Olivia Colman hails the Queen as the ‘ultimate feminist’

'She's the one on our coins and banknotes,' states The Crown star

Actor Olivia Colman has praised Queen Elizabeth II as the “ultimate feminist“ in the lead-up to the release of the latest season of The Crown.

On Sunday 17 November, the third season of the royal period drama is due to be released on Netflix, with Colman replacing Claire Foy to portray the monarch from 1964 to 1977.

In a new interview with Radio Times, Colman explained that she has “fallen in love with the Queen“ while depicting the character.

“[The Queen is] the ultimate feminist,” the Oscar winner said. “She’s the breadwinner.

“She’s the one on our coins and banknotes. Prince Philip has to walk behind her.”

Colman explained several ways in which the Queen has broken down gender stereotypes throughout her life.

“She fixed cars in the Second World War. She insisted on driving a king who came from a country where women weren’t allowed to drive,” The Favourite star said. “She’s no shrinking violet.”

Colman added that in her opinion, the Queen is “extraordinary” as society is “used to people being a little unclassy and she’s the opposite of that”.

“I hadn’t spent much time thinking about it before, but now I love her. She’s changed my views on everything,” the actor stated.

Earlier this year, Colman revealed she initially struggled to learn how to walk and talk like the Queen.

The 45-year-old said she was told she walked “like a farmer” while attempting to emulate the monarch.

On 31 October, Colman received her CBE (Commander of the British Empire) medal from the Princess Royal, Princess Anne for services to drama.

The actor said she felt “totally thrilled” to receive the recognition.