The Crown season 3: Release date, cast, plot, trailer and all you need to know

21 October 2019, 16:25 | Updated: 21 October 2019, 16:26

The new generation begins...

Netflix will soon unveil the third season of the multi award-winning period drama The Crown.

It's one of the most expensive TV series ever made, but when you're producing the entire history of the current Royal Family, it's probably necessary!

Here's all you need to know about creator Peter Morgan's latest chapter...

1. The Crown season 3 release date: When does it return?

   

   Netflix has confirmed that the third season will be released in full on Sunday, November 17.

   So we have a few more months to wait, sadly!

2. The Crown season 3 trailer: Is there a teaser yet?

   There is indeed.

   On September 20, Netflix unveiled the first teaser trailer for season 3, giving us a first glimpse of Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II.

   A full-length trailer showing a big chunk of new footage was unveiled on October 21:

3. The Crown season 3 cast: Who has joined?

   As announced when the series began, after every two seasons the entire cast will be recast with new actors to catch up with the royals in different ages.

   Olivia Colman will replace Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II (see the photo above), while Tobias Menzies is taking over from Matt Smith as Prince Philip.

   

   Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter is replacing Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret, and Ben Daniels will take over from Matthew Goode as Lord Snowdon.

   

   

   The Durrells star Josh O'Connor has been confirmed to play Prince Charles, while Call the Midwife's Erin Doherty will play Princess Anne.

   Erin Doherty will play Princess Anne in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/yDpxfCSUDy

   — The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 26, 2018

   Josh O’Connor will play Prince Charles in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/FHrqE2dQhA

   — The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 26, 2018

   Jason Watkins has joined the cast Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and Marion Bailey will play the Queen Mother.

   Marion Bailey will play the Queen Mother in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/T6JX2D8Qyg

   — The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 26, 2018

   While Foy and co may have departed, there's always the chance of a flashback scene involving the royals in particular years, just like Jared Harris briefly returning as King George VI in season two.

   Meanwhile, there will definitely be an appearance of Camilla Parker Bowles, played by actress Emerald Fennell.

   Producer Suzanne Mackie said at the BFI & Radio Times Festival in London: "Peter is already talking about the most wonderful things. We start meeting Camilla Parker Bowles in season three."

4. The Crown season 3 plot: What is the series about?

   Creator Peter Morgan has said that the third season will take place between the years 1964 and 1976.

   This means it will likely cover Harold Wilson's two terms as prime minister, the arrival of Margaret Thatcher, Princess Margaret's affair with British landscape gardener Roddy Llewellyn, the death of the Duke of Windsor, Princess Anne's first wedding and the National Union of Mineworkers strike of 1972.

5. Will Princess Diana appear?

   Not until season 4.

   "Diana's not in this season," casting director Nina Gold said, adding that "when we do get to her, that is going to be pretty interesting".

   Diana Spencer will become a main figure of later seasons, as the show hits the 1980s and 1990s.

   However, newcomer Emma Corrin has now been cast to play Diana Spencer in season four, with filming commencing later in 2019.