| The Crown | |
|---|---|
| Season 5 | |
 Promotional poster | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Netflix |
| Original release | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) |
| Season chronology | |
← Previous Season 4 Next → Season 6 | |
| List of episodes | |
The fifth season ofThe Crown, which follows the life and reign ofQueen Elizabeth II, was released byNetflix on 9 November 2022. It was the first season of the series to be released following both thedeath of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021 and thedeath of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022; filming took place between the former and the latter's death. The season was promoted with the tagline "A House Divided".
Imelda Staunton stars as Elizabeth, along with main cast membersJonathan Pryce,Lesley Manville,Jonny Lee Miller,Dominic West andElizabeth Debicki. All cast members are new to the series; this season markedThe Crown's final wholesale recasting, following the ensembles led byClaire Foy (seasons one and two) andOlivia Colman (seasons three and four).
The Crown traces the reign ofQueen Elizabeth II fromher wedding in 1947 through to the early 21st century.[1]
The fifth season spans 1991–1997, during thepremiership of John Major.[2] Events depicted include Elizabeth'sannus horribilis in 1992, Diana'sPanorama interview, the separation and divorce of Prince Charles and Diana, Elizabeth'sstate visit to Russia, use of Prince Philip's DNA to identify the remains of the Romanov family, the decommissioning ofBritannia, thehandover of Hong Kong, and Major's departure from office and the beginning ofTony Blair's premiership.[3]
The following actors are credited in the opening titles of episodes in which they play a significant role:
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 1 | "Queen Victoria Syndrome" | Jessica Hobbs | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
In 1953, Elizabeth launches theRoyal YachtBritannia. In 1991, Elizabeth and Philip make a two-week cruise aboard the ageingBritannia while Charles and Diana travel to Italy for what is seen as their second honeymoon. Diana is annoyed that Charles has invited his cousin,Norton, and cousin-in-law,Penelope, to join them; even more so when Charles cuts the holiday short due to a "diary conflict". ASunday Times poll reveals that half of the British public favours Elizabeth, seen as having been on the throne for too long, abdicating so that Charles would become king. Elizabeth meets the new Prime MinisterJohn Major at Balmoral Castle and asks the government to fund renovations toBritannia. Major agrees despite admitting his reluctance. Philip, Charles, Diana, and Margaret talk to Major during the Ghillies Ball, each confiding their troubles. Major later tells his wifeNorma that the Royal Family's situation threatens the country's stability. | ||||||
| 42 | 2 | "The System" | Jessica Hobbs | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
Philip receives news of theKnatchbulls' daughter's death while giving an interview about how he got intocarriage driving. To help a grieving Penelope, he introduces her to the sport. Diana learns from friendJames Colthurst that journalistAndrew Morton plans to write a tell-all biography. She agrees to help Morton, seeing the book as a chance to tell her side of the story. To prevent direct contact, Morton gives Colthurst questions to deliver to Diana, who conveys answers back to Morton. Philip reflects on his grief over his sister's death while helping Penelope establish a charity in her daughter's memory. Penelope then informs Philip about the rumours concerning Diana and her involvement with Morton. Colthurst gets into a traffic accident, Morton's home is broken into, and Philip warns Diana about the consequences of disloyalty during a surprise visit. Morton's book is published amid growing tensions between Diana and the Royal Family. | ||||||
| 43 | 3 | "Mou Mou" | Alex Gabassi | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
In 1946Alexandria,Egypt,Coca-Cola street vendorMohamed Al-Fayed briefly meets theDuke andDuchess of Windsor. In 1979, Mohamed, now a rich businessman, purchases theHôtel Ritz Paris. Mohamed has his son,Dodi, dismiss black waiterSydney Johnson at a reception, but rehires him after discovering he was the Duke of Windsor's valet. Johnson teaches Mohamed British customs and etiquette. Mohamed purchases theHarrods store and becomes an executive producer ofChariots of Fire, which wins theAcademy Award for Best Picture. In 1986, following the Duchess of Windsor's death, Mohamed leases and restores the Windsors'villa. On receiving an invitation to visit, the Queen sends her private secretary,Sir Robert Fellowes, to take possession of certain items for theRoyal Collection. Johnson dies shortly afterwards. At theRoyal Windsor Horse Show, Mohamed meets Diana, whom the Queen sends to sit with him, and introduces her to Dodi. | ||||||
| 44 | 4 | "Annus Horribilis" | May el-Toukhy | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
Margaret receives a letter from Peter Townsend and learns he will be in London for a veterans' reception. The former lovers reunite, with Townsend saying that he plans to return the letters written during their relationship. Andrew asks Elizabeth for permission to separate after compromising photos ofhis wife are published; a recently-divorced Anne announces her intention to marryTimothy Laurence, and Charles argues his marital struggles will affect the Royal Family. Afire breaks out at Windsor Castle, destroying over one hundred rooms. Townsend tells Margaret that he is dying before kissing her. Margaret tells Elizabeth she is still furious that she was not allowed to marry Townsend. During a luncheon marking herRuby Jubilee, Elizabeth delivers a speech describing 1992 as an "annus horribilis". | ||||||
| 45 | 5 | "The Way Ahead" | May el-Toukhy | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
Following Elizabeth's decision to allow Charles and Diana to separate, the senior royals create an informal group of advisors to find ways to improve the monarchy's image. The group comes up with only minor measures. A tabloid newspaper publishes transcripts of an intimate telephone conversation between Charles and Camilla from three years earlier. To improve his public image, Charles participates in anITVdocumentary. Diana upstages him on the night of the premiere by attending an event in an outfit dubbed by the media as a "revenge dress". Anne reports to the senior royals following a meeting with Charles, stating that he is emerging from the scandal stronger than ever and is setting up his own circle of advisors to work onThe Prince's Trust. | ||||||
| 46 | 6 | "Ipatiev House" | Christian Schwochow | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
In 1917,George V andQueen Mary are asked by the British government to support the dispatch of a warship to Russia to bringTsar Nicholas II and his family to the United Kingdom. AtIpatiev House inYekaterinburg, the Romanovs areexecuted by localBolsheviks. In 1992, the Queen receives Russian presidentBoris Yeltsin at Buckingham Palace. Yeltsin invites the Queen for a state visit to Russia. The Queen, pointing out that Yeltsin carried out the order to demolish Ipatiev House, makes it a condition for the remains of the Romanovs to be exhumed and reburied. Yeltsin agrees, and Prince Philip helps identify the remains throughDNA profiling by providing his samples. On thestate visit to Russia, Philip admits to the Queen that he has sought intellectual companionship elsewhere, the closest friend beingLady Romsey. The Queen invites Lady Romsey to make a public appearance alongside the royal family to dispel rumours of any impropriety. | ||||||
| 47 | 7 | "No Woman's Land" | Erik Richter Strand | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
Prince William begins attendingEton College. Diana struggles with her separation and the changing relationship with her son.Martin Bashir, a journalist for the BBC current affairs programmePanorama, gains the confidence ofEarl Spencer, Diana's brother. Bashir claims that Charles and Diana's staff such asPatrick Jephson are spying for the security services. Diana meets the surgeonHasnat Khan. William confides to the Queen that he sometimes worries about his mother. Diana waits around the hospital until she has another encounter with Khan. Earl Spencer introduces Diana to Bashir; Bashir persuades Diana to filman interview to tell her story in response to Charles's documentary. Diana and Khan see a film together, then share a kiss. Bashir encourages Diana over her feelings of insecurity. | ||||||
| 48 | 8 | "Gunpowder" | Erik Richter Strand | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
Diana and Khan continue their relationship. Bashir and his editorSteve Hewlett are given the go-ahead byBBC director-generalJohn Birt to conduct the interview. Earl Spencer notes inconsistencies in Bashir's accounts and advises Diana to cease contact, but Bashir persuades Diana to continue. Bashir and his team film "An Interview with HRH The Princess of Wales" under secrecy in Diana's flat atKensington Palace onbonfire night. Reviewing the footage, Birt is stunned by the explosive content and has misgivings about letting it air, but does not terminate it. Diana informs the Queen of the interview in advance of its broadcast, which the Queen notes is on her and Prince Philip's 48th wedding anniversary. | ||||||
| 49 | 9 | "Couple 31" | Christian Schwochow | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
The Queen writes to Charles and Diana advising them to divorce. Diana deals with the fallout of thePanorama interview and the end of her relationship with Khan. With Charles and Diana unable to agree on settlement terms, the Queen asks Major to act as an intermediary. Charles engages the services of public relations executiveMark Bolland, who advises him to agree to terms so that Charles and Camilla can improve their public image. Charles and Diana agree on a settlement. Charles visits Diana at her flat, where they nearly make amends before the conversation turns to their marriage, at which point they argue again, prompting Charles to storm out. A government worker finalises their divorce paperwork; the episode ends with newsreel footage ofCharles and Diana's wedding. | ||||||
| 50 | 10 | "Decommissioned" | Alex Gabassi | Peter Morgan | 9 November 2022 (2022-11-09) | |
TheLabour Party led byTony Blair wins the1997 general election by a landslide. With Blair making it clear that he will not fund a new yacht with taxpayers' money, and his proposal for private financing rejected by the Queen, she decides to retireBritannia without replacement. Diana and her sons are invited by Mohamed Al-Fayed to a holiday inSaint-Tropez. Charles travels to Hong Kong to give a speech marking thehandover of Hong Kong. After thehandover ceremony, he meets Blair onBritannia to discuss modernising the monarchy. Before the decommissioning ofBritannia, the Queen returns to the yacht for a private farewell. | ||||||
In January 2020,Imelda Staunton was announced as succeeding Colman as the Queen in the fifth season, and her role in the final sixth season was reported in July.[23][24] Also in July 2020,Lesley Manville was announced as portraying Princess Margaret,[25][24] and the following month,Jonathan Pryce andElizabeth Debicki had been cast as Prince Philip and Diana, Princess of Wales, respectively.[26][27] In October 2020,Dominic West was in talks to play Prince Charles and was officially confirmed as part of the cast in April 2021.[28][29][30] In June 2021,Jonny Lee Miller was cast asJohn Major andOlivia Williams announced that she would portray Camilla Parker Bowles.[31][32] On 18 November 2021, it was announced that Senan West, the real-life son of Dominic, was cast as Prince William.[33] In March 2022,Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu was cast as Monique Ritz.[22]Khalid Abdalla playsDodi Fayed; he relied on a piece of audio of Fayed doing a call-in forThe Larry King Show to get a handle on Fayed's accent whilst speaking English, as Abdalla was unable to find an audio clip of Dodi Fayed online.[34]
Filming for the season began in July 2021.[35]Jemima Khan, who was a friend of Princess Diana, revealed that she had stepped down as a consultant and co-writer on episodes focusing on the Princess over concerns that the story of her final years would not be properly portrayed.[36] Filming was temporarily halted that December after eight crew members tested positive forCOVID-19, which resulted in them being quarantined.[37]
While not on the soundtrack, "Emotions" by American singerMariah Carey was featured in the first episode.[38]
| The Crown: Season Five | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 11 November 2022 (2022-11-11) | |||
| Genre | Soundtrack | |||
| Length | 38:29 | |||
| Label | Sony Music | |||
| The Crown music chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Martin Phipps soundtrack chronology | ||||
| ||||
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Actually Her" | 3:12 |
| 2. | "Feet Up" | 3:11 |
| 3. | "Al Fayed" | 3:15 |
| 4. | "A Companion" | 1:54 |
| 5. | "Ipatiev House" | 3:30 |
| 6. | "To The Grave" | 2:56 |
| 7. | "Forty Years" | 3:14 |
| 8. | "Gunpowder" | 3:31 |
| 9. | "Hasnat" | 3:02 |
| 10. | "Outsiders" | 3:30 |
| 11. | "Carriages" | 3:19 |
| 12. | "Voices" (Remix) | 3:48 |
| Total length: | 38:29 | |
The season was released on theNetflix streaming service 9 November 2022.[39] It was then released on DVD and Blu-ray in the United Kingdom on 16 October 2023[40] and worldwide the following day.[41]
During its debut week, the season topped Netflix's Top ten TV English titles with 107.39 million hours viewed.[42][43] The following week, it remained number one with 84.31 million viewing hours.[44][45] In its third week, it ranked at number three and generated 42.36 million viewing hours.[46][47]
Rotten Tomatoes reported a 71% approval rating for the season based on 103 reviews, with an average rating of 6.75/10. Its critical consensus reads: "In its fifth season, it's hard to shake the feeling that this series has lost some of its luster – but addictive drama and a sterling cast remainThe Crown's jewels."[48] OnMetacritic, the season holds a score of 65 out of 100 based on 37 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[49]
TVLine namedElizabeth Debicki andDominic West the "Performers of the Week" on 19 November 2022, for their performances in the penultimate episode "Couple 31", writing: "...in one masterful scene near the end of the season's penultimate episode, the newly divorced pair met in private to share a few laughs and take a hard look what went wrong with their relationship, with Debicki and West bringing shocking candor and fresh vulnerability to the two former sweethearts. In the extended scene [...] Debicki and West [displayed] a warmth we hadn’t seen between these two since they first started dating".[50] Meanwhile,Lesley Manville was given an honourable mention on 12 November 2022 for her performance in the episode "Annus Horribilis". The website wrote: "...Manville [brought] magnificent depth to a woman looking back on her life and wondering if things could’ve been different".[51] However, many reviewers criticised the season for comparing poorly with earlier ones. Writing forThe Atlantic, Shirley Li comments that "The new season ofThe Crown never risks challenging anyone's reputation. Instead, it merely risks its own as a compelling show".[52] InVariety, Caroline Framke comments that "Morgan's scripts [hammer] their most obvious themes home with clattering thuds, pushing allegory after allegory with vanishingly little nuance".[53] InThe Guardian, Jack Seale concludes that "these new episodes are bitty and often just boring, with Morgan casting around for side plots to hide the fact that everything he has to say about the Windsors has already been said".[54]
After the fourth season, there were increased calls for Netflix to add a disclaimer toThe Crown to emphasise that the series is a fictionalised portrayal based on historical events. These calls increased given that the fifth season was released only two months after the Queen's death. Veteran actressJudi Dench wrote an open letter toThe Times, deeming the series "crude sensationalism" and calling for a disclaimer to be added.[55] Netflix updated both the series description and the season five trailer caption onYouTube to refer to the series as a "fictional dramatization".[56] However, upon the release of the series, no episode contained a disclaimer.[57]
Ahead of its release, formerPrime MinisterJohn Major publicly criticised the series, andTony Blair's spokesman described the first episode of the season, where in 1991 Prince Charles is portrayed attempting to recruit John Major and Tony Blair to support the Queen's abdication in favour of him, as "complete and utter rubbish".[58][59] Major stated that no such conversation took place, and that the scene was "a barrel-load of malicious nonsense".[60] TheSunday Times article recorded that at the time nine out of ten people felt 'very favourably' or 'mainly favourably' about the Queen, while four in ten felt she should abdicate 'at some point in the future', rather than continue until her death.[61] In the same episode, Major suggests that the Queen should give up on the idea of havingHMYBritannia refurbished or replaced at a time of national belt-tightening. Correspondence with his principal private secretaryAlex Allan, however, shows that the decision was made "in the light of the current debate about the Royal Family and the Monarchy", which stemmed from high-profile separations and divorces among family members.[62] The plot in episode two which showsJames Colthurst run off the road by a white van andAndrew Morton finding his home ransacked is fictionalised.[62]
Episode three shows the Duke and Duchess of Windsor visitingAlexandria in 1946, where they are seen by a youngMohamed Al-Fayed from a distance. However, there is no record of the couple having visited Egypt that year.[62] The episode also suggests that Diana met Dodi Fayed during a polo match in the 1990s, but they reportedly met during a match in 1986 where Charles was also present.[62] In episode three after the death ofWallis Simpson in 1986,Sydney Johnson the former valet for 30 years to her husbandEdward VIII is deeply saddened and so his new employer Mohamed Al-Fayed takes him to visit her now dilapidated Paris home nicknamedVilla Windsor. Al Fayed is shocked to learn that the French government has seized the house with intent to auction it and its contents. Fayed purchases the estate from France and renovates everything as a gift to the Royal Family. A representative of the family arrives in place of a Royal visit, and requests all the restored items including the abdication desk, paintings and papers. Rather than being upset at the apparent snub Al-Fayed is instead overjoyed that his efforts have been recognised. The true circumstances however were different: the house had always been rented from the Paris Council, Al Fayed took a 50-year lease for $1m per year under the proviso that he would restore it; he was also allowed to keep the art and furniture to decorate it. She bequeathed the rest of her belongings, which had personal value to the Royal Family, as charity to thePasteur Institute. Al Fayed paid $4.5m to acquire them at auction but was outbid on her jewellery which sold the following year for $50m. In 1998 he auctioned the Windsor Collection in aid of his and his sons' charities raising $23m.[63] The Royal Family were believed to have acquired all the items by bidding via proxies, finally returning the abdication desk (sale price $415,000), papers and other belongings to the family.
Episode four, which covers the Queen'sannus horribilis speech, shows her acknowledging "the errors of the past" in her speech, none of which occurred during the lunch at the Guildhall.[62] The episode also incorrectly depicts Princess Margaret appearing onDesert Island Discs, whereas she was a guest on the show in 1981. Additionally, her initial reunion with Peter Townsend had occurred in 1978, not in the 1990s.[62] The scene in the next episode which depicts Prince Charlesbreakdancing in the mid-1990s is inspired by a charity visit by the prince in 1985.[62] Episode six begins with themurder of the Romanov family, portraying George V refusing to offerpolitical asylum to the Russian imperial family at the advice of his wife Queen Mary, who is shown to have opposed the idea because the tsarina was pro-German. Government papers released in the 1980s show that it was George himself who opposed the idea due to the tsar's unpopularity in Britain.[62]
Episode eight shows Diana warning the Queen about her upcomingPanorama interview, but it has been reported that in reality the interview had surprised the royal family, with no advance warning.[62] A scene in episode ten that shows Charles confronting the Queen about the prospects of her abdication is an invention, but the prince did privately meet Blair — then Prime Minister — during theHandover of Hong Kong Sovereignty, although the meeting was brief.[62]
