Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown season 4, Netflix (Photo: Netflix)

Although many shows have endured delays because of Covid, nothing can stop the royal family. The Crown season 4 is coming less than a year after the third season, and we can’t wait to re-embrace one of the most expensive shows ever made.

Given everything that’s happened with Prince Andrew, and Harry and Meghan’s retreat to America, there’s even more fascination surrounding this rich, powerful, divided and dysfunctional family. Here’s everything we know so far.

Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) and Prince Charles (Josh O'Connor). Photo: Netflix

What’s The Crown season 4 plot?

Season 4 takes place during Thatcher’s controversial leadership between 1979 and 1990: capturing the Falklands War, the miners’ strike, and apartheid in South Africa. The Falklands conflict, in particular, generates dangerous divisions in the country.

Series creator Peter Morgan has covered the frosty relationship between Liz and Maggie before in his play The Audience, with Haydn Gwynne as Thatcher and Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth.

Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Photo: Netflix

Another sharp focus for the season is Prince Charles, who’s still unmarried at age 30. His sights were initially on Camilla Parker Bowles… before Lady Diana Spencer came on the scene. The latter romance united the country in joy.

Due to Covid, Season 4 suffered some production difficulties. The last two weeks of shooting – involving an avalanche and a ski resort – were abandoned because flights were grounded. Since the episode is titled Avalanche, this hiccup will be difficult to skirt around. In an interview with IndieWire, Peter Morgan reassures us: ‘we [could] just about get away with it’. We’ll hold you to that, Peter.

Lady Diana Spencer (Emma Corrin) finally appears in the series. Photo: Netflix

Who’s in the The Crown season 4 cast?

The main players make their royal returns: Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth, Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles, and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret. Emerald Fennell is also returning to play Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret. Photo: Netflix

Newcomer Emma Corrin (Grantchester) plays the early version of Lady Diana Spencer, to be replaced in season five by Tenet actor Elizabeth Debicki. Corrin has stated: ‘Princess Diana was an icon and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity and I will strive to do her justice!’

Gillian Anderson, who recently made a deep impression in Sex Education, joins the series as The Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher. Reportedly, she was very methodical: working months in advance. In her announcement for the role, she stated: ‘Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era’.