The Crown has released the first image of Olivia Colman in the title role - with the now middle-aged Queen drinking tea.

The Norfolk-educated star is replacing Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II in the hit Netflix series.

In the image, posted on Twitter, Colman's character wears a dusky pink cardigan and appears to be deep in thought.

She sits at a breakfast table, where she has been served marmalade and toast, and holds up a teacup in the image, which is captioned Patience.

Colman, 44, has said she is 'thrilled' to be taking over the role of the monarch for the third series of Netflix's blockbuster royal drama.

Her predecessor Foy said: 'She doesn't need any advice from me, she knows what she's doing. The only thing I would say is take vitamins and get lots of sleep.'

Her predecessor Foy said: 'She doesn't need any advice from me, she knows what she's doing. The only thing I would say is take vitamins and get lots of sleep.'

The first season of The Crown portrayed the early days of the Queen's reign, with the series starting in 1947.

The second season picked up in 1956 and continued through to 1963.

Helena Bonham Carter will take over from Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret and Tobias Menzies replaces Matt Smith as Prince Philip in the next series of the drama.