Season 2 of the Netflix drama The Crown was released on Netflix on 8 December 2017.
Synopsis[]
As a new era begins, Queen Elizabeth struggles to navigate a world that's changing around her while preserving both the monarchy and her marriage.
Timeline[]
Set at the cusp of the "swinging 60s", Season 2 picks up shortly after the events at the end of Season 1, with Anthony Eden's tenure as Prime Minister (April 6, 1955 – January 10, 1957) and his handling of the Suez crisis.[1]
Anton Lesser as Harold Macmillan awaits an audience with the Queen
The season covers the tenure of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan (played by Anton Lesser) from January 10, 1957 – October 19, 1963,[2] and features a state visit by President John F. Kennedy (Michael C. Hall) and First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy (Jody Balfour); among their entourage will be Kennedy's brother Bobby (Julian Ovenden).[3] The season covers the brief tenure of Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home (1963-64), then the beginning of Harold Wilson's (1964) first term as Prime Minister. Having stepped down as Prime Minister, Winston Churchill (John Lithgow) only appears in minimum capacity in Season 2 in a flashback.
Season 2 dives deeper into Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's life and his relationship with Prince Charles, and includes the birth of Prince Andrew (February 1960) and Price Edward (March 1964).[4] Matthew Goode joins the cast as society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, who marries Princess Margaret.[5] The season explores the beginning of their bohemian lifestyle, as well as the birth of their children.
Cast[]
The Royal Family[]
- Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II
- Matt Smith as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon
- Victoria Hamilton as Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother
- Greg Wise as Lord Louis Mountbatten
- Matthew Goode as Antony Armstrong-Jones
- Alex Jennings as Edward, Duke of Windsor
- Lia Williams as Wallis, Duchess of Windsor
The Royal Household[]
- Will Keen as Michael Adeane, the Queen's second private secretary
- Pip Torrens as Tommy Lascelles King George VI's and later the Queen's private secretary
- Harry Hadden-Paton as Martin Charteris, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh's private secretary
- Lizzy McInnerny as Bobo MacDonald, the Queen's dresser
Government[]
- Jeremy Northam as Anthony Eden, the Prime Minister (April 6, 1955 – January 10, 1957)
- Anton Lesser as Harold Macmillan, the Prime Minister (January 10, 1957 - October 19, 1963)
- Clive Francis as Lord Salisbury
- Patrick Drury as the Lord Chamberlain
- Patrick Ryecart as Bernard Fitzalan-Howard
- Tim Steed as John Profumo, the center of The Profumo Affair
Notes[]
- The season is chiefly written by creator Peter Morgan,[1] and covers the period from 1955 to 1964.
Episodes[]
| # | Image | Title | Writer(s) | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | 
|
“Misadventure” | Peter Morgan | Philip Martin |
| As Philip leaves for a long tour, Elizabeth makes an upsetting discovery. Prime Minister Eden wants to strike back after Egypt seizes the Suez Canal. | ||||
| 202 | 
|
“A Company of Men” | Peter Morgan | Philip Martin |
| Elizabeth feels disconnected from Philip. Eden copes with international pressure and ill health. An interview stirs up harrowing memories for Philip. | ||||
| 203 | 
|
“Lisbon” | Peter Morgan | Philip Martin |
| Palace insiders try to prevent a scandal that could reflect poorly on Philip. Eden faces censure from his cabinet and the press. | ||||
| 204 | 
|
“Beryl” | Amy Jenkins and Peter Morgan | Benjamin Caron |
| When Elizabeth and Philip throw a grand party for their 10th anniversary, both Margaret and the new Prime Minister experience romantic tribulations. | ||||
| 205 | 
|
“Marionettes” | Peter Morgan | Philippa Lowthorpe |
| After Elizabeth makes a tone-deaf speech at a Jaguar factory, she and the monarchy come under public attack by an outspoken lord. | ||||
| 206 | 
|
“Vergangenheit” | Peter Morgan | Philippa Lowthorpe |
| A secret World War II document opens Elizabeth's eyes to grim realities about a family member. The Duke of Windsor campaigns to re-enter public life. | ||||
| 207 | 
|
“Matrimonium” | Peter Morgan | Benjamin Caron |
| A letter from Peter Townsend spurs Margaret to make a bold proposal. Elizabeth has good news that causes complications for Margaret. | ||||
| 208 | 
|
“Dear Mrs. Kennedy” | Peter Morgan | Stephen Daldry |
| Inspired by Jackie Kennedy and against her government's wishes, Elizabeth takes an unconventional approach to resolving an issue in Ghana. | ||||
| 209 | 
|
“Paterfamilias” | Tom Edge and Peter Morgan | Stephen Daldry |
| Philip insists that Prince Charles attend his alma mater in Scotland and reminisces about the life-changing difficulties he experienced there. | ||||
| 210 | 
|
“Mystery Man” | Peter Morgan | Benjamin Caron |
| A salacious government scandal hits close to home for Elizabeth and Philip. Elizabeth retreats to Scotland for the rest of a difficult pregnancy. | ||||
Companion Book[]
Lacey, Robert (2019). The Crown: The Official Companion (Volume 2: Political Scandal, Personal Struggle, and the Years that Defined Elizabeth II (1956-1977). New York: Crown Archetype. ISBN 978-0525573371
Gallery[]
Videos[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 'The Crown' Creator Discusses Season 1 and Why He's Not Committing to a Third Season (Yet) (November 2016)
- ↑ Filming The Crown: on the set of the lavish Netflix series – in pictures (November 2016)
- ↑ ‘The Crown’ Adds Michael C Hall & Jodi Balfour As Jack & Jackie Kennedy (February 2017)
- ↑ The Crown season two on Netflix: release date, cast, story and everything you need to know (August 2017)
- ↑ http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/downton-abbey/news/a819685/downton-abbey-matthew-goode-joins-netflix-the-crown-lord-snowdon