With seasons three and four filmed back to back, many are hoping it will mean we won’t have to wait two years before the next season is back on our screens.
Cast
The principal cast members from season three are all making a return, including Olivia Colman as the Queen and Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip.
Many fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Princess Diana, who will played by Emma Corrin. The births of princes William and Harry also fall within the time period expected to be covered by season four.
Another notable new cast member is Gillian Anderson in the role of Margaret Thatcher, who was elected prime minister of the United Kingdom in 1979.
Season one and two’s Queen Elizabeth, Claire Foy, looks set to make a surprise re-appearance in a flashback scene after she was spotted filming for the series.
A new cast is then expected for seasons five and six. There have been whispers Imelda Staunton will take on the title role of the Queen for the show’s final two seasons.
Events
Although the exact time span is yet to be confirmed, it’s believed the fourth season will take place from 1977 and into the 1980s.
The episodes are likely to focus heavily on the Queen’s relationship with Thatcher. We’ll also see some pivotal moments in the relationship between Charles and Diana, including their 1981 wedding.
Photographs of Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles and Corrin as Diana on set appear to show the pair during their 1983 tour of Australia. O’Connor has said there is “definitely a different side to Charles” that we’ll see in season four.