For fans of ‘The Crown’ with a penchant for all things British royalty, there’s both good news and a touch of disappointment in store. The not-so-great news is that Netflix has recently announced that the highly anticipated sixth and final season of ‘The Crown’ will be presented in two parts, which means be prepared for a mid-season cliffhanger. But fear not, as there is a silver lining: Netflix has also disclosed that ‘The Crown’s’ grand finale will debut earlier than expected.
Much like the real-life monarchy it depicts, ‘The Crown’ has held sway over headlines since its 2016 debut. It has meticulously explored the intricacies of the British royal family, chronicling the romance of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in their youth, and delving into Prince Charles’ formative years in boarding school. Whenever rumors swirled, ‘The Crown’ was there to confront them head-on.
Even Prince Harry himself has tuned in to watch this captivating drama. In a 2021 interview with James Corden, the Duke of Sussex admitted to having seen and somewhat approved of ‘The Crown.’ He remarked, “I’m far more at ease with ‘The Crown’ than I am with the stories written about my family, my wife, or myself,” alluding to the relentless media scrutiny his family faces.
However, Prince Harry‘s perspective might shift a bit with the impending release of the final season. Season 5 concluded just before the tragic death of Princess Diana in a paparazzi-induced car accident. Given Harry’s open discussions about the trauma stemming from his mother’s death and the subsequent media frenzy, watching it portrayed again, even fictionally, could understandably resurrect painful memories.
Nonetheless, fans of ‘The Crown’ are eagerly counting down to the two-part finale. If you’re among them, here’s what you need to know:
When is the release date for ‘The Crown’ Season 6?
Thankfully, Netflix won’t keep viewers in suspense with a lengthy gap between the two parts of the final season. Part 1 of ‘The Crown’ Season 6 is set to premiere in November, while Part 2 will follow closely in December. To be more precise:
November 16: ‘The Crown Final Season Part 1 (4 episodes)
December 14: ‘The Crown Final Season Part 2 (6 episodes)
What will ‘The Crown’s last season entail?
While there haven’t been many leaks about the plot, anyone remotely familiar with the Royal Family’s ups and downs should have a good idea of what’s in store. The final season is expected to commence around the time of Princess Diana’s tragic demise and, according to Deadline, conclude around the period when Prince William and Kate Middleton’s romance blossoms. It will also delve deeper into Prince Charles and Camilla’s ongoing relationship.
Who will be part of the cast in the final season?
There will be a slight casting shuffle between Part 1 and Part 2, but most of the cast will remain consistent. Part 1 will feature Rufus Kampa and Fflyn Edwards as Princes William and Harry, while Part 2 will introduce slightly older actors, Ed McVey (William) and Luther Ford (Harry). Meg Bellamy will debut as Kate Middleton in this sixth and final season.
Imelda Staunton will continue to grace the screen as Queen Elizabeth II, alongside Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip. Dominic West will reprise his role as Prince Charles, and Elizabeth Debicki will portray Princess Diana, at least for a portion of the season. Returning cast members include Lesley Manville (Princess Margaret), Salim Daw (Mohamed Al Fayed), Khalid Abdalla (Dodi Fayed), Claudia Harrison (Princess Anne), and Olivia Williams (Camilla Parker Bowles).
Are there any sneak peeks of Season 6?
Apart from a cryptic wedding invite shared by Netflix, the streaming service has remained tight-lipped about ‘The Crown’s’ return. They’ve recently dropped a haunting and dramatic teaser trailer along with the release date announcement.
Featuring Imelda Staunton in her “final form” as Queen Elizabeth II, the trailer doesn’t give away much. It portrays the Queen pondering her past and present roles in the country, reflecting on the sacrifices she’s made as Britain’s figurehead. But beyond that, the trailer leaves much to the imagination.
Are you prepared for ‘The Crown’s’ last season? Previous seasons have shown us that, regardless of the spectacular royal moments the show captures, they handle them with care.
Based on the limited information available, it’s unlikely that viewers will witness the royal weddings of the two princes, the birth of the next generation, or the passing of the final royal. But perhaps it’s all just a bit “too soon,” especially when there are plenty of Hallmark movies to fill in those gaps.