The QUEEN and I

IMELDA STAUNTON on taking over FLAMINGO the role of Queen Elizabeth II during one of the most tumultuous times for the Royal Family...

- SEAN MARLAND

THE CROWN NEW FROM WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER, NETFLIX DRAMA

There's another changing of the guard when Netflix's hit royal drama The Crown returns for a much-anticipated penultimate season.

The 10-part run will see Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) follow in the footsteps of Claire Foy and Olivia Colman to become the third and final actor to ascend the throne to portray Queen Elizabeth II.

Other new cast signings include Sir Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, taking over from Tobias Menzies, and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, previously played by Helena Bonham Carter. Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki will step into the roles of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, replacing Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin.

As the story moves into the 1990s, the Royal Family will face some of their biggest challenges to date as the public openly questions their role in modern society, while Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage breaks down.

Here, Imelda, 66, tells us about the challenges of playing Her Majesty...

What was your reaction when you were asked to play Queen Elizabeth II in seasons five and six?

I was at Peter Morgan’s house [who created The Crown] when he said, ‘I just want you to do this.’ When I left there, I just kept walking by myself for about half an hour, just thinking, and then I phoned my husband and daughter [Downton Abbey star Jim Carter and Bridgerton’s Bessie Carter]. My daughter was just shouting, ‘Mum! Mum! Oh, Mum!’ That was nice.

How did you approach the role?