“The Crown” Cast vs. Real-life Royals

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II

While now the queen is pictured as a sweet old monarch who is active in the world longer than ever, we forgot she was once an innocent maiden. She was seen as the new modern face of the monarchy when she became queen at just 25 years old.

Matt Smith as Prince Philip

Trust me, you don’t wanna miss Matt Smith’s charming version of Queen Elizabeth’s dashing husband! He perfectly explains why Elizabeth insisted on marrying Prince Philip despite her family’s opposition.

Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret

Queen Elizabeth’s only sibling, Princess Margaret was known as the more fun-loving and free-spirited royal. Her romance with Group Captain Peter Townsend did not last long under the pressure from the royal family.

Jared Harris as King George VI

Guess you’ve all seen the great The King’s Speech, and you’re right, this is the king in the film. George was known to have a stammer and his fright of public speaking, but eventually he overcame it with the help of his speech therapist and friend Lionel Logue.

John Lithgow as Winston Churchill

It could be a risky choice to cast an American actor for Britain’s most memorable people, Winston Churchill. But Lithgow managed to deliver a lively and captivating performance of this Britain’s powerful figure in his last years in office.

Victoria Hamilton as the Queen Mother

Victoria Hamilton, the Queen mother, was one of the most popular royals ever in history. In fact, she was so beloved by the people that Hitler once referred to her as “the most dangerous woman in Europe.”

Ben Miles as Group Captain Peter Townsend

A war hero and equerry to King George VI, Townsend became a scandalous figure in Britain after falling in love with Princess Margaret.

Alex Jennings as the Duke of Windsor

King Edward VIII is best known for his decision to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson, which would have created a constitutional crisis in Britain.

Lia Williams as Wallis Simpson

Considered one of the most infamous figures in British history for having an affair with Edward VIII when she was still married. Edward eventually became so infatuated with her that he renounced the throne to be with her.

Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary

The Emmy-winning star plays Mary of Teck, the grandmother of Elizabeth II and wife of King George V. She died in 1953 but her legacy left lasting impression on the young Queen.

Jeremy Northam as Anthony Eden

Anthony Eden is a British politician who eventually succeeded Churchill as Prime Minister.Northam nailed the real Eden's distinctive mustache.

Young actors as the adorable royal siblings

These young actors portray Elizabeth and Philip's two oldest children, Prince Charles (future father of Prince William and Prince Harry) and Princess Anne. Seeing the pic of real-life royal siblings in 1952, we have to say the director really have his way with picking actors.