Dominic West Reveals Queen Camilla's Cheeky Comment After He Was Cast as Prince Charles in 'The Crown'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Dominic West and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the Maggie’s Christmas Carol concert at St Paul’s Cathedral

Queen CamillacaughtDominic Westoff guard!

After accepting the royal role as the future King Charles III, West told the British magazine he offered to resign from his post as an ambassador withThe Prince’s Trust, Charles' charity which connects at-risk young people in the U.K. with educational opportunities, jobs and other training to reach their full potential.

WhileThe Wirealum raised the idea to avoid a potential conflict of interest, King Charles' team rejected the resignation and insisted he stay involved. According to West, a letter from the Charles' private secretary essentially said, “You do what you like, you’re an actor. It’s nothing to do with us.”

Alamy Stock Photo

The Prince of Wales meets Dominic West

“I think that’s probably how [Charles] regards it,” West speculated. “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.”

Queen Camilla previouslytook timeto chat with anotherCrownactor, speaking with Emerald Fennell at an International Women’s Day event at Clarence House in March.

Fennell, 37, played the future Queen Consort in seasons 3 and 4 ofThe Crown, and while she didn’t disclose exactly what she and the senior royal spoke about, she was full of praise for her real-life counterpart.

Radio Times Magazine

Radio Times magazine cover

“She’s been in the spotlight for a long time and has always weathered it with grace,” the actress said.

Camilla also mentioned Fennell in a light-hearted moment that got lots of laughs during her speech at the reception.

“For me, it’s very reassuring to know that if I should fall off my perch at any moment, my fictional alter ego is here to take over,” she said to laughs from the crowd gathered. “So, Emerald — be prepared!”

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Emerald Fennell.ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets actor Emerald Fennell

Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!

As the cast ofThe Crownchanges to reflect the royals aging through the decades, Olivia Williams takes the tiara from Fennell, who originated the role in season 3.

Season 5 ofThe Crownhits Netflix on Nov. 9.

source: people.com