Queen C
Vogue|December 2017

Claire Foy’s performance as the young Queen Elizabeth has made The Crown a must-see sensation. Lisa Armstrong asks, What’s next for her?

Queen C

What happens to an actress once she has played the queen? Does some magisterial DNA rub offon her? Helen Mirren, Kristin Scott Thomas, Judi Dench have all been appointed dames. Only Cate Blanchett, who so magnificently illuminated Elizabeth II’s namesake, Elizabeth I, is yet to receive a title. But since she’s an Aussie and thus, technically, a subject of Her Majesty, there’s still a chance. Besides, Blanchett exudes innate queenliness.

“The role can give you quite a lot back if you let it,” says Peter Morgan, who should know, since he wrote not only The Crown (for TV) and The Audience (for the stage) but also The Queen, the 2006 movie that arguably restored the monarchy’s popularity following Princess Diana’s death. “When Helen was a guest of the Obamas at the White House Correspondents’ dinner,” says Morgan, “everyone else was being mercilessly teased, but the entire room stood up and cheered her. I’m not sure Helen didn’t grow two inches.”

This story is from the December 2017 edition of Vogue.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2017 edition of Vogue.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOGUEView All
A Mother's Story
Vogue US

A Mother's Story

In a Broadway revival of Amy Herzog's play Mary Jane, Rachel McAdams finds uncommon grace in an account of parental struggle and pain.

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2024
Old Souls
Vogue US

Old Souls

A new production of Uncle Vanya brings the eternal wisdom of Anton Chekhov to the stage.

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2024
ELIZABETH DEBICKI
Vogue US

ELIZABETH DEBICKI

The actor who brought Princess Diana to life—and won a passel of awards in the process—is ready to transform anew.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
If the Shoe Doesn't Fit
Vogue US

If the Shoe Doesn't Fit

Forever looking for a 42 ina world of 39s.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
Stuck on You
Vogue US

Stuck on You

Once applied primarily to adolescent totems, stickers for wellness!are growing up.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2024
Partial to It
Vogue US

Partial to It

Gen Zers have deemed side parts hopelessly outdated, but new defenders see the appeal.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
With Nail and I
Vogue US

With Nail and I

Inspired by recent runways, Lena Dunham tries on inch-long talons and mere tip-skimming lengths, and wonders: What do our nails say about all we’re asked to do?

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2024
Not Black and White
Vogue US

Not Black and White

At just 27, Anna Park has made a major impression on the art world. Dodie Kazanjian visits her studio.

time-read
9 mins  |
May 2024
Prep School
Vogue US

Prep School

Back in the '90s, Plum Sykes arrived in New York from London and promptly found herself in the thrall of preppy chic. Now, she writes, it's all coming back.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
States of WONDER
Vogue US

States of WONDER

John Galliano's recent Maison Margiela triumph was an haute couture tour de force. Yet, as Hamish Bowles recalls, it's but the latest in the designer's long history of era-defining shows.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024