Netflix has finally confirmed a release date for the fifth season of the Crown

Season five of The Crown might just be the most highly-anticipated - and emotionally devastating - instalment yet. Netflix have announced the release date for the new season will be November 9, 2022, and we're predicting its highest ratings yet.

As well as boasting an all-star cast and tackling some controversial points in royal history, interest in the interpersonal relationships of the royals is at a high after a particularly turbulent few years for the family. And, after the Queen's passing in September, producers are also grappling with how to ensure the events portrayed are done so with respect to our late monarch.

As we creep closer to the modern day, the events depicted in The Crown season five are events many of us remember, rather than just incidents from the history books. The series will tackle the turbulent relationship between King Charles III, then known as Prince Charles and Princess Diana before the late Princess of Wales' tragic death, as well as two other marital breakdowns within the Royal Family. With Imelda Staunton taking on one of the most revered roles in Netflix's history, the anticipation has been building for quite some time.

Here's everything we know about The Crown season five ahead of its release in November.

The Crown season 5: The new cast members

Season five of The Crown will see a whole new cast take on the various members of the Royal Family years on from where the last series ended.

Dominic West is taking over from Emmy winner Josh O'Connor to play Prince Charles in season five of the award-winning Netflix drama, while Dominic's 13-year-old Senan is due to play William in the last few episodes of the final series.

According to Variety, Senan has been cast as a slightly older William, and will portray him as he begins to mature into a young man. Senan is said to have auditioned via tape which was sent to producers by his agent, and they were immediately impressed. This will be Senan's first acting role.

Meanwhile, Imelda Staunton recently introduced herself to fans in a video clip released by Netflix which showed her at at a bureau – just as Her Majesty does when delivering a broadcast to the nation – while revealing her nerves at taking over the role from Olivia Colman. In the background were framed photos of Claire Foy and Olivia Colman in their respective, award-winning roles as the Queen from former series.

"I'm Imelda Staunton and I'm currently on the set of The Crown, where we have just begun filming season five," she began. "I'm delighted to be here inheriting the role of Queen Elizabeth from two outstanding actresses. Most recently, the wonderful Olivia Colman. And who could forget the actress who originated the part? Claire Foy.

"I will do the upmost to maintain the very high standard that they set. Hopefully I look calm, collected and capable. My stomach meanwhile is doing somersaults. On behalf of the cast and crew, we look forward to bringing you the next season of The Crown in November 2022."

The Crown season five will introduce fans to a whole new ensemble cast as the series enters the early 1990s. Along with Harry Potter's Staunton taking over from Colman in the title role, Tobias Menzies will be replaced by Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip.

The new cast will also include The Night Manager's Elizabeth Debicki taking over from Golden Globe winner Emma Corrin to play Princess Diana, and Oscar nominee Lesley Maville replacing Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret.

Filming for the penultimate series has been underway in Scotland, with Staunton being pictured on a boat in the Scottish fishing village of Macduff with Downton Abbey actor Andrew Havill, who plays the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.

The Crown season 5: The plot

Season four of The Crown begins in the late 1970s, with the royal family securing an appropriate bride for Prince Charles, including his highly publicised courtship with Diana and their lavish wedding in 1981. It also introduced Gillian Anderson as the UK's first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

Season five will begin in the early '90s with John Major in power as PM and leader of the Conservative Party, and it's likely to touch on the year of 1992, which the Queen has previously described as her "annus horribilis". This year saw the collapse of three of her children's marriages, including Prince Charles' to Princess Diana, and Princess Anne's to Captain Mark Phillips, while Prince Andrew and Fergie also separated after six years of marriage.

Other dramatic events that may feature include the fire that broke out at Windsor Castle, causing severe damage.

The Crown season 5: The cast in full

Imelda Staunton, known for her roles in Mike Leigh's Oscar nominated Vera Drake and Harry Potter, will play the Queen.

Jonathan Pryce, who was Oscar nominated for his role in Netflix's The Two Popes, will play Prince Philip.

Mum star Lesley Manville, who currently stars in Channel 4's anthology series I Am and was Oscar nominated for Phantom Thread in 2018, will play Princess Margaret.

Dominic West, who will also be joining the cast of Downton Abbey for the film's sequel, will play Prince Charles.

The Night Manager's Elizabeth Debicki, who stars in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Tenet will star as Princess Diana.

Claudia Harrison, known for her roles in Humans and The IT Crowd, will play Princess Anne.

Trainspotting and Hackers actor Jonny Lee Miller, who also played Sherlock in Elementary, will play John Major.

Olivia Williams, known for her film roles in The Sixth Sense, Peter Pan and An Education, will take on the role of Camilla Parker Bowles.

It's being reported that James Murray, known for his roles in Cutting It and Mcdonald and Dodds, will be playing Prince Andrew. Cast members playing Fergie and Prince Edward have yet to confirmed.

The Kite Runner's Khalid Abdalla has reportedly been cast as the late Princess Diana's boyfriend, Dodi Fayed.

Salim Dau will play Dodi's father, former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed.

The Crown season 5: Trailer

Unfortunately, Netflix is yet to release an official trailer for season five.

Keep an eye on this piece and we'll update it as soon as we know more.

The Crown season 5: Release date

The official release date for The Crown season five is 09 November, 2022.

The Crown seasons 1 to 4 are available to stream on Netflix now.

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