In the finale of The Crown season 6, Queen Elizabeth’s past selves, played by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, appear and influence her decision regarding the future of the Crown.
During the finale of the series, while Queen Elizabeth is asked to plan for her funeral, she finds herself in a dilemma about the future of the Crown.
She wonders whether it’s time to retire and hand the reins to someone else. To help her with the decision, her past selves, played by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, appear.
Both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman represent the inner turmoil that the Queen is facing.
Olivia Colman’s cameo
Olivia Colman’s Elizabeth shows up while the Queen is in a stable. She calls out the Queen for being a coward and not telling Philip what she has been thinking since her golden jubilee.
Colman’s Elizabeth convinces the Queen that she is ready to retire, and Charles looks ready to take over.
She further gives successful examples of queens stepping down in other countries and tells her about the consequences of sitting on the throne for too long.
Queen’s first loyalty has always been to the Crown, sometimes at the expense of being a mother; stepping down is the right thing to do now.
The Queen agrees that if she goes on for another 20–25 years, a tired, white-haired geriatric queen will be handing over the reins to a tired, white-haired geriatric king.
Hence, the Queen decides to give a speech at Charles and Camilla’s wedding reception. The rumor swirls around that she will hand Charles the reigns.
Claire Foy’s cameo
Before Queen Elizabeth can announce that she is stepping down, the younger version of her, played by Claire Foy, appears. Claire Foy’s Elizabeth encourages her to reevaluate her decision.
She reminds the Queen of the oath that she has taken, which says that she will devote her whole life, whether long or short, to the Crown.
The Crown is a symbol of permanence, stability, and continuity. If she steps down, she will be symbolizing instability and impermanence.
She will also be indicating the luxury of choice, which they cannot have if they claim the Crown as their birthright.
Claire Foy’s Elizabeth convinces the Queen that she is in her prime. Serving the Crown comes naturally to her, while others make a mess of it.
Elizabeth thrives in the system they are in, and the system thrives under her.
About the woman that Elizabeth put aside after becoming queen, Foy’s Elizabeth says that Elizabeth Windsor is long gone. There is only one Elizabeth: Queen Elizabeth.
Elizabeth agrees and decides to continue her reign. In the end, even Philip is happy with her decision because those who have come after her are not remotely ready.
He likes to think the Queen is one of a kind, and she should continue for as long as she can.
Also Read: The Crown season 6 part 2 review: A heartfelt farewell with a scattered narrative