NetflixThe Crown is one of the most glamorous and visually stunning shows on TV. There's no question about it and it looks like season two continues the grand tradition set by season one.
Starring Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II (it's her last time with the crown on her head, you better cherish it), season two of Netflix's award-winning royal period drama continues the drama around the world's most famous monarchy. Doctor Who's Matt Smith returns as the restless Prince Philip as the monarchy faces new challenges in an ever-changing world.
Season two picks up with an illegal war in Egypt and ends with the downfall of Harold Macmillan, the third Prime Minister to serve with the Queen. Welcome to the ‘60s! Vanessa Kirby's Princess Margaret romances a photographer played by The Good Wife's Matthew Goode and Dexter's Michael C. Hall appears in the new season as President John F. Kennedy. Jodi Balfour of Quarry fame will take on the role of Jacqueline Kennedy.
Take a look at some stunning behind-the-scenes photos from the new season below.
Prince, Creator and the Queen
Matt Smith and Claire Foy pose with creator and writer Peter Morgan on set of the Netflix series.
Two Sisters
Claire Foy and Vanessa Kirby prepare for a shot in The Crown season two.
Grand Scale
The Crown routinely goes on location and is rumored to be one of Netflix's most expensive series.
On Location
Matt Smith and director Philip Martin in South Africa.
A Prince's Wardrobe
The clothes that turn Matt Smith into Prince Philip.
Make-up Check
Vanessa Kirby gets her makeup touched up before shooting a scene as Princess Margaret.
More Locations
The Crown hopped around to different countries for its years-spanning story.
The Power Couple
Matt Smith and Claire Foy film with director Stephen Daldry at Belvoir Castle (the stand in for Windsor Castle).
Royal Surroundings
Like Downton Abbey before it, The Crown spares no expense at nailing the majestic settings.
The Prince's Speech
Director Philip Martin and Matt Smith discuss Prince Philip's Christmas speech in a scene from The Crown season two.
From Doctor to Prince
Matt Smith, seen here with director Philip Martin, shot to fame with his role in Doctor Who.
The Queen Mother
Final touches are put on Victoria Hamilton, who plays the Queen Mother, before a scene.
A Queen and Her Prime Minister
Claire Foy, Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown and Anton Lesser, Howard Macmillan on the series, sit with director Stephen Daldry before a scene.
Last Looks
Claire Foy gets final touches before becoming Queen Elizabeth II for the camera in the second season of the Netflix hit.
Places, Please!
A scene takes shape during filming of The Crown's second season.
Dreaded Water Bottles!
The Crow stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith hydrate before a scene. TV fans will remember plastic water bottles created a headache on Downton Abbey.
All Aboard!
Matt Smith and director Philip Martin on deck of the Britannia.
Location, Location, Location
Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Lyla Barret-Rye arrive on location to shoot at Balmoral.
The Queen
Claire Foy prepares to film a scene in The Crown season two.
When The Crown returns for its third and fourth seasons, The Night Manager and Broadchurch star Olivia Colman will have the crown atop her head.
The Crown season two premieres Friday, Dec. 8 on Netflix.