Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
The third season brings an older Elizabeth and Philip into the 1960s and 1970s. Winston Churchill’s death closes an era; Labour prime minister Harold Wilson initially faces Elizabeth’s suspicion, but they develop mutual respect. The Aberfan disaster tests the monarchy’s public response: Elizabeth delays travelling to the Welsh village, then visits after the rescue, a choice the drama presents as a lasting regret. Philip’s mother, Princess Alice, moves into Buckingham Palace and urges him to rediscover his faith. His fascination with the moon landing deepens his doubts about his own purpose, and Dean Robin Woods helps him reconsider his beliefs. Elizabeth also stops Mountbatten’s involvement in a plot against Wilson’s government.
Charles first spends a semester in Wales learning the language before his investiture as Prince of Wales. Later, letters he sends to the Duke of Windsor reveal his feelings for Camilla Shand. The Duke dies after making peace with Elizabeth. Mountbatten and the Queen Mother then work to separate Charles and Camilla: Mountbatten arranges an overseas Navy posting, while Camilla is steered toward Andrew Parker Bowles. She marries Andrew while Charles is away, leaving him heartbroken.
Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones deteriorates amid infidelity and conflict. She asks Elizabeth for more public duties, but the queen refuses; after photographs of Margaret with Roddy Llewellyn intensify the crisis, the couple separate. Margaret overdoses on medication. The Queen Mother describes it as a cry for attention rather than a clear suicide attempt, and Margaret herself is unsure; she survives and begins recovering. The season ends with Wilson resigning and Elizabeth marking her Silver Jubilee in a golden carriage.