Actor Josh O'Connor admits he's 'defensive' of Prince Charles after The Crown
Watch: The Hollywood Reporter's Full, Uncensored Drama Actor Roundtable With Chris Rock, John Boyega, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Majors and Josh O'Connor
The Crown's Josh O'Connor has admitted he feels "defensive" over Prince Charles, but still doesn't take much of an interest in the Royal Family.
O'Connor played Charles in season three and four of Netflix's hit show, portraying him as he meets Camilla Shand, but ends up marrying Lady Diana Spencer.
Despite playing the future king, O'Connor has admitted he does not follow Royal Family news, including the recent explosive interview Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave to Oprah Winfrey.
Asked by The Hollywood Reporter if he consumes media as himself or as the "guy who's been playing Charles", O'Connor said: "I suppose I do feel defensive in a certain way, I guess.
"But really, I’m the worst person to talk about the Meghan interview. I didn’t watch it and I don’t think I will, to be honest.
"So any conversation about, 'Gee, what did you think about what Charles said last week?' I’m like, 'Guys, I have no idea'."
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O'Connor also reflected on how he prepared himself and his friends and family for joining the show, which was already a huge hit when he was cast.
He said: "To me, my family, my friends, people around me, it was less about “Oh, your life’s going to change” and more about just being cautious and supportive and understanding of the times that you have to look out for each other."
He added: "Because what we put ourselves through when we explore character is actually a very tricky mental flex, and so [you need that] support network. And [it’s not only when you’re] playing characters but also with all the trimmings that go along with being an actor and in the public eye."
Last year O'Connor said Prince Charles "has no purpose" because he was the heir and not the king.
He told Esquire: "The question of having to wait for your mum to die in order for your life to have meaning, and what that means for a young man. It’s just bizarre.
“Charles doesn’t necessarily want power, but until she dies, what the hell is he doing? What is his existence? He has no purpose.”
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The actor was firm in his defence of the Netflix series when it faced calls to have a disclaimer added, including from the culture secretary Oliver Dowden.
Series four in particular came under fire from some for blurring the lines between fact and fiction, as it portrayed Charles and Camilla's affair as continuing throughout his marriage to Diana, something he has previously denied.
Clarence House had to suspend responses on its Twitter posts for a short time, appearing to be because of the levels of trolling which came in the wake of season four on Netflix.
Watch: Is The Crown a true story?
