The Royal Resurgence: Where Is The Crown Season 1 Cast Now In 2025?

The Crown Season 1 premiered in 2016 and instantly became a global phenomenon, launching the careers of its primary actors into the stratosphere and setting a new gold standard for historical drama. The original ensemble, led by Claire Foy and Matt Smith, captured the intense personal and political challenges faced by the British Royal Family in the mid-20th century, cementing their place as the definitive first generation of the Netflix epic. Now, almost a decade later, with the series concluded and the cast having moved on to a wealth of new and exciting projects, the question remains: what are the original stars of the groundbreaking first season doing today in 2025?

This article dives deep into the current careers, recent awards, and upcoming projects of the actors who first brought Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and the rest of the early Windsor dynasty to life. From major Hollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed stage performances to new television series, the original cast members have built an impressive legacy that stretches far beyond the gilded gates of Buckingham Palace.

The Original Royal Ensemble: Season 1 Cast Biography & Current Projects

The success of the first two seasons of *The Crown* is largely credited to the incredible chemistry and nuanced performances of its inaugural cast. Here is a look at the main actors, their iconic roles, and their latest professional endeavors in 2024 and 2025.

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• Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth II): The actress who defined the young monarch's early reign, capturing her transition from a relatively "normal" girl to the most powerful woman in the world. Foy won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her performance.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects (2024-2025): Foy continues to be a major force in film and television. She notably reunited with her on-screen husband, Matt Smith, for a New York run of the acclaimed play *Lungs*, showcasing their enduring stage chemistry. She is also consistently sought after for high-profile dramatic roles.
• Matt Smith (Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh): Smith portrayed the restless and often overshadowed Prince Philip with a compelling blend of charm and frustration. His portrayal highlighted the challenges of a modern man marrying into a traditional monarchy.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects (2024-2025): After his acclaimed work in *House of the Dragon* as Daemon Targaryen, Smith’s career is thriving. His reunion with Claire Foy in the theatrical production of *Lungs* was a major event. He continues to balance major franchise roles with independent film work.
• Vanessa Kirby (Princess Margaret): Kirby's portrayal of the rebellious younger sister, Princess Margaret, earned her widespread critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. Her storyline in Season 1, particularly her forbidden romance with Group Captain Peter Townsend, was a central emotional arc.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects (2025): Kirby has become an A-list action and drama star. In 2025, she is slated to appear in the highly anticipated film *EDEN*, directed by Ron Howard, and the psychological thriller *Night Always Comes*. She is also known for her role as Alanna Mitsopolis (White Widow) in the *Mission: Impossible* film series.
• Jared Harris (King George VI): Harris’s brief but powerful performance as the ailing King George VI, whose death sets the entire series in motion, was deeply moving.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects (2024-2025): Harris remains a prolific actor across genres. He starred in the psychological thriller *Reawakening*, which premiered in 2024, and continues to star as Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ science fiction epic *Foundation*.
• Victoria Hamilton (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother): Hamilton brought gravitas and subtle humor to the role of the Queen Mother, providing a crucial link to the past and a source of counsel for the young Queen.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects: A distinguished stage and screen actress, Hamilton is recognized for recent roles in major series like *His Dark Materials* and *Cobra*, alongside her acclaimed work in the BBC drama *Doctor Foster*.
• Ben Miles (Group Captain Peter Townsend): Miles played the divorced equerry whose romance with Princess Margaret was vetoed by the Church and the government, a storyline that defined the early challenges of Elizabeth's reign.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects (2024-2025): Miles is set for a busy period, with roles in the 2024 television series *DOUGLAS IS CANCELLED* and the upcoming 2025 films *DEATH BY LIGHTNING* and *WORDS OF WAR*, demonstrating his continued presence in high-quality British productions.
• Jeremy Northam (Anthony Eden): Northam played the ambitious and ultimately ill-fated Prime Minister who succeeded Winston Churchill, whose premiership was defined by the Suez Crisis.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects: Northam’s recent work includes the film *Freud's Last Session* and the political thriller series *The Net*, continuing his track record of taking on complex, historical figures.

The Enduring Legacy of Season 1's Historical Accuracy

Season 1 of *The Crown*, which covered the period from Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding in 1947 to the Suez Crisis in 1956, is often cited by critics and historians as the most historically accurate season of the entire series. This commitment to detail, overseen by creator and writer Peter Morgan, established the show's reputation for high-quality historical drama, even as it took artistic liberties with private conversations and personal motivations.

The season expertly dramatized pivotal moments in mid-century British history, including the death of King George VI, the coronation of Elizabeth II, the controversial relationship between Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend, and the devastating London smog of 1952 (The Great Smog). These events provided the rich, factual backdrop against which the personal stories of the royal family were allowed to unfold, giving the series its topical authority.

The meticulous nature of the production, from the authentic costuming to the recreation of royal residences like Buckingham Palace and Balmoral, helped immerse the audience in the post-war era. The research team employed by Peter Morgan was extensive, providing him with a vast amount of information, though the final scripts were always crafted to prioritize dramatic tension and character development.

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From Royal Drama to Global Stardom: The Awards and Impact

The critical success of *The Crown* Season 1 was immediate and profound, setting the stage for the show's long-term dominance at major awards ceremonies. The season received numerous accolades, solidifying the original cast's status as international stars. Claire Foy, in particular, became synonymous with the young Queen Elizabeth II, earning a Golden Globe and her first Primetime Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

The show itself was nominated for and won dozens of awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama. This early success proved that audiences were hungry for a sophisticated, character-driven look at the inner workings of the monarchy, moving beyond traditional biopics. The show’s impact was not just on awards, but on the careers of its stars.

• Global Recognition: Actors like Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby, while already established, gained massive global recognition, paving the way for their subsequent roles in major franchises such as *Doctor Who*, *Mission: Impossible*, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Kirby is rumored for a major role).
• The Role of Peter Morgan: The creator, Peter Morgan, a Golden Globe winner for his film *The Queen*, established his unique storytelling style—blending historical fact with intimate, imagined dialogue—which became the hallmark of the entire series. His writing process, which relies heavily on a dedicated research team, is a key element of the show’s success.
• Casting Cycle: The Season 1 cast set the high bar for the subsequent ensemble changes, proving that the roles were bigger than the actors. The seamless transition from Foy to Olivia Colman and then to Imelda Staunton for the role of Queen Elizabeth II became one of the show’s most defining and innovative features.

The original cast of *The Crown* Season 1 did more than just launch a successful television show; they redefined the historical drama genre and established themselves as some of the most versatile and in-demand actors working today. Their ongoing success in 2025, from major film roles to acclaimed stage performances, is a testament to the talent that first breathed life into the Windsor dynasty.

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