The Crown star Imelda Staunton has said she refused to let the passing of Queen Elizabeth II impact her work on set.
Having been the first person to portray the late Queen since her death, Staunton was asked by Digital Spy and other press whether this had affected her performance while filming for season six.
However, the actress emphasised the importance of keeping it professional on set, explaining: "No. It can’t because whatever I feel about it, shouldn’t spill onto the set at all, or into our story.
"So no. I had a gap in filming after she died, and I was grateful for that. So then you regroup. And we just carried on with the series that we’re making."
Related: The Crown season 5 seriously mishandles Princess Diana's car moment
The cast were also asked whether they had met any members of the Royal family before portraying them onscreen.
What to Read Next
Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip, replied: "Meeting with royalty? All three of us at various times have met royalty because of the nature of our job. You’re at premieres and openings and all that kind of thing.
"But it’s usually just been a handshake and a smile, and, in my case, a touch on the shoulder with a sword [laughs]. But nothing meaningful."
Related: The Crown star defends season 5's timing following the Queen's death
Princess Margaret actress Lesley Manville said: "But I think what is interesting is that, you know, they don’t do anything that makes them a king or queen or a prince or… It’s how we all behave around them.
"You know, when you’re in their presence, if you’re in a room, and suddenly the word goes out that they’re just coming into the room – everyone sort of does that for no reason at all. You start looking around.
"I don’t know why we all do that. It’s been interesting from that point of view, going: it’s how other people treat them that makes them seem special."
Staunton added: "And, of course, one of the great things about The Crown is that you see the family in this drama, but outside, often, in that situation, they’re not being revered and curtsied to. They’re at home, eating breakfast, walking the dogs, and waking up. You see them with all of that gone."
The Crown seasons 1-5 are now streaming on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
![The Crown - Season 1 & 2 [DVD] [2018]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1605277344-41cTH2ev65L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Crown - Season 1 & 2 [DVD] [2018]")
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Left Bank Pictures The Crown - Season 1 & 2 [DVD] [2018]
Blink Publishing The Crown: The Inside History (volume 1) by Robert Lacey
![The Crown - Season 03 [DVD] [2020]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1605277496-41WxcDS9veL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Crown - Season 03 [DVD] [2020]")
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Left Bank Pictures The Crown - Season 03 [DVD] [2020]
Blink Publishing The Crown: The Inside History (Volume 2) by Robert Lacey
![The Crown Season 4 [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1635170597-41sACUAfvpL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Crown Season 4 [DVD]")
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Left Bank Pictures The Crown Season 4 [DVD]
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
After teaching in England and South Korea, David turned to writing in Germany, where he covered everything from superhero movies to the Berlin Film Festival.
In 2019, David moved to London to join Digital Spy, where he could indulge his love of comics, horror and LGBTQ+ storytelling as Deputy TV Editor, and later, as Acting TV Editor.
David has spoken on numerous LGBTQ+ panels to discuss queer representation and in 2020, he created the Rainbow Crew interview series, which celebrates LGBTQ+ talent on both sides of the camera via video content and longform reads.
Beyond that, David has interviewed all your faves, including Henry Cavill, Pedro Pascal, Olivia Colman, Patrick Stewart, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Dornan, Regina King, and more — not to mention countless Drag Race legends.
As a freelance entertainment journalist, David has bylines across a range of publications including Empire Online, Radio Times, INTO, Highsnobiety, Den of Geek, The Digital Fix and Sight & Sound.
