The fifth season of The Crown arrived to Netflix on Nov. 9, 2022. As the season chronicles the lives of the British royal family in the 1990s, a new ensemble cast has taken over the key roles in this significant era of British history.
Stepping into the shoes of Princes Charles is Dominic West, as the heir navigates his divorce and attempts to modernize the monarchy. West has been acclaimed for his performance in this season, particularly for his ability to embody what people all over the world recognize in the real Charles.
Prince Charles' Voice
Most viewers of The Crown, especially those in the U.K., are familiar with the speaking voice of the King Charles III. With his frequent addresses to the nation over 70 years in the public eye, particularly following Queen Elizabeth II's recent death, Charles has done a lot of public speaking.
Those familiar with the real British royal family will notice that Dominic West's impression of Charles is pitch-perfect. Not only that, he also sounds much like an older, more cynical version of Josh O'Connor's portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown's third and fourth seasons.
Prince Charles’ Love Of Classics
It is well documented through Charles' charity work and public interviews that he is a big fan of classic literature and ancient history. It was even a storyline in the third season of The Crown, when Charles studied Shakespeare and antiquities while at Cambridge. This was also showcased in the new season, particularly in the first episode when Charles and his family visit Italy.
In the episode, Charles wants to observe the history of ancient Rome while Diana and Harry would prefer to go shopping, which annoys him. West's manner of speaking when discussing ancient history, as well as during Charles' campaign to push for classic English literature in schools, deftly conveys the interests of the real Charles.
The Distance Between Prince Charles And Princess Diana
Following the introduction of Princess Diana in the fourth season, it became clear her marriage to Charles was broken. Having been engineered by the forces of the crown, the couple have very little in common, while Charles continues to pursue former flame Camilla Parker-Bowles.
Paired with Elizabeth Debicki's ability to capture Diana's mannerisms, the arguments between her and West's version of Charles make for compelling viewing. Even in scenes meant to be harmonious, such as at public events like William's first day at Eton, Debicki and West showcase the hostile relationship between the married couple through their body language.
Prince Charles’ Indirectness About His Feelings
Having had a difficult relationship with his parents, Charles portrayal in The Crown is one of a man reluctant to confront his family about his true feelings during moments of conflict. In his marriage to Diana, he is unwilling to communicate his feelings directly, and keeps his wife in the dark about his feelings towards her, as well as his ongoing relationship with Camilla.
In the confrontational scenes of season 5, Dominic West is not only highly talented in delivering what's in the script, but conveying what isn't said in the dialogue. His performance brings across to viewers what Charles is too afraid to say due to his stunted emotional growth.
Prince Charles’ Desire To Modernize The Monarchy
Fans before season 5 of The Crown will that Charles struggled under the traditions demanded of the Crown, particularly when he was forbidden to marry divorcee Camilla Parker-Bowles. While his aunt Princess Margaret eventually accepted she couldn't marry divorcee Peter Townsend, he struggled with the arranged marriage to Lady Diana Spencer.
In season 5, Charles, having had a miserable time married to Diana, is more determined than ever to end the outdated ideas of monarchy. His conflict with his mother, Queen Elizabeth, as he convinces her to let him get a divorce, makes for the most powerful scenes of the new season.