Following on from the release of new photos from ‘The Crown’s fifth season, Netflix has now revealed the first full trailer for the next batch of episodes for the show, which is described as a fictional dramatization inspired by real events (all the better to answer back to Dame Judi Dench, who has no connection to the show and wrote to a London newspaper calling it “cruel” to the royal family and demanding a disclaimer before each episode).

With the 1990s in full swing, the Royal Family are presented with possibly their biggest challenge to date as the public openly question their role in Britain.

As Queen Elizabeth II approaches the 40th anniversary of her accession, she reflects on a reign that has encompassed nine prime ministers, the advent of mass television and the twilight of the British Empire. Yet new challenges are on the horizon.

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the transfer of sovereignty in Hong Kong signals a seismic shift in the international order presenting both obstacles and opportunities.

Meanwhile, trouble is brewing closer to home. Prince Charles pressures his mother to allow him to divorce Diana, presenting a constitutional crisis of the monarchy.

Rumors circulate as husband and wife are seen to live increasingly separate lives and, as media scrutiny intensifies, Diana decides to take control of her own narrative, breaking with family protocol to publish a book that undermines public support for Charles and exposes the cracks in the House of Windsor.

Tensions are set to rise further, as Mohamed Al Fayed (Salim Daw) arrives on the scene. Driven by his desire for acceptance of the highest order, he harnesses his self-made wealth and power to try and earn him and his son Dodi (Khalid Abdalla) a seat at the royal table – and Dodi’s connection to Diana will forever shape the monarchy going forward.

Elizabeth Debicki, and Dominic West in 'The Crown' Season 5. Photo: Netflix.

(L to R) Elizabeth Debicki, and Dominic West in 'The Crown' Season 5. Photo: Netflix.

Imelda Staunton inherits the role of The Queen from Olivia Colman, while Jonathan Pryce is the new incumbent in the part of her husband, Prince Philip, following Tobias Menzies.

Swapping in for Josh O’Connor and Emma Corrin as Prince Charles and Princess Diana are Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki.

Teddy Hawley is Prince Harry and Timothee Sambor is Prince William, though because of the young princes aging more obviously than their elders, the roles of Harry and his brother will switch to Will Powell and Senan West (Dominic’s son) in later episodes.

Lesley Manville takes over as Princess Margaret (following Helena Bonham-Carter’s run), with Claudia Harrison as the new Princess Anne and Olivia Williams replacing Emerald Fennell as Charles’ lover (and future wife) Camilla Parker Bowles.

More tellingly, and presaging future tragedy, Salim Daw is playing Mohamed Al Fayed, who would romance Diana after her divorce, and Khalid Abdalla has the role of Dodi Fayed, his father.

Perhaps most intriguing is the casting of Jonny Lee Miller as John Major, who succeeds Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minster.

Scored to The Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’, the new trailer really highlights the mood of this new season. The episodes will arrive on Netflix on November 9th.

Imelda Staunton, and Jonathan Pryce in 'The Crown' Season 5.

(L to R) Imelda Staunton, and Jonathan Pryce in 'The Crown' Season 5. Photo: Netflix.