The Crown Season 6 Review: The Final Chapter of a Majestic Journey

The Crown

Season 6 marks the final chapter in a journey that has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly a decade. From its beginning in 2016, Peter Morgan’s meticulously crafted series has taken us through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, painting a fascinating, complex, and often controversial portrait of the British Royal Family. In this season, the show brings its sweeping saga to a close, covering events from the late 1990s into the early 2000s. As the showrunners have consistently declared, The Crown is more of a historical drama than a documentary, yet its cultural impact has stirred significant debate about the British monarchy, shaping global perceptions.

In this review, we’ll dive deep into the storytelling, the cast performances, emotional depth, and whether the final season lives up to the grandiosity of its predecessors. We’ll also explore the controversial depictions of the royal family, the cinematographic beauty of the series, and how The Crown has subtly shifted public views on monarchy, before wrapping up with a discussion of Peter Morgan’s vision and his decision to conclude this royal epic.

The Final Bow of The Crown: A Comprehensive Review of The Crown Season 6

The Continuity and Progression of the Storyline

One of the strengths of The Crown has always been its commitment to covering significant moments in Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, from her ascension to the throne to her navigating modernity. Season 6 continues this tradition, although it steps delicately into much more contentious territory: the death of Princess Diana and its aftermath, the continued fallout from the Charles and Camilla scandal, and the early 2000s as the royal family begins to transition into a new era.

This final season balances closure with an examination of history’s relentless march forward. Morgan maintains the narrative rhythm, with each episode feeling deliberate in its progression toward the inevitable culmination of a monumental reign. Although the pacing at times slows, particularly in moments of introspection, it feels fitting given that this is the last we will see of these characters.

Peter Morgan has publicly stated that he intended The Crown to end with the events of 2005, avoiding any portrayal of more current events, particularly Harry and Meghan‘s exit or the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. This 20-year buffer, as Morgan explained, is crucial for maintaining a sense of historical perspective rather than delving into present-day events that he expressed as “journalistic”. In this respect, Season 6 succeeds—it allows viewers to reflect on the era of Elizabeth’s reign without the immediacy and biases that might come from dramatizing too-recent events.

The Crown Season 6 Review: Emotional Impact and Iconic Moments

It’s impossible to talk about The Crown Season 6 without addressing the emotional weight carried by the tragic loss of Princess Diana. The show deals with her passing in a respectful and tactful way, avoiding exploitation of one of the most sorrowful events in royal history. Instead, it examines the aftermath—the ripple effects on her sons, Princes William and Harry, her ex-husband Charles, and, indeed, the monarchy at large.

One of the most heart-wrenching storylines is the depiction of the young princes grappling with their grief. The subtle tension between William’s growing sense of responsibility as the future king and Harry’s youthful resentment toward the media establishment, that he blames for his mother’s death, is played out with devastating emotional impact. These moments offer a window into the human cost of royal life, presenting the Crown not as a gilded treasure, but as a heavy burden. For viewers who have followed the series since its beginning, this is one of the most poignant themes in the final season.

Queen Elizabeth herself also undergoes profound reflection. Season 6 of The Crown portrays her as more fragile and aware of the twilight of her reign. Scenes where she looks back on her life’s work and the legacy she will leave behind are filled with quiet but powerful emotion. Imelda Staunton, who continues her role as Elizabeth for this final season, delivers a subtle yet deeply resonant performance. She conveys the internal conflict of a woman who has been Queen for decades and yet is realizing that time and tradition, even for royalty, are relentless forces.

The Cast of The Crown TV Series Season 6: Delivering Royal Performances

One of The Crown’s most remarkable achievements has been its casting over the years, and Season 6 is no exception. From Claire Foy and Olivia Colman in the first few seasons, to the final season’s talented ensemble that brings the younger royals to life, the performances in this final season are nothing short of exceptional.

Imelda Staunton took over the role of Queen Elizabeth II starting from The Crown Season 5, and while comparisons to her predecessors are inevitable, Staunton brings a gravitas that is perfect for this stage in the Queen’s life. Her portrayal of the monarch grappling with the weight of both personal loss and the monarchy’s fading relevance, in the modern world, is understated but powerful. Staunton plays Elizabeth with a quiet dignity, showing a Queen who has seen and endured much but is also aware of the future that lies beyond her reign.

Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki reprise their roles as Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Debicki’s performance is particularly compelling, capturing Diana’s vulnerability in her final years. She imbues Diana with an almost ethereal presence, which is especially poignant as the series approaches her untimely death. West’s portrayal of Charles as a man caught between duty and desire provides a fascinating counterbalance to Diana’s tragic arc, and he succeeds in making Charles both sympathetic and frustrating; a man who is undeniably flawed but not without complexity.

Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret offer solid performances, each grappling with their own sense of fading importance within the family. Their respective arcs in this final season, particularly Margaret’s continued reflection on what could have been, serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by those adjacent to the throne.

The younger cast members, portraying William and Harry, also deserve special mention. As the series delves into the impact of Diana’s death on the boys, the performances are filled with raw emotion, adding depth to the portrayal of the next generation of royals.

The Crown‘s Finale Cinematography and Production Design: A Feast for the Eyes

From lavish palaces to scenic countryside vistas, #TheCrown has always been a visual masterpiece, and Season 6 is no different. The production design continues to impress with its opulent recreations of royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Balmoral, each location captured with painstaking detail. This season also highlights some of the less glamorous aspects of royal life, such as the tension-filled, media-saturated weeks following Diana’s death, juxtaposing the private grief of the family with the very public scrutiny they faced.

One of the most powerful visual sequences in Season 6 is the depiction of Diana’s final moments in Paris. While the show wisely avoids showing the actual car crash, it builds tension through beautifully shot scenes of Diana’s final hours, creating a sense of impending tragedy without being exploitative. The decision to let the camera linger on emotional reactions rather than sensationalizing the event itself is a testament to the thoughtfulness behind The Crown’s approach to its most delicate historical moments.

The use of lighting, especially in scenes involving the Queen, underscores the thematic weight of The Crown Season 6. There is a distinct shift toward darker, more muted tones, reflecting the melancholic atmosphere as the Queen’s reign enters its final phase. As always, the costume design is impeccable, with the fashion choices for each character perfectly matching the tone of the era being depicted.

The Show’s Impact on Public Perception of the British Monarchy

Perhaps one of the most fascinating discussions around The Crown has been its impact on public perceptions of the British monarchy. The series has undoubtedly painted a more human, flawed picture of the royal family, showing not only the pomp and ceremony but also the personal struggles, emotional trauma, and moral dilemmas that come with being part of an ancient institution.

This has led to a wider conversation about the relevance of the monarchy in the modern world. Younger viewers, in particular, may question the need for such an institution after seeing how it has shaped and constrained the lives of individuals like Diana and even Charles. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the monarchy as an institution that has sometimes failed its members on a personal level, leaving them isolated and emotionally stunted. The story of Harry and Meghan is a great example.

However, The Crown also underscores the importance of tradition, duty, and stability that the monarchy represents, particularly through its portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. For every moment of personal conflict, the series reminds viewers of the larger responsibility carried by the crown—a delicate balance that has helped the monarchy endure for so long.

The show’s nuanced depiction of the royals has led some viewers to sympathize with figures like Prince Charles, who, in real life, has often been a target of public criticism. Others have become more critical of the institution itself, seeing it as antiquated and out of touch. In many ways, The Crown has sparked a more critical, yet still respectful, dialogue around the future of the British monarchy, leaving viewers to wrestle with the same questions that have plagued the royals themselves for generations.

Peter Morgan’s Decision to End The Crown with Season 6: Historical, Not Journalistic

Peter Morgan’s decision to end The Crown with Season 6, covering events up to 2005, is both strategic and respectful. Morgan has been clear in his intent to keep the show historical, not “journalistic”. By leaving a buffer of at least 20 years between the events depicted and present-day royal happenings, Morgan avoids sensationalizing recent history, particularly the very public trials of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

This decision also speaks to the integrity of The Crown as a piece of historical drama. It is not designed to exploit the latest royal scandal or ride the wave of current media frenzy. Instead, it offers viewers a reflective and contemplative look at the reign of Elizabeth II and the pressures faced by her family over decades. Morgan’s approach allows for distance, offering perspective on how events from the 1990s and early 2000s shaped the monarchy, without the distractions of current-day controversy.

Yet, even as Morgan concludes The Crown, there are hints of a potential prequel, one that could explore the royal family in earlier periods. While the idea is intriguing, it seems fitting that Morgan would want a break from writing about the royals after spending the past ten years immersed in their lives. His focus on keeping the story respectful and historical rather than tabloid-driven is commendable, and speaks to the care that has gone into creating one of the most critically acclaimed television dramas of all time.

Final Thoughts on The Crown‘s Final Season: A Majestic Conclusion

The Crown

Season 6 delivers a powerful and poignant conclusion to one of the most ambitious television series of the past decade. It masterfully balances historical accuracy with emotional depth, offering viewers a final glimpse into the inner lives of the British Royal Family, as they navigate some of their darkest and most turbulent times.

Our Rating: 9/10

We give The Crown Season 6 a well-deserved 9/10. The show’s performances are stellar, particularly from Imelda Staunton, Elizabeth Debicki, and Dominic West, while the production design and cinematography continue to dazzle. More than just a visual feast, though, The Crown remains a thoughtful meditation on the nature of power, duty, and family.

As The Crown comes to an end, it leaves behind a complex legacy. It has entertained, educated, and provoked thought, all while maintaining a respectful distance from present-day royal controversies. Whether you’re a staunch monarchist, a republican, or simply a fan of good drama, Season 6 is a fitting conclusion to a majestic saga that will be remembered for years to come.

In the end, The Crown has done more than chronicle the reign of Queen Elizabeth II—it has shaped the way we think about the monarchy itself, offering a legacy as enduring as the institution it portrays.

This article was written with the help of A.I for topic research and formulation.