Final series of The Crown starts filming in the UK

The sixth and final series of behemoth Netflix drama The Crown begins filming today, 8 September, in the UK. 

The series was created and largely written by Peter Morgan as a development of his stage play The Audience. It explores the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, starting with her marriage to Philip in 1947, with each series set against the backdrop of the real events that took place at the time, such as the Suez Canal crisis and the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

It has been reported that the final series will cover up until Charles’ marriage to Camilla in 2005.  

A different actor has portrayed the Queen in two-series tranches – Claire Foy played the monarch in Series 1 and 2; Olivia Colman in S3 and 4 and Imelda Staunton stars in the final two runs. 

Filming has been based at the historic Elstree Studios since the first season began filming in July 2015. The series takes in a plethora of historic locations during its lengthy shoots, and is estimated to be one of the most expensive TV dramas ever made.

As well as critical acclaim, The Crown has won a huge array of gongs, including two Golden Globes for Best Television Series – Drama. 

Images via Sophie Mutevelian and Des Willie/Netflix.