Olivia Colman is once again a dead ringer for Queen Elizabeth II in the first trailer for series four of The Crown.
The Oscar winner, 46, dons the Guards’ Regiment uniform to ride horseback for the preview, for what appears to be a recreation of the annual Trooping of the Colour ceremony.
Series four – which will be released on Sunday, November 15th – will also see the introduction of Princess Diana, played by Emma Corrin, and will recreate her early romance, and later wedding, to Prince Charles.
Trouble ahead: Olivia Colman is once again a dead ringer for Queen Elizabeth II in the first trailer for series four of The Crown (left in the trailer and right in 1979)
In the first seconds of the preview, Olivia can be seen dressed in the regal attire which the Queen traditionally wore as Colonel-in-Chief for each and every Trooping of the Colour until 1986.
Once again she is the spitting image of Her Majesty in the late 1970s, which is when series four of The Crown will begin, as she emerges from Buckingham Palace for the annual ceremony.
The Trooping of the Colour was an annual ceremony performed by the regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday, and typically sees the Royal Family in attendance.
Legendary: The Trooping of the Colour is an annual ceremony to mark the Queen’s official birthday. She attended on horseback every year until 1986 (pictured in 1980)
This year, the ceremony was substantially scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Queen simply watching a mini-version from Windsor Castle.
In the trailer, Olivia also offers an eery voiceover, saying: ‘Something as important as monarchy simply cannot be allowed to fail.’
The trailer hints there could be dark times ahead for the monarchy as behind closed doors they are growing increasingly divided.
Following the Queen’s introduction, the trailer cuts to a glimpse of Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, with the series set to begin at the start of her rise to power.
It’s here! The trailer also gave fans their first glimpse of Emma Corrin as Princess Diana in her iconic wedding gown (left in the trailer and right in 1981)
Divisive: The trailer shows Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, with the fourth series set to begin in the late 1970s
Controversial: The X Files star Gillian (pictured left in filming) will play the divisive politician (right in 1995) who governed the UK throughout the 1980s
Iconic: The trailer also shows Emma taking on the role of Lady Diana Spencer, and her entry into the monarchy
Challenging: It seems Diana will struggled to adjust to life in the monarchy, despite the ‘fairytale’ perception the nation has of her relationship with Charles
Beautiful: Emma’s casting was announced in April 2019, with creator Peter Morgan calling her ‘a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part’ (Emma pictured left during filming and Diana pictured right in 1982)
But a majority of the trailer focuses on Emma Corrin’s depiction of Lady Diana Spencer, who would eventually become Princess Of Wales, one of the most iconic figures in Royal History.
The fourth series will document her blossoming romance with Prince Charles, as the trailer features the moment she emerges to greet an army of photographers, along with crowds cheering her name as she travels the world on behalf of the monarchy.
This includes Diana’s 1983 tour of Australia, when she famously donned a beautiful fuchsia pink dress.
The preview ends with a glimpse of Diana’s iconic David Emmanuel wedding dress, which will take centre stage as The Crown recreates her historic 1981 wedding.
The Crown Series Four will begin as the 1970s are drawing to a close, with the Royal Family preoccupied with safeguarding the line of succession by securing an appropriate bride for Prince Charles who is still unmarried at 30.
Beloved: Diana’s iconic pink dress worn for her 1983 tour of Australia also appears in the trailer, as she is greeted by thousands of admirers
Stunning: Emma was previously seen filming Diana and Charles’ Australian tour in October 2019 (left), where she donned the famous pink dress and fascinator (right)
Worried: The fourth series will see the Royal Family grow increasingly divided behind closed doors
The British nation is struggling with the impact of the divisive policies introduced by Britain’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Tensions between the Prime Minister and the Queen are expected to only get worse as Thatcher leads the country into the Falklands War, generating conflict within the Commonwealth.
A silver lining comes in the form of Charles’ fairytale romance with young Lady Diana, but behind closed doors, the Royal family is becoming increasingly divided.
Award-winning: Oscar-winner Olivia (L) is playing Queen Elizabeth II (pictured right in 1964) in series three and four of The Crown
Legendary: Helena Bonham Carter will once again portray Princess Margaret in the fourth series, depicting her life after divorcing Lord Anthony Armstrong-Jones (Helena left and Margaret right in 1987)
Royal man: Tobias Menzies will once again play The Duke Of Edinburgh Prince Phillip (left) at a time when the Royal Family grows increasingly divided behind closed doors (Phillip pictured right in 1986)
To be wed: Josh O’Connor will depict Prince Charles (left), as the series depicts his turbulent marriage to Diana (Charles pictured right in 1984)
Diana married Charles in 1981, and the couple welcomed sons William in 1982 and Harry in 1984. After separating in 1991, the couple divorced in 1996, with Diana then tragically killed in a car accident on 31st August 1997.
Emma’s casting was announced in April 2019, with The Crown’s creator Peter Morgan calling her ‘a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part of Diana Spencer.’
Helena Bonham Carter will once again appear as Princess Margaret, while Tobias Menzies will play Prince Phillip.
Josh O’Connor will reprise his role as Prince Charles, expected to take centre stage this series due to his relationship with Diana.
The series will also feature the ongoing issue of apartheid in South Africa, as well as the assassination of Lord Mountbatten (Charles Dance), and the miners’ strike of 1984-85.
Coronation: Claire Foy (L) played a young Queen Elizabeth II (pictured right in 1955) as she ascended the throne following her late father’s death during seasons one and two
Royal role: It comes just days after it was announced that The Night Manager star Elizabeth Debicki has been cast as Princess Diana for The Crown’s final two series
Despite concerns that the series would be delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis, which brought much of the television industry to a halt, it seems the fourth season will be released as planned.
Bosses revealed back in March that filming was wrapped earlier than planned, though a majority of principle photography had already been completed.
It comes just days after it was announced that The Night Manager star Elizabeth Debicki has been cast as Princess Diana for The Crown’s final two series, while Jonathan Pryce was announced to be taking over the role of Prince Philip.
It was revealed on Wednesday that the actor, 73, will join the star-studded cast of the hit Netflix show and portray the royal through the 1990s and 2000s.
Speaking after the announcement, Jonathan added that it will be ‘a joy’ to act alongside Imelda Staunton as the Queen and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret.
Royally good: Imelda Staunton is to play the Queen in The Crown’s final two series. The 63-year-old will take over the role of Elizabeth II for seasons five and six of the Netflix drama
Congrats! Lesley Manville has been cast as Princess Margaret (right in 1966) for the fifth and sixth seasons of The Crown
From Pope to Prince: The Two Popes actor Jonathan Pryce has also been cast as Duke Of Edinburgh Prince Phillip (right earlier this year), and has said he is ‘confident’ to take on the ‘daunting’ role
In The Crown’s first two series Claire Foy took on the role of Queen Elizabeth, while Prince Philip was played by Matt Smith, and Princess Margaret by Vanessa Kirby.
Earlier this month, it was announced The Crown will run for six series instead of five.
Creator Peter revealed he decided to ‘return to the original plan,’ meaning Imelda Staunton will now appear for two series as an older Queen Elizabeth II.
Producers decided to a U-turn after their January announcement The Crown would end after its fifth series.
Peter said: ‘As we started to discuss the storylines for Series 5, it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons.’
The Crown Series Four will be released on Netflix on Sunday, November 15th.
Pivotal moments from The Crown so far…
King Edward VIII abdicates the throne for love
Edward fell in love with Wallis Simpson, a married woman, and planned to marry her after his coronation when her divorce had come through.
However they were denied the opportunity to marry and due to divorce being forbidden for the Royals and decided to move to France together.
Edward later returned to England to face his family for the funeral of George VI following his death and went on to form a close bond with Prince Charles.
Bigger picture: King Edward VIII abdicates the throne for love
Princess Margaret is also denied her happy ending
Princess Margaret, who is painted as the Royal rebel throughout the first and second seasons, hoped to step outside tradition and marry divorcee Peter Townsend.
However growing public chatter over the illicit relationship begins to overshadow Elizabeth’s post coronation fame.
Margaret makes her intentions to marry Peter clear to Queen Elizabeth II and she asks her to wait until she is 25 to tie the knot with her love.
However when her 25th birthday does roll around the Queen has to go back on her word due to pressure from the Crown, and tells Margaret that she cannot grant her permission to marry Peter.
Devastated: Princess Margaret is denied her happy ending with Peter Townsend
Winston Churchill’s rise and fall
The first and second seasons depicted the Queen’s relationship with the Prime Minister of the time, Winston Churchill.
Following his successful leadership during the Second World War, Winston rises to power again for a second time during Elizabeth’s reign.
The Crown follows Winston’s journey as he adjusts to answering to a woman in power and his deteriorating health.
Royal marriage is rocked Elizabeth’s new role
The power struggle in the relationship is clear to see as Elizabeth’s role as the Queen takes priority over her marriage, while Prince Philip isn’t used to taking a backseat.
The Crown also hints at infidelity in their relationship as Elizabeth finds a picture of Russian ballerina Galina Ulanova among his possessions, before sending him off on a five-month tour on the Royal yacht.
The tension comes to a head during the premiere for season two when the Royal couple argue on board the HMY Britannia as they strive to find a resolution to their problems, due to divorce not being an option for a monarch.
Trouble in paradise: Royal marriage is rocked Elizabeth’s new role
Elizabeth’s journey to accepting the Crown
The start of the series shows a more wary and shy Elizabeth, compared to the formidable monarch she has grown into.
One of the key moments in the first series is her journey to accepting the Crown, after having to reconfigure all of the relationships in her life.
The series shows the Queen growing in confidence as she finds herself on a path of self-discovery.
The Queen visits Aberfan
Aberfan: After reflecting on her decision, she eventually visited alongside her husband and it is claimed her delayed response remains one of her greatest regrets
Episode three of the third season focuses on the Aberfan disaster which killed 144 people, including 116 childrne, after a colliery spoil tip collapsed over a school in a Welsh village.
The Queen did not immediately visit the disaster site, citing that she did not want to distract away from the tragedy with her presence.
However after reflecting on her decision, she eventually visited alongside her husband and it is claimed her delayed response remains one of her greatest regrets.
The Royal Family documentary
Inside the life: In a bid to give the public a better understanding of the Royal family they let a camera crew into their lives for 18 months
In a bid to give the public a better understanding of the Royal family they let a camera crew into their lives for 18 months.
The Crown depicts the whole thing as a disaster with the family reportedly banning the programme from ever being aired again.
However in actuality, the documentary was well-received and had sky high viewing figures.
Prince Charles valuable time in Wales
Touching: Prince Charles valuable time in Wales
After receiving backlash for the title ‘Prince of Wales’, despite not being a citizen or speaking the language, Prince Charles was sent to Aberystwyth University to learn the language.
Charles, who was 20 at the time, finished the trip with an elaborate investiture to pledge his allegiance to the Queen in Welsh.
However he asked to tweak the speech to add in his own voice, promising the Welsh residents that they wouldn’t be forgotten by England again.
Princess Margaret wows at the White House
She impressed! After being sent on a Royal tour of the U.S. in place of her sister, Margaret was invited to dinner at the White House by President Lyndon B. Johnson
After being sent on a Royal tour of the U.S. in place of her sister, Margaret was invited to dinner at the White House by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The whole night appeared a huge success thanks to Margaret’s quick-wit and charm, with President Johnson seemingly lapping it up.
However across the pond Margaret’s success appeared to worry the Queen as she seemed concerned she was being outshone by her sibling.