The Crown star looks worlds away from hit Netflix series in ruthless new regal role as she joins hit fantasy drama
OLIVIA Williams, who played Camilla Parker Bowles in The Crown, has swapped Buckingham Palace for a far more ruthless royal court.
The actor is set to star in The Wheel of Time season 3, where she takes on the role of Queen Morgase Trakand, the formidable ruler of Andor.
Prime Video has unveiled the first look at Olivia in character, and she’s barely recognisable in her elaborate regal attire.
The image shows Queen Morgase standing alongside Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan (Shohreh Aghdashloo) in what seems to be a tense court setting that hints at the power struggles to come.
The two characters wear stern expressions and command the attention of the room.
While Olivia has not spoken publicly about her upcoming role in the fantasy series, it has been revealed that her character rose to power after winning a brutal war against her rivals.
Queen Morgase’s character description adds: “She has sworn ever since to shield her daughter and heir, Elayne, from ever having to endure what she did — and do what she did.
“But far from being a tyrant, Morgase has become one of the best queens Andor has ever known.”
Show bosses have hinted that season 3 of The Wheel of Time will feature some high-stakes drama.
Rand al’Thor is set to be declared the Dragon Reborn after his victory over Ishamael at the end of season 2.
But the show’s synopsis warns that darker days lie ahead, saying: “The threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both.”
The upcoming series will see Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and Egwene (Madeleine Madden) working together to stop Rand from succumbing to the Dark.
Fans of the series are eager to see how events unfold after the introduction of the villainous Moghedien in the season 2 finale.
A teaser released last year showed Moiraine and Rand embarking on a journey to the Aiel Waste, as Moiraine grapples with the growing threat of Rand’s unchecked power.
In order to prevent Rand’s corruption, Moiraine might need to sacrifice herself.
Season 3 will be released on Prime Video on Thursday, March 13.