Netflix’s hit ten time Primetime Emmy award winning series The Crown returns for season five on November 9th. The new season  is set to depict the messiest parts of Queen Elizabehth’s reign: the 1990s. Prince Andrew and Fergie split, Princess Anne and her husband divorce, and Princess Diana and Prince Charles undergo their public falling out. Most notably, Princess Diana speaks out in the controversial 1995 BBC interview, viewed by 23 million people. With all these events and more, showrunner Peter Morgan has his work cut out for him. 

     Moreover, season five introduces watchers to a new cast. Imelda Staunton is set to take the crown as The Queen, taking the mantle from Olivia Coleman (Season 3 and 4) and Claire Foy (Season 1 and 2). Lesley Manville takes over as Princess Margaret from Helena Bonham Carter (Season 3 and 4) and Vanessa Kirby (Season 1 and 2). Jonathan Pryce will play Prince Phillip, previously played by Tobias Menzies (Season 3 and 4) and Matt Smith (Season 1 and 2). Elizabeth Debicki takes over as the people’s princess, previously played by fan favorite Emma Corrin. Dominic West is set to play Prince Charles, taking over for Josh O’Connor. With a stellar cast and intriguing plot, season 5 is sure to please.

     The Queen’s “annus horribilis” years are previewed in the first trailer for season 5. The monarchy is in a disarray, Windsor Castle is on fire, and Princess Diana is ready to speak out. The trailer begins with Windsor Castle in flames whilst British journalist Martin Bashir, best known for his BBC interview with Princess Diana, states “The Royal Family is in genuine crisis.” The trailer then pans to the growing animosity between the Prince and Princess of Wales. The House of Windsor is supposed to be the image of idealized family life for the Commonwealth, yet Prince Charles’ relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles risks this. Next, viewers see Princess Diana, who refuses to go quietly about her mistreatment from the crown. The iconic revenge dress is set to take center stage this season. Princess Diana’s loyalty to the institution she married into will be put to the test and she’s prepared to battle until the end. Houses will be divided. The truth will be revealed. And the royal family will never be the same. 

     With growing anticipation and controversy surrounded by season 5, many have already come out against the series and its messages. Former British Prime Minister John Major spoke out against the series and called it “damaging and malicious fiction.” Judi Dench, two time Oscar winning actress who was made a dame by the Queen in 1988, also has her own reservations about the Netflix series. She believes that the team behind The Crown are blurring the lines between “historical accuracy and crude sensationalism.” With King Charles newly on the throne, many royal family insiders are fearful of the backlash the King will face following the events planned to take place in season 5. 

     With all this and more, season 5 of The Crown is sure to stir up drama in the UK and beyond.