Imelda Staunton Reflects on the Unexpected Challenge of Portraying Queen Elizabeth after her Passing

Netflix's The Crown has chronicled five decades of the Royal Family, from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation to the aftermath of Princess Diana's death. At the heart of the show is the relationship between the late Queen and her sister Princess Margaret, portrayed by Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville, respectively. The actresses describe their experience playing the royal sisters as "special," but also express shock when the Queen passed away during the filming of the final series. The Crown has garnered critical acclaim and a large viewership, but has also faced criticism for its historical accuracy and portrayal of sensitive events. The first part of the sixth and final series, focusing on the events surrounding Diana's death, was released in November. The remaining episodes will address Princess Margaret's death and introduce the relationship between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Staunton and Manville reflect on the significance of their characters' relationship and the challenge of portraying them as more than just public personas. They also recount the unexpected impact of the Queen's death on set and the unique perspective it offered them as actors. As the series comes to a close after seven years and 60 episodes, Staunton emphasizes the ongoing fascination with the Royal Family's story and the timeless appeal of their lives and characters.