Imelda Staunton is the current Queen on Netflix’s The Crown (Picture: Netflix/AP)
Netflix’s The Crown will reportedly pay the ‘ultimate tribute’ to Queen Elizabeth II in its final season.
The show is said to be bringing back previous actresses who played the monarch Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, and introducing a younger ‘wartime’ Queen that will be depicted by Viola Prettejohn.
They will be joined by Imelda Staunton, 67, who is the most recent person to take on the role.
The idea is said to have been dreamed up around the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death in September, and the move is planned as a sign of ‘respect and affection.’
The source added ‘even though they might not feel the same way about the royals as an institution.’
‘Netflix are playing a clever hand with these four queens, bringing the story of Her Majesty to a sensational end after telling virtually all of her life story over 60 episodes,’ the TV insider shared with The Sun.
Queen Elizabeth’s life story has been depicted over six series (Picture: Stefan Wermuth – WPA Pool /Getty Images)
It was allegedly difficult logistically as Claire, 39, who played the late Queen Elizabeth for the first two series, and Olivia, 49, who took on the job for the following two, both have busy schedules.
This epic conclusion may mark the end of the TV series which began in 2016, there could possibly be some films on the horizon.
A source told the publication: ‘Although this sounds like a drastic change, it’s one that proved a huge success for Downton Abbey, which ran for 52 episodes before continuing as two hit films.
‘Down the line, there’s the option to revisit the 21st-century royals, perhaps focusing on Harry meeting Meghan [Markle] and his fallout with William.’
Claire was the first to take on the role (Picture: Netflix)
Olivia will be back according to the TV insider (Picture: Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix)
The premiere date for the final series has been kept under wraps.
The episodes will depict Princess of Wales, Princess Diana’s death in August 1997, where she was injured in a fatal accident in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris.
In October 2022, Netflix crews in the French capital were seen filming the lead-up to Princess Diana’s death.
It is expected to conclude with a joyous moment – the now King Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding.
Metro.co.uk contacted Netflix for comment.
The Crown is available to stream on Netflix.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : The Crown star Claire Foy fights back tears after discovering tragic family story
MORE : Imelda Staunton subtly pays tribute to Queen by wearing pearls to The Crown season 5 premiere
So much talent in one show!