Is 'The Crown' Really Filmed at Buckingham Palace?
Even before its release, fans of British TV and royalty already had high expectations for the fourth season of Netflix's The Crown. As projected, the series attracted major attention and popularity by presenting intense characters and an engaging plot centered around beloved historical figures, particularly the late Princess Diana (played by actress Emma Corrin). However, in addition to the impeccable script and costumes, one aspect of the series that aids in the storytelling is the setting. With so much of the series precisely replicating real life, viewers can't help but wonder if the filming really took place at Buckingham Palace. Despite its close resemblance in the series, unfortunately, the answer is no. However, to masterfully recreate so many incredible moments in the history of the royal family, the series had to be filmed in different locations across the UK, which guaranteed a powerful result.
According to the Independent, production used the Greenwich Naval College for exterior shots of the palace, however, interior scenes were shot in several different locales. Moments in the Queen's audience room, where she has her private conversations with Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson), were recorded at Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire. Wilton House in Salisbury served as the predominate filming location for interior shots of Buckingham Palace, while Goldsmiths Hall and Lancaster House in London were also used to stand in as various offices of the palace secretaries.
The publication also revealed locations that were used for other important plot scenarios, such as Hedsor House, which was used in scenes for both the Prime Minister's Downing Street residence and Queen Elizabeth's Scottish estate Balmoral Castle. However, outside footage of the Queen's residence was lensed at Ardverikie Castle in Scotland.
In lieu of Kensington Palace, the home of Prince Charles and Diana, the show used Brocket Hall, located in Hertfordshire, while scenes from the couple's Highgrove estate actually took place at Somerley House in Hampshire. In addition, the fourth season finale follows the Princess of Wales on her first solo trip to New York. However, rather than move production to the U.S., these scenes were filmed in Manchester.
