Skip to content

The Crown: First look at Olivia Colman's new Queen

Netflix Olivia Colman as the QueenNetflix
Olivia Colman takes over the role of Elizabeth II in the next two seasons of The Crown

The first picture of Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix drama The Crown has been revealed to fans.

The royal show's Twitter account published the image of Colman in character, drinking tea while dressed in a pale pink suit and a pearl necklace, with the teasing message "Patience".

The star of Broadchurch and The Night Manager takes over from Claire Foy, who portrays the Queen from her engagement to Prince Philip in 1947 to 1963.

Colman will be in series three and four, the first of which will air in 2019.

Netflix Claire Foy with Matt Smith in The CrownNetflix
Foy played the Queen during the early years of her reign, alongside Matt Smith who played Prince Philip
Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II smiling just before the end of her first Christmas Day television speech to the nation in 1957Getty Images
The behind-the-scenes of the Queen's first televised Christmas address in 1957 was featured in The Crown
Alex Bailey / Netflix Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth IIAlex Bailey / Netflix
Claire Foy portrayed the Queen between 1947 and 1963

Last year Colman said she was "so thrilled" to play the Queen, adding that Foy would be an "incredibly hard act to follow".

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read  and  before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

It is not yet known how much of the Queen's life she will cover, or who may take over from her should further seasons be confirmed.

PA Queen Elizabeth II (2nd left) and Prime Minister Edward Heath (left) with US President Richard Nixon and his wife at ChequersPA
The Queen meeting US President Richard Nixon (2nd right) in 1970 could feature in the upcoming seasons

Colman is not the only actor taking over an already established character in the Netflix hit.

Tobias Menzies will step into the role of Prince Philip, who was played by Matt Smith, and Helena Bonham Carter takes over as Princess Margaret from Vanessa Kirby.

Getty Images Prince Philip and Tobias MenziesGetty Images
Menzies (right) replaces Matt Smith in the role of Prince Philip
Getty Images/BBC Helena Bonham Carter and Princess MargaretGetty Images/BBC
Bonham Carter said she was "terrified" about playing Princess Margaret, pictured here in 1997

All pictures subject to copyright.