(PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIE MUTEVELIAN / NETFLIX)

“The Crown” final season will feature Princess Diana

Netflix’s hit series about the British royal family, centered on a young Queen Elizabeth, will wrap after season five. Peter Morgan, the series’ creator, said he originally expected the show to go six seasons, but changed his mind as the show developed.

“At the outset I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons but now that we have begun work on the stories for season five it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop,” said Morgan. “I’m grateful to Netflix and Sony for supporting me in this decision.”

Imelda Staunton, best known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, will play Queen Elizabeth in the final season. Different actresses have portrayed the long-reigning monarch as she ages throughout the series.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to confirm Imelda Staunton as Her Majesty The Queen for the fifth and final season, taking The Crown into the 21st Century,” Morgan said while announcing the fifth and final season. “Imelda is an astonishing talent and will be a fantastic successor to Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.”

As for Staunton, she said, “I am genuinely honored to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Crown to its conclusion.”