First look: New trailer for The Crown shows Olivia Colman as the Queen

Fans of Netflix series The Crown have been treated to a glimpse of the upcoming third series of the hit royal drama, as a brand new trailer has been released online.

The 30-second clip was shared on social media by Netflix and shows Oscar-winning British actress Olivia Colman stepping into the shoes of Her Majesty the Queen, taking over the leading role from her predecessor Claire Foy, who played the head of the British royal family in the first two seasons.

The clip, which shines a light on the Queen’s quick wit and sense of humour, begins with the monarch entering a drawing room at Buckingham Palace to be shown a mock-up of her new side profile, to be printed on postage stamps, replacing the version which depicts her as a younger woman.

“Everyone is delighted with the new profile ma’am, which they feel to be an elegant reflection of Her Majesty’s transition from young woman to…” one of the Queen’s advisers says, to which Colman quips: “Old bat?”

“Just the tiniest changes,” the adviser then adds, before the Queen retorts: “A great many changes … Nothing one can do about it. One just has to get on with it.”

by royal appointment, get ready to bow down to your *new* Queen pic.twitter.com/T8t5jRjVUE

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) September 20, 2019

Fans went crazy over the clip, which is set to receive its debut during the Prime Time Emmy Awards show which will take place on Sunday evening in Los Angeles. It comes less than two months ahead of the show’s return to the streaming service, with the third season of The Crown set to drop in mid November.

The clip received a flurry of comments in a matter of hours, with many people praising Broadchurch star Colman for her portrayal of perhaps the most famous woman in the world.

“Can’t wait! Absolutely loved season one,” one excited fan wrote. Another said: “Olivia Colman is a national treasure.” While a third commented: “Oh my gosh I cannot wait!”

As Colman steps into the Queen’s shoes, the show’s other leading characters will also be replaced by new actors as the show advances into the 1960s and ’70s. Princess Margaret, previously played by Vanessa Kirby, will now be portrayed by iconic actress Helena Bonham Carter. Prince Philip will be played by Tobias Menzies, replacing Matt Smith, and a young Prince Charles by The Durrells star Josh O’Connor.

Hope. pic.twitter.com/BFeE54Ro6C

— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 18, 2018

Earlier this year it was revealed that the late Princess Diana would make an appearance in season four of the show, with Netflix bosses already securing the right actress for the job. Emma Corrin has been selected to play the ‘People’s Princess’, who was married to Prince Charles between 1981 and 1996, before her tragic death in a car accident in 1997.

The British actress, who previously appeared on screen in period drama Grantchester, said she was “beyond excited” at the prospect of portraying Lady Diana Spencer on screen.

“I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal,” she said. “Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring.

“To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice.”

The Crown will return to Netflix UK on November 17, with the Australian air date yet to be confirmed.