He had a royal heartache.
After reading countless reviews about the show, Dominic West is glad that Netflix’s controversial series “The Crown” has ended.
“All reactions worry me,” West, 54, admitted while appearing on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” Tuesday.
“You know, I read all the reviews and I spent two days in bed,” continued West, who was cast as then-Prince Charles in the show’s fifth and sixth seasons. “So, yes, I’m a sensitive soul. I worry about what people think.”
According to the actor, who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the British monarch, it felt great to end the show.
“It’s such a relief to now go back to theater and not have to talk about the monarchy anymore,” West said regarding his upcoming role in Arthur Miller’s “A View From a Bridge.”
Despite ultimately loving his role on the decorated show, the actor was reluctant to take the role.
“You don’t turn down a Peter Morgan script very easily. He’s such a great writer and it’s such a great show and I love being on it,” West stated, referring to the showrunner who was slammed over his portrayal of the royal family.
“I loved wearing the clothes. I loved driving the cars, and I loved having people bow to me. It’s an absolutely wonderful feeling. I miss it,” he laughed.
West, who replaced Josh O’Connor as the heir apparent, recently defended the show after telling critics that the royal family was “fair game.”
“I acknowledge that there’s discomfort about it, and I can see why people think that way, and I have persuaded myself that the royal family are public property and, therefore, fair game,” West told BBC Radio 5 Live last month.
“But I’m still uncomfortable with the thought of anyone being fair game or anyone’s private life being made public,” he added.
The “Affair” star, however, understood why viewers believe that the show is “too close to the actual events.”
“The grief is still so real,” he said. “Someone like me can’t turn down a part like Charles. He’s so interesting. He’s so complex.”
Season 5 saw the dissolution of marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, while Season 6 focused on Diana’s tragic death in Paris and the romance between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
West, himself, also came under fire for reportedly being “too handsome” to play the role.
“Well thank you very much. I’ve had worse criticisms,” West said while addressing the critiques on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in November 2022.
All seasons of “The Crown” are available to stream on Netflix.
