Why ‘The Crown’ Will Introduce Princess Diana After Camilla Parker Bowles

“The Crown” fans are waiting for some famous faces. As the series moves forward, younger members of the royal family will take a bigger role. Now, fans know when to expect Princess Diana, and it’ll be a full season after Camilla Parker Bowles is introduced.

On Tuesday, Netflix announced that Emma Corrin has been cast as Lady Diana Spencer. She won’t appear in the next season of “The Crown,” though. Instead, she’ll appear in Season 4, which is set to start filming later this year.

“Beyond excited and honored to be joining The Crown for its fourth season,” Corrin said in a press release. “I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal. Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!”

Creator Peter Morgan sounded thrilled to have Corrin onboard. “Emma is a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part of Diana Spencer,” he said in a statement. “As well as having the innocence and beauty of a young Diana, she also has, in abundance, the range and complexity to portray an extraordinary woman who went from anonymous teenager to becoming the most iconic woman of her generation.”

Of course, Lady Diana won’t be the only woman in Prince Charles’ (Josh O’Connor) life. Actress Emerald Fennell will play Camilla Shand, now known as Camilla Parker Bowles. Camilla will be introduced earlier, though. Fennell will make her debut in “The Crown” Season 3.

So why is Charles’ second wife getting an earlier introduction on the Netflix drama? He actually met her first. Camilla and Charles were in the same social circles and were officially introduced by Charles’ college girlfriend, Lucia Sanra Cruz, in 1971, according to PopSugar. That’s about six years before Princess Di was in the picture.

“The Crown” Season 3 is confirmed to start in 1964 and cover Queen Elizabeth II’s (Olivia Colman) timeline through 1976. That means the season ends just before Charles meets Diana.

Charles and Diana were introduced in 1977 when Diana was just 16 years old. He was a friend of her sister, Sarah, and was going on a hunting trip with them. Charles and Diana married in 1981.

“The Crown” Season 3 still does not have an air date.