The Crown: Netflix ticked off for the Queen’s limp salute

Olivia Colman’s portrayal of the Queen in the new series of The Crown was criticised for the limp-wristed salute she gives. The real Queen, having served, knows better
Olivia Colman’s portrayal of the Queen in the new series of The Crown was criticised for the limp-wristed salute she gives. The real Queen, having served, knows better
NETFLIX; KEYSTONE/GETTY IMAGES

Former military commanders have criticised the “sloppy” salute Olivia Colman gives in her portrayal of the Queen.

The fourth season of the Netflix series The Crown will be available online on Sunday but the trailer has already sparked controversy.

It shows the Queen, played by Colman, giving a salute as she watches the Red Arrows perform a flypast.

General Lord Dannatt, former head of the army, said that her attempt fell far below military standards. He urged television bosses to show better attention to detail.

“Certainly these TV studios should draft in a sergeant major or other military instructor to make sure actors learn to keep their wrist straight.

“The limp-cocked wrist like that would drive any self-respecting sergeant major mad. He would shout: ‘Now,