The upcoming fifth season of Netflix hit The Crown will see another cast switch up, as Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce and Dominic West take over the roles of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Charles respectively.
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As it turns out, West had to deliberate whether to take the role given his own personal connection with Charles, who he has met on multiple occasions - and he has also shared a cheeky comment that Charles's wife Camilla, now Queen Consort, made to him after he was cast.
West told this week's Radio Times magazine that when he saw Camilla at a party in 2021, she cheekily called him "Your Majesty", appearing to signal her approval or acceptance of the casting.
West also revealed in this interview that upon deciding to take the role on, he offered his resignation as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, in case it would be perceived as a conflict of interests considering Charles's role with the charity.
Camilla, Queen Consort. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
West revealed that the resignation was refused in a letter from Charles’s private secretary and that the letter said, in essence, "You do what you like, you’re an actor. It’s nothing to do with us."
West explained: "I think that’s probably how [Charles] regards it. I’ve been in a line to shake his hand a few times and it’s fascinating. It’s very useful to meet the character you’re playing, obviously."
The photo of Dominic West as Prince Charles (above) was taken exclusively for Radio Times magazine by Jay Brooks. Read the full interviews with The Crown stars in this week’s issue, out now.
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our Drama hub or visit our TV Guide.
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James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
