"the Crown" Episode #5.4(2022) May 2026

Watch a discussion on the historical context and cinematic portrayal of the Queen's stark admission of failure in this episode:

: Princess Margaret reunites with her first love, Peter Townsend (now played by Timothy Dalton). This reunion sparks a confrontation between Margaret and the Queen regarding the double standards of royal marriage.

: The episode concludes with the Queen delivering a vulnerable address at Guildhall , marking the 40th anniversary of her accession and acknowledging the year's profound difficulties. Key Cast & Production Queen Elizabeth II Imelda Staunton Princess Margaret Lesley Manville Prince Philip Jonathan Pryce Peter Townsend Timothy Dalton Princess Anne Claudia Harrison "The Crown" Episode #5.4(2022)

Episode Report: " The Crown " Season 5, Episode 4 — " Annus Horribilis "

: On November 20, 1992, a massive fire severely damaged Windsor Castle , serving as a metaphor for the crumbling stability of the royal family. Watch a discussion on the historical context and

This episode, released on , depicts the tumultuous events of 1992, a year Queen Elizabeth II famously described as her " annus horribilis " (horrible year). Core Plot Points

The narrative focuses on a succession of personal and institutional crises that besieged the monarchy: Key Cast & Production Queen Elizabeth II Imelda

: The year saw the separation of three of the Queen’s children: Prince Andrew from Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne from Mark Phillips, and Prince Charles from Princess Diana.