The Crown: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

The Crown (2016–2023), created by Peter Morgan for Netflix, is a historical drama chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to 2005.

Adapted from Morgan’s film The Queen (2006) and play The Audience (2013), it spans six seasons and 60 episodes, blending political intrigue, royal family dynamics, and historical events.

Filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire and on location across the UK and internationally, the series cost ~$260 million, making it one of Netflix’s most expensive shows.

It earned critical acclaim (88% on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1, 90% for Season 4) for its performances and production, though Season 5 (71%) faced critique for dramatizing recent history.

The series won 24 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series (Season 4), and drew over 73 million viewers by Season 4.

Its rotating cast every two seasons reflected the aging of characters, delivering powerful performances that fueled its global impact.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II (Seasons 1–2, Guest Seasons 4–6)

• Role: Foy plays the young Queen Elizabeth II (1947–1964), navigating her ascension at 25 and early reign challenges, including her marriage to Philip and political tensions. Her “poised” performance won a Golden Globe, two SAG Awards, and an Emmy.
• Net Worth: $4 million to $6 million
• Height: 5’4″ (1.62 m)
• Family: Born April 16, 1984, in Stockport, England, to David and Caroline Foy. She has an older brother, Robert, an older sister, Gemma, and a younger half-sister. Raised in Manchester and Buckinghamshire after her parents’ divorce at age 8. Studied at Oxford School of Drama
• Relationships: Married to Stephen Campbell Moore (2014–2018), with one daughter, Ivy Rose (born 2015). Single as of 2025, private about personal life

Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II (Seasons 3–4, Featured Season 6)

• Role: Colman portrays Elizabeth from 1964–1990, tackling Churchill’s death, Thatcher’s tenure, and Charles-Diana tensions. Her “nuanced” performance earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award.
• Net Worth: $6 million to $8 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born January 30, 1974, in Norwich, England, to Keith and Mary Colman. No siblings reported. Studied at Homerton College, Cambridge
• Relationships: Married to Ed Sinclair, a writer/producer, since 2001; they have three children: Finn (born 2005), Hallie (born 2007), and a third child (born 2015, details private)

Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II (Seasons 5–6)

• Role: Staunton plays an older Elizabeth (1991–2005), facing Charles and Diana’s divorce, Diana’s death, and Tony Blair’s premiership. Her “regal” portrayal was praised despite Season 5’s mixed reviews.
• Net Worth: $7.5 million to $10 million
• Height: 5’0″ (1.52 m)
• Family: Born January 9, 1956, in London, England, to Joseph and Bridie Staunton. No siblings reported. Studied at RADA
• Relationships: Married to Jim Carter (Downton Abbey) since 1983; they have one daughter, Bessie (born 1993), an actress

Matt Smith as Prince Philip (Seasons 1–2)

• Role: Smith plays a young Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, adapting to life as consort with a mix of charm and frustration. His “sympathetic” performance was lauded, especially for a notable nude scene.
• Net Worth: $4 million to $9 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born October 28, 1982, in Northampton, England, to David and Lynne Smith. He has one sister, Laura Jayne, a dancer. Trained at National Youth Theatre
• Relationships: Dated Lily James (2014–2019). Single as of 2025, private about personal life

Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip (Seasons 3–4)

• Role: Menzies portrays a middle-aged Philip, exploring his hobbies and royal duties. His “stoic” performance earned a Golden Globe nomination.
• Net Worth: $3 million to $4 million
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
• Family: Born March 7, 1974, in London, England, to Peter Menzies and Gillian Simpson. No siblings reported. Studied at RADA
• Relationships: Single

Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip (Seasons 5–6)

• Role: Pryce plays an older Philip, mentoring William and engaging in carriage driving. His “dignified” portrayal added depth to the royal family’s crises.
• Net Worth: $5 million to $7 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born June 1, 1947, in Carmel, Wales, to Isaac and Margaret Pryce. He has two sisters, Barbara and Catherine. Studied at RADA
• Relationships: Married to Kate Fahy since 2015; they have three children: Patrick (born 1983), Gabriel (born 1986), and Phoebe (born 1990)

Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret (Seasons 1–2)

• Role: Kirby plays the rebellious younger Margaret, navigating doomed romances with Peter Townsend and Tony Armstrong-Jones. Her “vibrant” performance earned Emmy and BAFTA nominations.
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born April 18, 1988, in London, England, to Roger Kirby (surgeon) and Jane Kirby. She has two siblings, Joe and Juliet. Studied at University of Exeter
• Relationships: Dated Callum Turner (2016–2020). Single as of 2025

Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret (Seasons 3–4)

• Role: Carter portrays a frustrated middle-aged Margaret, dealing with marriage troubles and fading relevance. Her “intense” performance earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
• Net Worth: $40 million to $60 million
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m)
• Family: Born May 26, 1966, in London, England, to Raymond Bonham Carter (banker) and Elena Propper de Callejón. She has two brothers, Edward and Thomas. Comes from a prominent political family
• Relationships: Partnered with Tim Burton (2001–2014), with two children: Billy (born 2003) and Nell (born 2007). In a relationship with Rye Dag Holmboe since 2018

Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret (Seasons 5–6)

• Role: Manville plays an older, ailing Margaret, reflecting on her life during the 1990s. Her “poignant” performance was noted, though some criticized her casting for accent differences.
• Net Worth: $2 million to $5 million
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m)
• Family: Born March 12, 1956, in Brighton, England, to Ronald and Jean Manville. She has two sisters, Diana and Jill. Trained at Italia Conti Academy
• Relationships: Married to Gary Oldman (1987–1990) and Joe Dixon (2000–2004). Has one son, Alfie Oldman (born 1988). Single as of 2025

Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles (Seasons 3–4)

• Role: O’Connor plays a young Charles, navigating his romance with Camilla and marriage to Diana. His “layered” performance won an Emmy and Golden Globe.
• Net Worth: $2 million to $3 million
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
• Family: Born May 20, 1990, in Southampton, England, to John (teacher) and Emily (midwife). Middle child with two brothers. Studied at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
• Relationships: Single, private about personal life; rumored to have dated Margot Hauer-King

Dominic West as Prince Charles (Seasons 5–6)

• Role: West portrays an older Charles during his divorce from Diana and rise as a modern monarch. His performance was divisive, with some praising his depth, others noting he didn’t fully embody Charles.
• Net Worth: $20 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born October 15, 1969, in Sheffield, England, to George and Moya West. He has five sisters and one brother. Studied at Trinity College Dublin and Guildhall School
• Relationships: Married to Catherine FitzGerald since 2010; they have four children: Dora (born 2006), Senan (born 2008), Francis (born 2009), and Christabel (born 2013). West has a daughter, Martha (born 1998), from a prior relationship

Emma Corrin as Princess Diana (Season 4)

• Role: Corrin plays a young Diana, from her engagement to Charles to early marital strife. Their “captivating” performance earned a Golden Globe and Emmy nomination.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m)
• Family: Born December 13, 1995, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, to Chris (businessman) and Juliette Corrin (speech therapist). Two younger brothers, Richard and Jonty. Studied at Cambridge University
• Relationships: Non-binary (uses they/them pronouns), single as of 2025. Previously linked to Joey Battista

Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana (Seasons 5–6)

• Role: Debicki portrays Diana during her divorce and tragic death in 1997. Her “uncanny” resemblance and emotional depth earned an Emmy and Golden Globe.
• Net Worth: $3–$4 million
• Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)
• Family: Born August 24, 1990, in Paris, France, to an Australian mother and Polish father, both dancers. She has two younger siblings. Raised in Melbourne, Australia; studied at University of Melbourne
• Relationships: Single, private; rumored to have dated Kristian Rasmussen (2016–2021)

Additional Notes

Salaries: Foy earned ~$40,000 per episode in Seasons 1–2, later adjusted for pay parity with Smith ($50,000–$60,000).

Colman earned ~$50,000–$70,000 per episode, Staunton ~$70,000–$100,000.

Supporting actors like Kirby, Carter, and O’Connor earned ~$20,000–$40,000, while West and Debicki earned ~$50,000–$80,000.

The show’s $13 million per-episode budget covered lavish sets and costumes, with cast salaries a significant portion.

Impact and Legacy: The Crown won 24 Emmys and two Golden Globes for Best Drama Series, with standout episodes like “Aberfan” (Season 3) and Diana’s death arc (Season 6).

Its meticulous historical detail and stellar performances made it a cultural phenomenon, though it faced criticism from royalists for dramatizing private lives (e.g., Charles-Diana scandals).

The show’s costumes were exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum and Bonhams.

Post-Series Careers: Foy stars in A Very British Scandal and Doomsday Machine (2025).

Colman appeared in Wonka (2023).

Staunton joined Downton Abbey 3 (2025).

Smith stars in House of the Dragon.

Menzies featured in Manhunt (2024).

Pryce is in The White Lotus (2025).

Kirby starred in Napoleon (2023).

Carter appeared in Wonka.

Manville joined Queer (2024).

O’Connor starred in Challengers (2024).

West is in Downton Abbey 3.

Corrin starred in Nosferatu (2024).

Debicki is in MaXXXine (2024).

Cultural Influence: The show’s blend of history and drama captivated audiences, with Charles-Diana-Camilla arcs and Margaret’s romances driving fan engagement.

Its diverse casting (e.g., Gillian Anderson as Thatcher, Khalid Abdalla as Dodi Fayed) and exploration of royal scandals like “Camillagate” sparked debate.

Critics praised its production but noted inaccuracies, prompting Netflix to add a “fictionalized” disclaimer.

Conclusion

The Crown’s rotating cast, from Foy’s youthful Elizabeth to Debicki’s tragic Diana, delivered a masterclass in historical drama.

Net worths range from $1 million (Corrin) to $60 million (Carter), reflecting varied careers.

Their personal lives, from Colman’s stable family to Corrin’s private identity, echo the show’s themes of duty and individuality.

Despite historical critiques, The Crown’s ensemble and production cemented its status as a Netflix landmark, with lasting cultural resonance.