New series of The Crown reveals a sumptuous drama that won’t disappoint fans

FANS of The Crown will not be disappointed with a new season that brings Philip philanders, a Nazi scandal and more babies. And Melbourne even gets a guernsey.

FANS eagerly awaiting a second season of sumptuous royal drama The Crown won’t be disappointed when it drops on December 8.

Philip philanders, a Nazi scandal is dug-up and more babies are on the agenda as Britain’s top family enters the 1960s.

If the current generation of royals — William, Kate and their kids — have been good for the royal’s reputation, this series has been even better.

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Elizabeth writes to absent husband, Philip. Picture: Netflix

Facing a marriage crisis after a decade together, Queen Elizabeth (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (Matt Smith) have never seemed more real or accessible, as the series draws you into the bizarre rituals of their daily life.

Equally, it shows a monarch who is tentatively curious about life outside the palace walls.

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One is not happy, and neither is her husband. The Queen (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (Matt Smith) thrash out their marital problems. Picture: Netflix

She has sent Philip on a tour of the colonies, including Australia, and according to the lengthy messages he sends home to his boorish lunch club mates, “what happens on tour, stays on tour”.

He is literally and metaphorically at sea, under strict instructions to “fly to Melbourne to open the Olympics, where I must generally behave myself, shake a few hands, cut a few ribbons,” he tells his fellow naval officers. “It will be hell, I can assure you.”

Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) is bored of the fairytale image. Picture: Netflix

Philip is dignified in one moment, a misogynist fool in the next; Matt Smith is superb in this role. While we don’t see him do the deed, his unfaithfulness is strongly implied through his close friendship with “that little Australian”, Mike Parker (Daniel Ings), an enthusiastic adulterer.

An intimate moment at the palace. Picture: Netflix

This is the second and last time Claire Foy will play Queen Elizabeth. Olivia Colman (Broadchurch) will take the throne in season three of six.

For now, we see Elizabeth becoming more assured in her role as Head of State, and more staid in her personal style. ‘That hairstyle’ (the one she still has) is born, much to Philip’s personal amusement.

As the queen becomes more conservative, her wildchild sister Margaret (a scene-stealing Vanessa Kirby) is sexy and slinky, bored of fitting the princess mould.

As Princess Margaret, Vanessa Kirby (and her fabulous pout) steal the limelight in The Crown. Picture: Netflix

Still sulking over her sister’s intervention in her relationship with Peter Townsend, Margaret breaks out with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, her ticket to the ‘common man’.

Victoria Hamilton reprises her role as the Queen Mother, and is gifted some of the wittiest dialogue since Downton Abbey’s Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith). Handily for storytelling purposes, she has a habit of saying what Elizabeth only dares to think. And as the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward, Alex Jennings looks suitably flummoxed as he attempts to re-enter royal life.

Rebel royal Margaret with photographer husband Tony at Edward's baptism, Picture: Netflix

The Crown simplifies political situations for storytelling, such as the struggle for the Suez Canal, or Edward Simpson’s association with Nazi Germany, and occasionally employs actual historical photos or footage, giving it a ring of authenticity.

How accurate is its portrayal of life behind the scenes? We may never know.

The Crown, season two, Netflix, Friday December 8.