In a revealing interview with BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, actor Matt Smith, known for his roles in "Doctor Who" and as Prince Philip in Netflix's "The Crown," shared a humorous anecdote involving Prince Harry. The interaction took place at a polo match, where the Duke of Sussex playfully addressed Smith as "grandad," a nod to his portrayal of Harry's grandfather in the critically acclaimed series. Smith recalled the exchange with a smile, stating, "He was like, 'alright grandad?' I was like, 'alright mate?'"
Smith's journey into royal dramatization has not been without its familial reservations. The actor revealed that his own grandfather harbored a less than favorable view of the late Duke of Edinburgh, reacting to Smith's casting with a candid "bloody hell you aren't playing that berk." Despite this, Smith's research and portrayal led him to develop a deep admiration for Prince Philip, whom he affectionately referred to as "Big Phil." "All of the research I did I thought what an extraordinary, forward-thinking, deeply funny, irascible, brilliant man he was," Smith shared, highlighting the complexity and vibrancy of Philip's character beyond public perception.
The reach and impact of "The Crown" have extended to the royal family itself, with Smith divulging that Prince Harry, and reportedly Queen Elizabeth II, had watched the series. However, Prince Philip's stance on the show was starkly different. According to a story shared by Smith, when a dinner companion inquired if Philip had seen "The Crown," the royal's response was dismissive: "Don't be ridiculous."
Smith's affection for the character he portrayed is evident as he spoke of Prince Philip's modernizing influence and enduring love for Queen Elizabeth II. "I kind of fell in love with Philip, really, to be honest, and he loved (the queen). He really made her laugh. They were a fabulous couple together," Smith reflected, offering insight into the private dynamics of one of the world's most scrutinized partnerships.
In addition to his interactions with Prince Harry, Smith recounted a brief but memorable conversation with then-Prince Charles, praising the royal's "fabulous shoes" which Charles claimed to have owned for three decades. This lighthearted moment underscores the unique position Smith found himself in, straddling the realms of entertainment and real-life royalty through his work on "The Crown."
Prince Harry's own views on the series were made public during an appearance on James Corden's "The Late Late Show" in February 2021. The Duke of Sussex acknowledged "The Crown" as "loosely based on the truth," appreciating the series for offering a "rough idea" of the royal family's life and the inherent pressures of duty. Notably, Harry expressed a preference for the dramatized portrayal of royal life in "The Crown" over the often intrusive and speculative coverage by the tabloids, particularly concerning his and Meghan Markle's experiences. Whether Harry has kept up with the show's more recent seasons, which delve into the tumultuous period of his parents' marriage and his mother's untimely death, remains uncertain.
