How Well Do You Know "The Crown"?

ENTERTAINMENT

By: Jenna Dennison

6 Min Quiz

Image: Netflix

About This Quiz

Glamour. Fame. Privilege. These might be some of the words that immediately come to mind when someone thinks of Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the British royal family. While the Royals are fascinating, they become even more intriguing and complex once you have the chance to dive in and learn more about them. "The Crown" is an excellent vehicle with which to learn about events within the royal family that many people have not heard of before.

"The Crown" showcases in great detail the reign of Queen Elizabeth, along with the circumstances and challenges she faced as she learned how to lead the United Kingdom. The Netflix series also delves into how a changing country, society, and expectations impacted the lives of those within the royal family and in the British government.

The first few seasons showcase the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign, but how much of the show's details do you really remember? Give yourself a challenge and see how well you know "The Crown" and its storyline. There are so many details, events and people to remember, but we know you're up for the task! If all goes well, your score here could be one of your crowning achievements.

What United States president visits Buckingham Palace in Season 2?

President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, are invited to a dinner at Buckingham Palace in the second season of "The Crown." The episode follows Elizabeth's connection with the first lady during their meeting and after president's assassination in 1963.

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While this incident only lasted for less than a week, it had a massive impact. What major weather event affected Elizabeth's early reign?

The Great Smog of 1952, which lasted for four days in December 1952, was brought on by cold weather conditions combined with pollutants that caused a layer of smog to settle over London. It's estimated that 4,000 people died due to the effects of the smog. The event prompted British Parliament to pass the Clean Air Act of 1956.

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Something groundbreaking occurred at this event. What was particularly special about Elizabeth's coronation?

Queen Elizabeth was coronated on June 2, 1953 in Westminster Abbey. Her coronation was particularly special, as it was the very first to be televised. Within the United Kingdom alone, over 27 million people watched Elizabeth's coronation.

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This man was the only American actor on "The Crown." Who portrayed Prime Minister Churchill?

John Lithgow won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Churchill in season one of "The Crown." He was also the only American cast member in "The Crown" ensemble.

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Queen Elizabeth's father suffered from poor health. What ailment did King George VI suffer from in Season 1?

King George VI had one of his lungs removed in 1951 when doctors discovered cancer within the lungs. His surgery was kept a secret from the public and was performed in Buckingham Palace.

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Philip showed a keen interest in this activity. What venture does Philip take up in Season 1?

Philip was keen on learning how to fly, and Margaret's boyfriend, Peter Townsend, was one of his flying teachers. By the time Philip turned 70 years old, he had over 5,000 pilot hours.

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This revelation shocked everyone in Season 2. What member of Elizabeth's family had ties to the Nazis?

In the second season, a collection of World War II documents are unearthed. The documents, called the Marburg Files, reveal Edward's ties to the Nazis. Edward's private secretary reveals to Elizabeth that Edward's wife was suspected of being a German spy and that the couple met with Adolf Hitler in Germany.

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Why does Princess Margaret not marry Peter Townsend?

While Queen Elizabeth had originally promised Margaret that she could marry Townsend once she turned 25, both the British Parliament and The Church of England would not allow the princess to marry Townsend because he was divorced. Due to this, Elizabeth bans their marriage.

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Where was Elizabeth's wedding held in the first episode?

Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on Nov. 20, 1947 in London's Westminster Abbey. The wedding was broadcast by radio to over 200 million people worldwide.

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You might recognize this location's prominent black door. At what place in London did Prime Minister Churchill conduct government business?

10 Downing Street, located in the Westminster area of London, is the home of the British government and the residence of the prime minister. Many scenes involving government proceedings on "The Crown" are filmed within a recreated Downing Street set.

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Why did Queen Elizabeth's uncle abdicate the throne?

Queen Elizabeth's uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the royal throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an American woman who had been divorced twice. Many politicians and those within the Church of England did not see Simpson as a suitable queen, which spurred Edward's decision to abdicate.

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Who plays young Philip in the first two seasons of "The Crown?"

Matt Smith, who you might also recognize as the 11th Doctor in "Doctor Who," played the Duke of Edinburgh in Seasons One and Two of "The Crown." His portrayal of Philip earned him an Emmy nomination in 2018.

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Prior to her coronation, Philip and Elizabeth had a fairly normal existence. What job did Philip have before Elizabeth became queen?

After Philip and Elizabeth married in November 1947, the royal couple moved to Malta. While they were in Malta, Philip continued to serve in the British Royal Navy for the next four years.

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In Season 3, which actress portrays a middle-aged Queen Elizabeth?

In July 2018, Netflix released a first look on Twitter of Elizabeth Coleman as Queen Elizabeth. Coleman will be replacing Claire Foy, who played a younger Elizabeth in the first two seasons.

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A total of 14 Prime Ministers have served under the queen. Who was prime minister when Elizabeth became queen?

Winston Churchill was the first prime minister to serve under Queen Elizabeth. ln fact, Churchill was prime minister twice! His first term was from 1940-1945, and his second term was from 1951-1955, when Elizabeth became queen.

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Which actress portrays Princess Margaret in the first two seasons?

Vanessa Kirby portrayed a young Princess Margaret in the first two seasons of "The Crown." She was also up for an Emmy in 2018 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

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Princess Margaret's husband was quite well known for his work. What sort of job did he have?

Princess Margaret's husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, was a photographer. Many of his pictures included portraits of royals, including Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. Armstrong-Jones was also known for his portraits of popular celebrities.

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King George VI died unexpectedly in 1952. Where was Elizabeth at the time of her father's death?

Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, were then on a trip of Commonwealth countries when King George VI died on Feb. 6, 1952. The couple was in Kenya at the time of his death.

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Princess Margaret meets her future husband in Season 2. What is the name of the man she marries?

Season Two of "The Crown" focuses on Princess Margaret's relationships after breaking things off with Peter Townsend. More specifically, "The Crown" highlights her relationship and eventual marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones.

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What character's sisters had ties to the Nazi Party?

Prince Philip had four sisters, and three of them married members of the Nazi Party. However, Philip fought against the Axis Powers in World War II and declared his loyalty to Great Britain.

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What evangelist met with Elizabeth in Season 2?

Billy Graham, at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth, came to deliver a private sermon at Windsor Castle to the royal family in 1956. A scene in "The Crown" also features a conversation between Graham and Elizabeth about Christianity.

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Prime Minister Winston Churchill resigned his position in 1955. Who became Prime Minister after his resignation?

Winston Churchill resigned from his duties as Prime Minister in 1955 due to his age and declining health. After his resignation, Anthony Eden became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

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The queen hasn't always resided in the same place. Where was her home before she moved to Buckingham Palace?

Elizabeth and her family lived in Clarence House before the death of her father. A few months after King George VI's death, they officially moved into Buckingham Palace on May 5, 1952.

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Princess Margaret's relationships are a major part of "The Crown's" storyline. What is the name of the man she hoped to marry in Season 1?

Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth's younger sister, asks Elizabeth for her blessing to marry Peter Townsend. Later, Townsend and Margaret become an object of fascination in the eyes of the public and the press.

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Elizabeth wished to change the name of her descendants. What was the name the queen wanted her royal line to bear?

Queen Elizabeth wanted the royal line's name to include her family's name, but the name of her husband's as well. When this request was denied by the British Cabinet, the royal line kept the name Windsor.

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This event caused tensions between Britain and Egypt. What political crisis takes center stage in Season 2?

The Suez Crisis takes center stage in the first few episodes of Season Two. Prime Minister Anthony Eden proposes that British forces respond with force regarding the Egyptian revolt in the Suez Canal, which Elizabeth agrees to support.

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Debate surfaces between Elizabeth and Philip about their son's education in Season 2. What school is Prince Charles sent to?

Philip was insistent that Charles would attend his alma mater in Scotland, Gordonstoun School. Later in life, Prince Charles despised his experience at the school, calling it "Colditz in kilts." Colditz was a German POW camp in WWII.

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She was quite young when she became Britain's monarch. How old was Elizabeth when she became queen?

When King George was found dead in Sandringham House in February 1952, Elizabeth became queen. Her father's death was quite unexpected, as was her early ascent to the throne. She was 25 years old at the time.

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This outfit was a distinctive part of the first episode of "The Crown." Which costume took the longest amount of time to make?

Michele Clapton, the show's costume designer, revealed that Elizabeth's wedding dress was the most challenging piece to recreate due to the amount of time and labor that went into it. In Clapton's mind, "If we didn't get that [wedding dress] right, then we don't actually have the right to make anything else up."

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Winston Churchill sat for a portrait that he later had destroyed because he hated it so much. Who was the artist who painted this portrait?

The painting was produced in celebration of Churchill's 80th birthday. Churchill disapproved of the painting, and his wife, Clementine Churchill, later destroyed it by burning it in a bonfire.

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There is considerable strain in Philip and Elizabeth's marriage in "The Crown." Who is the woman Philip is suspected of having an affair with in Season 2?

Galina Ulanova was a Russian ballet dancer who was considered to be one of the best ballerinas at the time. Elizabeth found a photo of Ulanova in Philip's briefcase and suspected him of having an affair.

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Queen Elizabeth is known for her love of corgis. What was the favorite snack of the corgis on the set of "The Crown?"

Claire Foy, who played Queen Elizabeth, made a point to emphasize how much the corgis on "The Crown" love cheddar. In an interview, she said that, "These corgis are cheesed up to the max--they're eating like a whole block of cheddar every day."

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Who portrays a young Queen Elizabeth?

British actress Claire Foy portrays Queen Elizabeth II during her early reign of Britain. She was offered the role in 2014, and played the queen for the first two seasons of the show.

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Netflix had to pay a high price to bring "The Crown" to life. How much did it cost to produce the first season of this show?

The glamour of "The Crown" didn't come without a hefty price tag. Netflix reportedly spent $130 million producing the first season of the show, making it one of the most expensive TV shows in history.

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What play was "The Crown" based on?

The 2013 play "The Audience" highlights the weekly conversations Queen Elizabeth has had with the prime ministers throughout her reign. Peter Morgan wrote "The Audience" and is the creator and one of the main writers of "The Crown."

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