For as much as Americans fought to get away from the British monarchy’s control, we sure love to soak in all their royal drama. Screenwriter Peter Morgan doesn’t hold back in Netflix’s newest show, “The Crown.” Its 10-episode run follows a young Elizabeth as she maneuvers from Princess to new Queen. Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most well-known figures in the world as Britain’s current – and longest reigning – monarch. Yet, her personal life has been somewhat of a mystery to us all, making her a beacon for many fictional interpretations.

Costing an estimated $100 million, no expenses were held back when it came to playing up the 1950s royal couture and showcasing England’s fairytale castles and grounds, according to Vanity Fair. Earning the praise of a real historical drama, “The Crown” starts audiences off with King George VI’s secretly failing health. As his condition worsens, Elizabeth begins her controversial marriage to Philip Mountbatten, played by “Doctor Who” star Matt Smith. The king is played by Jared Harris, and Claire Foy embodies the youthful but graceful princess throughout the grim events leading to her coronation as she is thrust upon the throne sooner than expected.

The series is not filled with large scandals as one might expect from a historical drama but the numerous struggles Elizabeth faces in trying to prove herself as a ruler to her people. The queen splits herself into two: the woman and the Crown, both of which are in constant conflict with each other. She must learn to balance the two in order to be successful against a world watching to see her fail.

Today, Queen Elizabeth II is seen as an innocent smiling grandmother, but viewers can now uncover the underlying fierceness, wit and ambition she hides under her pastel dress suits.