Imelda Staunton Opens Up About the ‘Tough’ Moments Filming ‘The Crown’ Season 6 Post Queen Elizabeth II’s Demise.

Imelda Staunton Reflects on the Emotional Journey of Filming ‘The Crown’ Season 6, Especially Upon Receiving News of Queen Elizabeth II’s Passing While on Set

“During the filming of ‘The Crown’ Season 6, my co-star Lesley Manville, who portrays Princess Margaret, and I were in the midst of shooting when, during lunchtime, we were informed of the possibility of receiving somber news about Queen Elizabeth II,” shared the 67-year-old actress on The Graham Norton Show’s December 15 episode.

When faced with the choice of halting production or continuing, Staunton opted for the latter. “So, we wrapped up the day’s filming, and then, as it turned out, we all learned the news at around 6 o’clock [from the] news reports that Queen Elizabeth had passed away,” she revealed. “Strangely enough, my schedule gave me a 10-day break, coinciding with the 10 days of mourning.”

Having portrayed the late monarch on Netflix’s series since season 5, Staunton found herself overwhelmed with grief on the night of Elizabeth’s passing on September 8, 2022. “I would have certainly felt sorrow, but I believe my emotions were intensified by having inhabited her character for such a long time,” she reminisced.

Throughout her 10-day hiatus, Staunton deliberately avoided all news updates, with the sole exception being Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on September 19, 2022. She resumed filming the series immediately after the funeral.

“I believe it was challenging for those observing me,” Staunton disclosed. “I managed to compose myself and get dressed, but on that particular day, we had a considerable number of extras on set, and then ‘the figure’ made an appearance. I can imagine it was quite a difficult moment for them.”

After receiving the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing last year, Netflix declared a temporary halt in the production of season 6 as a gesture of respect. Show creator Peter Morgan conveyed his sentiments through a statement to Deadline, stating, “The Crown serves as a tribute to her, and for the moment, I have no words to offer except silence and reverence.”

The latter part of ‘The Crown’ season 6, which was released on Thursday, December 14, delves into more contemporary events within the British royal family, such as the initial encounter between Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, as well as the 2005 wedding of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

In the previous month, executive producer Suzanne Mackie disclosed that the show’s creative crew had never intended to extend the series beyond the year 2005. She shared with The Hollywood Reporter on November 17, “[Peter] consistently expressed his desire to conclude the story around the period of Charles and Camilla’s wedding.” She added, “I’ve always viewed it as a sort of fairy tale conclusion, where the narrative ends, peace returns to the realm, and they live happily ever after.”

In a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s legacy, the series finale includes a poignant scene featuring all three actresses who have brought her character to life in ‘The Crown.’ Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, who previously portrayed the role, stand behind Imelda Staunton’s Elizabeth as they celebrate the wedding of Charles and Camilla.