The Crown season 3 full cast announced by Netflix

Season 3 isn't set to debut until 2019, although it will be shot back-to-back with season 4

Long live the Queen.

Netflix's The Crown has become one of the streaming giant's centrepiece jewels: a lush, drama-filled examination of the events behind Buckingham Palace's closed doors during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

An incredible platform, too, for the talents of its cast: Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby, and Matt Smith have all been lavished with critical praise and awards for their renditions of the royal family. However, season 3 is arriving with a little bit of a shake-up, featuring a completely new central cast to reflect the passing of time.

"After two seasons, that's it, I'm gone," Claire Foy, who previously played Queen Elizabeth, told Vulture in 2016. "They're getting rid of all of us. I don't [know] how they're planning on doing it, but they're such an incredible bunch of directors and producers that it's gonna be different and exciting."

Several cast members have already been announced: Broadchurch star Olivia Colman will step in as Queen Elizabeth, with Vanessa Kirby seemingly confirming Helena Bonham Carter will play Princess Margaret, and Tobias Menzies announced as Prince Philip.

Netflix has now confirmed Helena Bonham Carter's involvement, with the show's Twitter account posting the official cast list, further announcing Jason Watkins will play Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Paul Bettany was originally set to play the role of Philip, but was forced to drop out due to the time commitment required, hinting he may still be wrapped up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

No official date has been confirmed, though it's been revealed that season 3 won't premiere until 2019.

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