Dominic West, known for his portrayal of Prince Charles in Netflix's "The Crown," has opened up about the end of his friendship with Prince Harry, which dates back to their shared involvement in the "Walking with the Wounded" charity event in 2013.
During a "Sunday Morning" interview on Times Radio, West disclosed that the rift occurred over a decade ago, following comments he made in a press conference in January 2014 about their experience on the Antarctic expedition with injured military veterans.
West, 54, recounted the incident, explaining, "We sort of (lost touch because) I said too much in a press conference, and so, we didn't speak after that." He elaborated that his remarks about Harry specializing in building latrines and his detailed account of their celebratory activities might have been the tipping point. This fallout meant that West couldn't consult Prince Harry for insights on his role in "The Crown," as they were no longer on speaking terms.
The actor's transition into the role of Prince Charles for seasons 5 and 6 of the popular series required him to navigate complex and sensitive storylines, including portraying the moment Prince Charles informed Prince William of Princess Diana's death.
West expressed discomfort with this particular scene, leading him to prevent his son, Senan West, who had played a young Prince William, from reprising the role. "I didn't really fancy doing the scene at Balmoral (Castle), telling a boy his mother has died," West explained, highlighting the emotional weight of the narrative.
Prince Harry himself has acknowledged "The Crown," noting its fictional nature but admitting it's "loosely based on the truth." During appearances on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and "The Late Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Harry commented on the series, suggesting Damian Lewis as a potential actor to play him and humorously noting that he fact-checks episodes as he watches.
As "The Crown" concluded its sixth and final season with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the revelation of West's estrangement from Prince Harry adds another layer to the complex relationship between the royal family and their portrayals in popular media. This situation underscores the delicate balance between public figures' private friendships and the scrutiny that comes with living in the spotlight.
