The first part of The Crown's sixth and final season has landed on Netflix, depicting a fictionalised version of the British royal family. The season explores Princess Diana's final days before her tragic death in a car crash in Paris 26 years ago, which also killed driver Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed, son of business tycoon Mohamed Al Fayed.
Elizabeth Debicki returns as Diana, Princess of Wales, who is on holiday with the Fayeds in the south of France at the start of the season. Debicki described playing the role as a huge gift and noted that her favourite costume is the blue swimsuit Diana wears on the yacht's diving board. Her previous roles include The Great Gatsby, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Widows, Tenet and the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
Khalid Abdalla reprises his role as Dodi Fayed, the oldest son of Mohamed al-Fayed, now a successful producer of the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire. Abdalla said creator Peter Morgan gave the Fayeds equal space to other characters, which he considered a huge honour as an actor of Egyptian and Arab descent. His past credits include United 93, The Kite Runner, The Square, Green Zone, Hanna, Moon Knight and Assassin's Creed.
Imelda Staunton plays Queen Elizabeth II for the final time, saying she felt more comfortable with the role after living with the character for so long. She praised the Queen's stillness and ability to remain unthrown by events. Staunton is known for roles in the Harry Potter films, Nanny McPhee, Downton Abbey and Paddington.
Dominic West returns as Prince Charles, newly divorced from Princess Diana. West said he always tried to fight Charles's corner and present him in a good light, adding that he admires the prince and thinks he gets a lot of stick. His fondest memory from the series is the fruitcake. West has appeared in The Wire, The Affair, Les Misérables, Colette and The Pursuit of Love.
Rufus Kampa joins the cast as Prince William in his early teenage years. Executive producer Suzanne Mackie said the first half of Season 6 required William and Harry to feel like boys, not young men, and commended Kampa's ability to play the prince at a vulnerable age while bringing sparkle. The season also features Fflyn Edwards as Prince Harry and is expected to show the premiership of Sir Tony Blair, the early relationship between William and Kate Middleton, and Charles and Camilla's wedding.
