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The Crown: viewers spot major historical error

The scene in question starred Matt Smith as Prince Philip

claire foy the crown
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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The Crown's production team are known for their incredible attention to detail. But eagle-eyed viewers spotted a historical error during a brief scene in season two, which showed Prince Philip (played by Matt Smith) driving up to an East London home to visit his best friend (actor Daniel Ings). As his car made its way down the street, a modern block of flats was clearly visible on camera. The scene, which was set in 1957, was shot in Cadogan Terrace – but the property in question wasn’t completed until the 1960s, via the Daily Mail. "It's a lovely old street with beautiful cars and then in the background there is this big modern block," viewer Rebecca Robins said. "It's amazing it wasn'[t spotted and removed, they'd gone to such lengths to make it look good with old cars and no road markings, it was a pity to see the scene ruined."

STORY: How much of The Crown season two actually happened?

the crown flats

A modern block of flats was clearly visible in a recent episode of The Crown

Meanwhile, filming is now underway on season three of The Crown, which will see a brand new cast portray the royal family. Olivia Colman will replace Claire Foy as the Queen, and it has been reported that Helena Bonham Carter will play Princess Margaret, while Paul Bettany will take over the role of Prince Philip.

helen mirren the queen

Helen Mirren famously won an Oscar for her role in The Queen

Last month, Claire suggested that Helen Mirren might well portray the monarch in a future series, telling chat show host Andy Cohen she would "put money on" the 72-year-old appearing in a later season of the Netflix show. But asked recently if she was interested in taking on the role, Helen told the Daily Beast: "No, I'm not. No, no. Done with that." Helen of course won an Oscar for her portrayal of the royal in the 2006 film The Queen, and played her again in the 2013 West End play The Audience, which earned her both Olivier and Tony Awards.

STORY: The Crown star Matt Smith admits he feels 'sorry' for newly-engaged Meghan Markle