Which British Prime Minister is featured in Season 1 of The Crown?

Winston Churchill is the British prime minister featured in Season 1 of The Crown. John Lithgow portrays him as Elizabeth II’s first prime minister, bringing the young queen into contact with one of Britain’s most celebrated wartime leaders.

Churchill returned to office in 1951, shortly before Elizabeth became queen in 1952. The first season follows their working relationship as she learns the constitutional responsibilities of the monarchy. His age, experience, and forceful personality contrast with Elizabeth’s youth and relative inexperience.

The season also depicts Churchill’s declining health and the political transition that followed. He resigned as prime minister in 1955, after which Anthony Eden succeeded him. Eden is therefore associated with the early years of Elizabeth’s reign, but Churchill is the prominent prime minister introduced and featured in Season 1.

The Crown later revisits Churchill as a featured character in seasons 2 and 3. The role earned John Lithgow an Emmy Award, although the series takes dramatic liberties with dialogue, timing, and private conversations for storytelling purposes.