The Crown's Decision to Not Depict Queen Elizabeth II's Later Years
The Crown showrunner Peter Morgan intentionally chose to wrap up the series around 2005, providing a captivating narrative that focuses on the earlier years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign This deliberate decision allows viewers to delve into the profound challenges and pivotal moments that shaped her monarchy, making for an enthralling and insightful storyline
The Crown was always intended to end before present day, with executive producer Suzanne Mackie revealing that the decision was made well in advance of Queen Elizabeth II's passing. "Peter Morgan, the showrunner, knew from the outset, 10 years ago, that the final year would be 2005," Mackie stated in an interview published by The Hollywood Reporter on November 17th.
"He always expressed his desire for the story to conclude around the time of Camilla and Charles' wedding," she added. "I envision it as a fairytale ending, where peace is restored to the land and they live happily ever after."
The Crown depicts the life of Queen Elizabeth II starting from the 1940s. Since its debut in 2016, the show's writers have been questioned about the extent to which the modern-day royal family would be portrayed. Eventually, Morgan clarified that anything within the past few decades would not be depicted on screen.
Morgan stated in an interview with THR in August 2020 that he believes people become more interesting over time. Regarding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, he acknowledged that he does not know the details of their journey or how it will unfold. While he hopes for their happiness, he feels more comfortable writing about events that occurred at least two decades ago. Morgan explained that he follows a "20-year rule" in his writing, as that allows for sufficient time and distance to truly comprehend and evaluate something's significance, role, and position. He added that events that seem crucial at present often fade quickly from memory, while others have a tendency to endure and prove historically significant. In regard to Prince Andrew, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry, Morgan admitted uncertainty about where they will ultimately stand in history.
The season had already been written prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, despite speculation that her death would impact its content. Filming of the final season began just days before the Queen's demise at the age of 96. Production briefly halted following her death but resumed later in the same month.
The upcoming final season of The Crown, with its second part premiering on December 14, will conclude long before the Queen's death or the meeting of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, it will include the depiction of the early relationship between Prince William (portrayed by Ed McVey) and Kate Middleton (portrayed by Meg Bellamy). The Prince and Princess of Wales first met in 2001 at St Andrews University, which will be covered in episodes leading up to the series finale of The Crown.
