the series.
Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, has led a life under intense public scrutiny. The Crown in seasons 3 and 4 dives deep into the personal and public life of the future king, including his early relationship with Diana.
Dominic West as Prince Charles (Seasons 5 & 6)
| Dominic West | Prince Charles | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 52-54 | 43-57 |
| Age now: | 54 | 75 |
| Birthday: | 15 October 1969 | 14 November 1948 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 6’0″ (183 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Dominic West was born on 15 October 1969 and is 6’0″ tall. Renowned for his diverse roles in shows such as The Wire and The Affair, West stepped into the shoes of Prince Charles at age 52.
Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, experienced some of the most defining moments of his life during this period, including his relationship with Diana and the eventual dissolution of their marriage.
Emma Corrin as Princess Diana (Season 4)
| Emma Corrin | Princess Diana | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 24 | 18-29 |
| Age now: | 27 | Died 31 August 1997 (age 36) |
| Birthday: | 13 December 1995 | 1 July 1961 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’8″ (173 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Emma Corrin, born on 13 December 1995 with a height of 5’8″, enchanted audiences with her debut performance as Princess Diana in Season 4 of The Crown.
Bringing vulnerability, charm, and depth, Corrin beautifully depicted Diana’s transition from a shy schoolteacher to the globally revered “People’s Princess”. The role garnered significant acclaim, solidifying her place in the limelight and making her one of the breakout stars of the year.
Princess Diana is undeniably one of the most iconic figures of the late 20th century. Her early years in the royal family, marked by both fairy-tale romance and underlying marital tensions, are meticulously portrayed in Season 4.
The Crown showcases Diana’s meteoric rise to global fame, her philanthropic endeavors, and the challenges she faced within and outside the palace walls.
Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana (Seasons 5 & 6)
| Elizabeth Debicki | Princess Diana | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 31-33 | 30-36 |
| Age now: | 33 | Died 31 August 1997 (age 36) |
| Birthday: | 24 August 1990 | 1 July 1961 |
| Nationality: | Australian | British |
| Height: | 6’2″ (188 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Elizabeth Debicki was born on 24 August 1990 and towers at an impressive 6’2″. The Australian actress, known for roles in Tenet and The Night Manager, was 31 when she began portraying the beloved Princess Diana.
Season 5 depicted the last gasp of Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles. But it also highlights her strength during the very public and messy separation and divorce. Season 6 promises to handle Diana’s final years and tragic death with the delicacy and respect she deserved.
Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret (Seasons 1 & 2)
| Vanessa Kirby | Princess Margaret | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 27-29 | 17-34 |
| Age now: | 35 | Died 9 February 2002 (age 71) |
| Birthday: | 18 April 1988 | 21 August 1930 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 5’1″ (155 cm) |
Vanessa Kirby was born on 18 April 1988. At 5’7″, she beautifully captured Princess Margaret’s younger years in the initial seasons. Kirby’s work in The Crown catapulted her to stardom, leading to roles in major films like Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).
Princess Margaret’s younger years were marked by romance, rebellion, and the weight of royal expectations, as she sought her own path distinct from her elder sister, the Queen.
Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Helena Bonham Carter | Princess Margaret | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 52-54 | 34-60 |
| Age now: | 57 | Died 9 February 2002 (age 71) |
| Birthday: | 26 May 1966 | 21 August 1930 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’2″ (157 cm) | 5’1″ (155 cm) |
Helena Bonham Carter, born on 26 May 1966 and standing at 5’2″, was 53 when she delved into the role of a middle-aged Princess Margaret. A two-time Oscar nominee, Carter’s eclectic roles range from The King’s Speech to Harry Potter.
In seasons 3 and 4, Princess Margaret grappled with personal struggles such as mental health challenges and the evolving dynamics of the monarchy and her diminishing role within it.
Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret (Season 5 & 6)
| Lesley Manville | Princess Margaret | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 65-67 | 61-72 |
| Age now: | 67 | Died 9 February 2002 (age 71) |
| Birthday: | 12 March 1956 | 21 August 1930 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’2″ (165 cm) | 5’1″ (155 cm) |
Lesley Manville was born on 12 March 1956, standing at 5’2″. By the time she portrayed Princess Margaret in the final seasons of The Crown, she was 65. An Oscar-nominated actress, Manville’s body of work includes films like Phantom Thread and Another Year.
Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister, was known for her vivacious spirit but continues to struggle with her mental health and romantic relationships.
Erin Doherty as Princess Anne (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Erin Doherty | Princess Anne | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 26-28 | 14-40 |
| Age now: | 31 | 73 |
| Birthday: | 16 July 1992 | 15 August 1950 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’6″ (168 cm) | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
Erin Doherty was born on 16 July 1992 and stands at 5’6″. She captured the spirit and essence of Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, with gusto. Doherty’s portrayal was praised for its depth and authenticity
Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne (Season 5)
| Claudia Harrison | Princess Anne | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 46 | 41-47 |
| Age now: | 47 | 73 |
| Birthday: | 1 January 1976 | 15 August 1950 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’8″ (172 cm) | 5’6″ (167 cm) |
Now standing at 5’8″, Claudia Harrison was born on 1 January 1976 . Having made her mark in series such as Humans and The Cat’s Meow, Harrison’s nuanced acting brought a fresh perspective to Princess Anne, ensuring an authentic and riveting portrayal.
Victoria Hamilton as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (Seasons 1 & 2)
| Victoria Hamilton | Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 44-46 | 47-64 |
| Age now: | 52 | Died 30 March 2002 (age 101) |
| Birthday: | 5 April 1971 | 4 August 1900 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’4″ (165 cm) | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
Born on 5 April 1971, Victoria Hamilton stands at 5’4″, only slightly taller than her character on The Crown. As the younger version of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Hamilton beautifully embodied the royal’s sense of duty and love for her family. Her performances across numerous productions, including Doctor Foster, underscore her prowess as an actress.
In these earlier seasons, viewers saw the Queen Mother’s transition from the King’s wife to a grieving widow, managing the responsibilities of her family and the nation.
Marion Bailey as Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Marion Bailey | Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 67-69 | 64-90 |
| Age now: | 72 | Died 30 March 2002 (age 101) |
| Birthday: | 5 May 1951 | 4 August 1900 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’5″ (165 cm) | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
Marion Bailey was born on 5 May 1951 and stands at 5’5″. With a career that spans decades, Bailey has showcased her versatility across stage, television, and film.
Taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in the middle seasons, Bailey skillfully portrayed the resilience and strength of this important figure in the British monarchy.
Marcia Warren as Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (Seasons 5 & 6)
| Marcia Warren | Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 78-80 | 91-101 |
| Age now: | 79 | Died 30 March 2002 (age 101) |
| Birthday: | 26 November 1943 | 4 August 1900 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’1″ (155 cm) | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
Born on 26 November 1943, Marcia Warren assumed the regal role of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in Seasons 5 and 6 of The Crown. With a wealth of experience from her prolific acting career, Warren masterfully portrayed the Queen Mother’s grace, wisdom, and resilience during her twilight years.
Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, remains an emblematic figure in British history. Seasons 5 and 6 of The Crown explore her later years, highlighting her role as the matriarch of the Windsor family and her enduring legacy in the annals of the British monarchy.
Pip Torrens as Tommy Lascelles (Seasons 1, 2, & 3)
| Pip Torrens | Tommy Lascelles | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 55-58 | 60-90 |
| Age now: | 63 | Died 10 August 1981 (age 94) |
| Birthday: | 2 June 1960 | 14 October 1887 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
Pip Torrens, born on 2 June 1960, is a towering presence at 6’1″. His portrayal of Tommy Lascelles, a close advisor and private secretary to both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, was marked by gravitas and subtlety.
Tommy Lascelles served the crown for many years, known for his unwavering loyalty and stern demeanor. His commitment to ensuring the stability of the monarchy was a testament to his dedication.
Pip Torrens is well-regarded in the acting community for his roles in series such as Poldark and Preacher.
Harry Hadden-Paton as Martin Charteris (Seasons 1 & 2)
| Harry Hadden-Paton | Martin Charteris | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 34-36 | 34-51 |
| Age now: | 42 | Died 23 December 1999 (age 86) |
| Birthday: | 10 April 1981 | 7 September 1913 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 5’11” (181 cm) | Estimated 6’1″ (185 cm) |
Harry Hadden-Paton, born on 10 April 1981, portrayed Martin Charteris in the initial seasons of The Crown. He is well known for his previous roles in Downton Abbey and The Hollow Crown.
Hadden-Paton depicted Charteris’s pivotal role as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II with refinement and nuance.
Sir Martin Charteris, Baron Charteris of Amisfield, was a prominent figure in the royal court, serving as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II from 1972 to 1977. But Charteris also played a significant role in guiding the Queen during the formative years of her monarchy.
Seasons 1 and 2 of The Crown provide a glimpse into his dedication, loyalty, and the challenges he faced while serving at the heart of the British monarchy.
Charles Edwards as Martin Charteris (Seasons 3 & 4)
| Charles Edwards | Martin Charteris | |
|---|---|---|
| Age then: | 59-51 | 51-77 |
| Age now: | 54 | Died 23 December 1999 (age 86) |
| Birthday: | 1 October 1969 | 7 September 1913 |
| Nationality: | British | British |
| Height: | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
Charles Edwards, with a height of 6’1″, was born on 1 October 1969. He portrayed Martin Charteris in the later years of the Private Secretary’s life. Edwards has graced many stages and screens in productions such as Downton Abbey and the play The 39 Steps.
Sir Martin Charteris, in real life, was one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most trusted advisors. His role in The Crown gives a closer look at the behind-the-scenes operations of the monarchy and the symbiotic relationship between the Queen and her staff.