Vanessa Kirby claims she would have found it ‘daunting’ portraying Princess Margaret in recent times

Vanessa Kirby claims she would have found it ‘daunting’ portraying Princess Margaret more recently than she did in The Crown as she was ‘controversial’

She rose to fame after portraying Princess Margaret in The Crown’s first and second season, which chronicled her life from 1947 to 1964.

And Vanessa Kirby claimed she would ‘feel daunted’ if she tried to play the royal in a more recent period, as she was ‘more controversial’.

Speaking in The Sunday Times Culture Magazine, the actress, 32, said of taking the part: ‘I didn’t know anything about Princess Margaret. And from the 1950s all you could find were little clips of her opening things, like boats. 

Candid: Vanessa Kirby claimed on Sunday that she would have found it ‘daunting’ portraying Princess Margaret more recently than she did in The Crown as she was ‘controversial’

‘I had to find moments where her mic was left on and she said a withering remark.’

Reflecting on taking on the role in one of the show’s later seasons, she added: ‘I’d have felt daunted if it was closer to today. It’s more current. More controversial.’

During Vanessa’s stint in the role, the Netflix drama portrayed Princess Margaret’s called-off engagement to Group Captain Peter Townsend and marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Helena Bonham Carter took on the mantle for the show’s third and fourth season, while Lesley Manville will portray the royal in the final two seasons. 

Of taking the part, Vanessa said: 'I didn't know anything about Princess Margaret (pictured in 1991)... I had to find moments where her mic was left on and she said a withering remark'

Of taking the part, Vanessa said: ‘I didn’t know anything about Princess Margaret (pictured in 1991)… I had to find moments where her mic was left on and she said a withering remark’

Thoughts: Reflecting on taking on the role in one of the show's later seasons, she added: 'I'd have felt daunted if it was closer to today. It's more current. More controversial'

Thoughts: Reflecting on taking on the role in one of the show’s later seasons, she added: ‘I’d have felt daunted if it was closer to today. It’s more current. More controversial’

In November, Vanessa reflected on challenging herself with the role in Esquire UK’s Jan/Feb 2021 issue, saying: ‘I think I’ve always wanted to do the thing that demanded the most from me. I’ve always looked for that. 

‘She’s this incredible mixture, this huge colour palette. She has this range, that’s what’s so fun to play. On a piano it’s all the scales.  

‘Those people are rare, especially on screen. I loved her for that. She was the strongest person, the most potent energy. 

‘Intense as hell. A major life force. Burn bright, live hard. And at the same time, underneath, like a scared little girl. It was just a gift of a part. I’ll never forget it.’

Drama: During Vanessa's stint, the drama portrayed Princess Margaret's failed engagement to Peter Townsend and marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones (Matthew Goode, pictured)

Drama: During Vanessa’s stint, the drama portrayed Princess Margaret’s failed engagement to Peter Townsend and marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones (Matthew Goode, pictured)

The role of Queen Elizabeth II has now been passed to Imelda Staunton, after being played by Olivia Colman and Claire Foy respectively.

And in December Olivia admitted that she ‘wouldn’t dare’ offer the Harry Potter actress, 64, any advice about playing the Queen on the Netflix drama. 

Olivia told Radio Times: ‘I haven’t spoken to Imelda and I wouldn’t dare offer any advice about playing the Queen.

‘Imelda is extraordinary and she’s going to do it all much better than me. I can’t wait to watch what she does.’

'She'll do it better than me!': In December, Olivia Colman admitted she 'wouldn't dare' offer Imelda Staunton any advice about playing Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown

‘She’ll do it better than me!’: In December, Olivia Colman admitted she ‘wouldn’t dare’ offer Imelda Staunton any advice about playing Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown

Confirmed: The actress will take over the role from Olivia for the final stint of The Crown, which will cover the Royal Family's history throughout the 1990s and into 2003

Confirmed: The actress will take over the role from Olivia for the final stint of The Crown, which will cover the Royal Family’s history throughout the 1990s and into 2003