Before The Crown Season 5 drops on Netflix, 7 moments that defined the 90s for British Royals

With only a day to go before The Crown drops its fifth season, we compile a list of happenings and events to expect from this season. 

The Crown Season 5 deals with the 90s, the most turbulent and challenging decade for the British monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II. The 90s have always driven a wedge through people; with the Crown's loyalists on one side and its critics on the other. Princess Diana's death in 1997 got the Crown massive backlash, and then some introspection, while the distance between Buckingham and the people grew some more.

The Crown Season 5, however, will not be focusing on Diana's death. That's probably where Season 6 will start from.

The fifth season marks the first season of the series to be released after the death of both, Prince Philip on April 9, 2021; as well as the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II herself, on September 8, 2022 and will focus on the British monarchy in the 90s.

Here is the trailer for this season:

Every two seasons, new actors fill the roles to reflect the ageing process over the periods of time portrayed. Here’s a quick look at the evolution of the recurring cast of characters in The Crown:

This season, the series shall cover arguably the most turbulent years in the history of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, with the disintegration of three Royal marriages and the burning down of Windsor Castle among the lot.

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from The Crown tomorrow:

1. The Windsor Castle Fire

In 1992, a fire erupted at Windsor Castle that destroyed 115 rooms, including nine State Rooms and caused more than $40 million worth of damage.

Having started in Queen Victoria’s Private Chapel, the fire took three hours and 225 firemen from seven counties to be doused. 

2. “Tampongate”

The infamous leaked recording of a telephone call between the now King Charles and his Queen Consort Camilla that caught them in the middle of a compromising conversation to say the least.

You’ve heard of William The Conquerer and Richard The Lionheart. Now, get ready for Charles The Tampon.

— Rohita Kadambi (@RohitaKadambi) September 8, 2022

The transcript of a phone call between Charles and Camilla from 1989 leaked to the media which involved some questionable sexual fantasies of the new King of England.

3. Prince Andrew and “Toegate”

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s marriage exploded when tabloids published topless photos of “Fergie” having her toes kissed by her financial adviser in the South of France.

Though she may not have known it then, it’s safe to say that Ferguson definitely dodged a bullet.

4. The Revenge Dress

Charles gave an explosive interview too Jonathan Dimbleby in 1994, during which he confessed to having cheated on Diana.

The same night the interview aired, Diana wore her infamous “Revenge Dress.” The infamous Christina Stambolian dress was chosen at the last minute for the Serpentine Gallery’s 1994 summer party and marks one of her most iconic styles ever.

5. THAT interview with Martin Bashir

The bombshell interview conducted by the now disgraced journalist Martin Bashir took place inside Diana's Kensington Palace apartment in 1995.

The interview contained explosive revelations from Princess Diana as she spoke at length about the state of her marriage to Prince Charles, her life-long struggle with bulimia and self-harm, and her determination to show vulnerability that was a novel concept for the Royal Family.

6. Annus Horribilis

On 24 November 1992 Queen Elizabeth II gave a speech at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her Accession. In it the Queen famously referred to recent events as part of an 'annus horribilis'.

7. The Granny and Grandson relationship

The Queen reportedly hosted Prince William for weekly teas at Windsor Castle when the teenager was in boarding school miles away at Eton. 

In his formative years, this one-on-one time with his grandmother strengthened their bond and proved to be an opportunity for the Queen to mentor and guide him, as her grandfather George V, did with her.

The Crown was filming its final season this past September when Queen Elizabeth II died. At the time, production halted out of respect for the Queen. Series creator Peter Morgan issued a statement saying, “The Crown is a love letter to her and I’ve nothing to add for now, just silence and respect.”. Season 6, the final season of The Crown, is expected to go big on Diana's death in Paris, and the events thereafter. 

The penultimate season in the planned six seasons of The Crown will premiere tomorrow, November 9, 2022, on Netflix.