‘The Crown’ reveals who will play Prince Philip in show’s final two seasons

Oscar-nominated Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce will take over as Prince Philip in hit Netflix drama series The Crown.

Deadline reported The Two Popes star, 73, will join the drama for its final two seasons — seasons five and six — following incredible performances from Tobias Menzies, who played Philip in the third and upcoming fourth series, and Matt Smith who portrayed the royal in the show’s first two series.

Fans were quick to comment on the news on social media, with many excited that Pryce will be stepping into the senior royal’s shoes. Twitter user @cathyking08 wrote: “He’s great. Perfect Casting.”

While @MsCynMet wrote: “I love him.” And @Samwitwicky8 said: “Excellent choice! Looking forward to another perfect acting portrayal.”

Series five and six will be the show’s last, however, the fourth season is yet to air on the popular streaming service. It has not yet been revealed which events season five and six will cover, however, season three came to an end with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee 1977 and viewers will see a young Diana Spencer enter the scene when season four is released later this year.

It comes one month after it was revealed that British screen legend Lesley Manville would take over as the Queen’s younger sister Princess Margaret for the final seasons of the award-winning show. Netflix confirmed the news on Twitter in July as they shared a statement penned by Manville, 64, who is best known for roles on both the small and silver screen, including her Oscar-nominated performance in The Phantom Thread, and stints in the likes of Mum, Soldier Soldier and Harlots.

“I could not be happier to be playing Princess Margaret,” Manville said in a statement. “The baton is being passed on from two formidable actresses and I really don’t want to let the side down. Furthermore, to play siblings with my dear friend Imelda Staunton will be nothing short of a complete joy.”

Meanwhile, earlier this year it was revealed that iconic British actress Imelda Staunton would take over the role of Her Majesty the Queen when the show enters its final instalment. She will inherit the role from Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, who portrayed the Queen in series three and the upcoming fourth season, which is expected to air later this year.