The royal family in Netflix’s “The Crown” is growing. The roles of Prince Charles and the Queen Mother are set for the upcoming Season 3, which will see a time jump that required the recasting of all central roles.
Josh O’Connor and Marion Bailey will play the older versions of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth’s son, and Queen Elizabeth’s mother, respectively, the streaming service announced via Twitter Thursday. They replace Julian Baring and Victoria Hamilton in the roles.
The way Netflix has worked (and is expected to continue to work) this particular show is to swap out its actors every two seasons to allow for the progression of the story of Queen Elizabeth’s life.
“I am thrilled to be joining the firm for the next instalment of ‘The Crown,’” O’Connor said in a statement. “Seasons 3 and 4 will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Prince of Wales’s life and our national story and I’m excited to be bringing to life the man in the midst of it all. I’m very aware it’s a formidably talented family to be joining, but reliably informed I have the ears for the part and will fit right in.”
“Wonderful to be joining ‘The Crown,’” Bailey added. It’s a brilliant show and we have a tough act to follow but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother. Thrilled to be on board and working with such a top notch team.”
The new cast members join previously announced stars Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth (replacing Claire Foy); Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip (replacing Matt Smith), Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret (in for Vanessa Kirby), Ben Daniels as Lord Snowdon (replacing Matthew Goode) and Erin Doherty as Princess Anne, among others.
See Netflix’s casting announcement below.
Marion Bailey will play the Queen Mother in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/T6JX2D8Qyg
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 26, 2018