‘Royalty’ has been in Dorset last week – but not how you might expect.

Your New Stour & Avon understands crews have been in the county for filming of Netflix series The Crown, with the Somerley Estate at Ringwood reprising its role as the TV version of then-Prince Charles’ Highgrove estate, in Gloucestershire.

The estate has already featured in the streamed series, as well as in fellow Netflix series Bridgerton and regal soap-opera, The Royals.

The Georgian stately home is similar in style to Highgrove, which is nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside near Tetbury. As Highgrove House is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, the property was transferred to William, Prince of Wales after Charles took the throne. However, the King and Queen Consort will continue to use the house as a country residence. But for viewers of The Crown, Somerley fills the role, and it seems crews have returned to continue filming the latest episodes.

It comes as the release date of the fifth series is revealed.

Netflix has confirmed the show will return to screens on 9 November.

It will see Dominic West, star of The Wire, take on the role of Prince Charles, while Imelda Staunton will assume the role of The Queen, taking over from Oscar-winner, Olivia Coleman. Jonathan Pryce will portray the Duke of Edinburgh, while Lesley Manville will play Princess Margaret.

Have you seen any Crown activity at Somerley? Email us at newsdesk@blackmorevale.net.