The real stars of The Crown season 3 might just surprise you

If you’re worried about spoilers, this review relates to season 3 of The Crown.

The Crown has returned to our screens (finally!) and series three features some sparkling performances from a brand-new cast portraying the royal family from 1964 until 1977.

While fans of the show have been used to watching Claire Foy, Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret, passage of time means those roles are now played by Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies and Helena Bonham Carter.

What to read next

As everyone would have guessed, Olivia gives an incredible performance as a monarch coming to terms leaving her youth firmly behind. While her character is notably stoic, Olivia beautifully plays the quiet, intimate moments when we catch a glimpse of the Queen’s humanity – namely, a tender moment with Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Jason Watkins) and a fleeting conversation about the life she could have led, had things been different.

Sophie Mutevelian / Netflix

While it’d be easy to fall into being Olivia’s supporting act, Tobias shines as Prince Philip and has truly managed to capture the speech and mannerisms of his predecessor Matt Smith.

The reigning pair’s marriage has settled into a more comfortable state than in series one and two, however the absence of blazing rows doesn’t mean their story lacks depth. Both the Queen and her husband have become reflective about their true and meaningful achievements, creating moments in which we see their insecurities. (The scene in which Prince Philip meets the US space heroes after the ’69 moon landings is masterful work from Menzies).

Des Willie / Netflix

Jason Watkins as Harold Wilson

Helena’s performance as Princess Margaret is affecting, as the series delves into the breakdown of her marriage to Lord Snowdon as well as her desire to have more royal responsibilities. While on the whole her story line delivers less of the explosive drama we were used to seeing in previous series, rare glimpses into Margaret’s true psyche show viewers she’s harbouring a lot of pain and Bonham Carter plays that struggle to perfection.

As well as developing the stories of key characters, series three introduces more into the fold. While Prince Charles and Princess Anne were young children in the first two instalments of The Crown, they’ve come into their own for the third series and so, Josh O’Connor and Erin Doherty step into centre stage.

Des Willie / Netflix

Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles

Josh puts in a captivating performance as the young Prince of Wales as he studies at University, temporarily moves away to learn Welsh, and falls in love with Camilla Shand. It’s a pivotal time for the royal and O’Connor tells his story with understated emotion typical of the Windsors.

Whereas her brother is in turmoil because of the restraints placed upon him, Princess Anne (Erin Doherty) is a young woman living life the way she wants to, free from the responsibility that comes with being heir to the throne. Anne brings wit and sarcasm and provides light relief in more serious moments. Like O’Connor, Doherty is undeniably a star on the rise.

Des Willie / Netflix

Erin Doherty as Princess Anne

Another new and key supporting character who makes a big impact is Harold Wilson (Jason Watkins). We first meet Wilson after his first general election triumph in 1964, when he manages to win a sceptical Queen over during his premiership. After a period of being succeeded by Edward Heath, Wilson returns to the role of PM for two years before having to give it up due to ill health. The last conversation we witness between Wilson and The Queen is real and raw and one of the stand-out moments of the series.

So while, of course, it’s Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter leading The Crown’s new cast with gravitas, it’s the up-and-comers and supporting stars who shine especially brightly. We can’t wait to see where series four takes them.