The Crown: Netflix casts Emma Corrin as Princess Diana in series four

This will be the actress's first major role

The Crown has announced actress Emma Corrin will play Princess Diana, ending months of speculation.

Corrin will join the cast of the Netflix show about the British royal family later this year, when filming for season four begins.

The news was confirmed on Twitter in a statement from the actress, in which she expressed her excitement for the opportunity.

“I have been glued to the show and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is surreal,” Corrin said. “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!”

According to executive producer Peter Morgan, Corrin was chosen for both her talent and her resemblance to Diana.

“Emma is a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part of Diana Spencer,” Morgan said. “As well as having the innocence and beauty of a young Diana, she also has, in abundance, the range and complexity to portray an extraordinary woman who went from anonymous teenager to becoming the most iconic woman of her generation.”

In response to The Crown’s announcement, the Twitter account for Netflix UK and Ireland tweeted: “We have our Diana.”

In the show’s upcoming third season, Olivia Colman will be taking over the role of Queen Elizabeth II from Claire Foy, with Tobias Menzies set to play Prince Philip. Helena Bonham Carter has also been added to the cast as Princess Margaret.

Corrin, a Cambridge graduate, will make her film debut this year in Misbehaviour, according to Entertainment Weekly, before taking on the role of Princess Diana, the former wife of Prince Charles who died in a car accident in August 1997.