Helen Mirren Reflects on Portraying Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Queen’
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In a recent interview with PEOPLE, celebrating her appearance on its August 2025 cover, actress Helen Mirren shared her insights regarding her iconic role as Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 biopic, The Queen. This film provided an intimate portrayal of the monarch during a pivotal moment in British history. Queen Elizabeth, who passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, remains a significant figure in the hearts of many.
Mirren, now 81, expressed her initial fears surrounding the role, stating that the experience was uniquely daunting for her as it was the first time such a portrayal had been undertaken. “It was intimidating because it hadn’t been done before,” she explained. The film, directed by Stephen Frears and written by Peter Morgan, opened new avenues in film depictions of the British royal family, which have since proliferated through productions like Netflix’s The Crown.
The Queen was released in the UK in September 2006 and later in the US, following the tumultuous period after the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997. The film chronicles the royal family’s response during this crisis, alongside the backdrop of Tony Blair’s tenure as Prime Minister. The critically acclaimed biopic starred notable actors including Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, and Helen McCrory, contributing to a powerful dramatic portrayal of the events.
Mirren reflected on the profound emotional connection that many Britons have with their monarchy, particularly with Queen Elizabeth II. “The British have a very extraordinary emotional relationship with their monarchy,” she noted. This sentiment became especially pronounced with Elizabeth, who had been a constant presence in the lives of multiple generations. “She was such an incredible icon,” Mirren asserted.
Despite her trepidation when embarking on the project, Mirren admitted that the journey had been ultimately rewarding. She acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding audience reception, stating, “We had no idea how that was going to be received.” The film, however, proved to be a milestone in her career, earning her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress at the 2007 Oscars.
Recalling the memorable night of her Oscar win, Mirren described a vivid scene where she shared a moment with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. “He took my hand and bowed down and kissed it,” she recalled, describing this exquisite moment amidst the atmosphere of celebration. “I knew at that moment it was all downhill from there on because nothing could be as fabulous as that,” she remarked with a nostalgic tone.
The role not only showcased Mirren’s acting prowess but also saw her becoming a part of the royal narrative. Over the years, she met Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions, with one memorable interaction occurring during her damehood ceremony in 2003. Mirren recalled an experience of “embarrassment” when invited for tea with the monarch and other notable guests. Struggling to engage in conversation about horses, a topic of considerable expertise for the Queen, she described her efforts as coming out “like gobbledygook.” Yet, she praised the graciousness of her royal audience.
Paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her passing, Mirren shared her sentiments on social media. In an emotional post, she reflected, “I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.” Mirren’s words resonated with many, evidencing the deep regard held for the monarch even after her death.
As Helen Mirren looks back two decades on from The Queen, she has etched her portrayal into the annals of cinematic history, bringing a complex and humanised perspective of one of the UK’s most celebrated monarchs. The role not only marked a high point in her esteemed career but also contributed to the ongoing conversation about the relationship between the British public and their royal family. With a legacy now firmly established, Mirren continues to evolve as an actress while honouring the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth II.