Dominic West, the actor known for his role in "The Crown," recently divulged that his friendship with Prince Harry cooled after he shared candid details about their shared expedition to the South Pole. The actor's forthright comments about the prince's participation in the 2013 "Walking with the Wounded" charity event, which aimed to traverse Antarctica with injured military veterans, seem to have marked the end of their camaraderie.
During a 2014 press conference, West fondly referred to Prince Harry as a "fantastically nice chap" but went on to describe the raucous celebrations that occurred upon reaching their destination. According to the Mirror, West recounted how two Australian team members ran naked around the pole and how the group, Prince Harry included, engaged in a two-day celebratory binge with Icelandic truck drivers who brought along potent homemade liquor.
Perhaps the most vivid of his recollections was the champagne drunk from the prosthetic legs of Duncan Slater, a double amputee veteran, transforming them into a makeshift ice bucket for the occasion. Slater himself confirmed the unusual but spirited use of his artificial limbs, reflecting the high spirits and camaraderie of the group.
West didn't stop at recounting the revelry; he also shared insights into Prince Harry's character and humor, noting his "eye-wateringly rude jokes" and admirable construction of elaborate latrines during the expedition. These latrines, described as "incredibly lavish, castellated" structures with dedicated loo roll holders, left West impressed and amused, dubbing them a "royal flush in every way."
Despite the boisterous anecdotes, West also painted a picture of Prince Harry as a supportive and morale-boosting presence among the veterans. From organizing cricket games in the snow to ensuring he spent time with each team member, Harry's efforts to uplift spirits did not go unnoticed. Sgt. Slater echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Duke's knack for instigating fun and fostering a sense of unity within the group.
In contrast to West's colorful account, Prince Harry's own reflections on the expedition were notably more reserved. He chose to focus on the veterans' determination and the symbolic importance of the journey, emphasizing the message that "anything is still possible" for those who have suffered life-changing injuries.
Years later, when asked about his current relationship with Prince Harry during a radio interview related to his role in "The Crown," West admitted that they had lost touch following his overly candid comments at the press conference. The actor, who plays Prince Charles in the Netflix series, revealed that his forthrightness led to a communication breakdown with the royal, leaving a once warm relationship in a state of strained silence.
This revelation about the fallout between Dominic West and Prince Harry underscores the delicate balance of privacy and public interest surrounding the royal family. While the expedition forged bonds and shared experiences, the aftermath of West's disclosures serves as a poignant reminder of the repercussions that can arise from sharing private moments in the public eye. As both men continue their separate paths, the memories of their Antarctic journey remain a testament to a friendship that, for a time, bridged the worlds of royalty and celebrity.
