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Dominic West and Senan West in The Crown© Photo Credit: Keith Bernstein

The Crown's Dominic West reveals why son didn't reprise Prince William role in season six

Dominic's son Senan played a young Prince William in series five

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
December 14, 2023
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Dominic West's son Senan made his TV debut in The Crown's fifth season, in which he portrayed a young Prince William

The young actor appeared in three episodes before handing the baton to Rufus Kampa, who plays a teenage version of the now-Prince of Wales in the latest series. 

So why didn't Senan act alongside his dad in the final season?

WATCH: Season six part two explores Prince William's university years

During an interview with the Radio Times, Dominic revealed that he decided his son wouldn't continue on the show due to a sensitive scene in the sixth season. 

"I didn't really fancy doing the scene at Balmoral, telling a boy his mother has died," the actor explained. 

Dominic West and Senan West in The Crown© Photo Credit: Keith Bernstein
Dominic West's son Senan played William in series five

"They invited Senan back because he did such a good job, and he was great, but I did slightly baulk at that. It was unfair of me, because he did want to do it, but I wouldn't have fancied that, to be honest."

In season six part two, actor Ed McVey takes on the role of Prince William as he meets Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy) whilst studying at St Andrews University. 

Speaking about playing the royal during an interview on ITV's This Morning, Ed revealed how not having extensive knowledge on William's younger years helped his portrayal. "I wasn't alive when Diana passed but I think it was kind of helpful not having an intrinsic knowledge and understanding or a passionate feeling towards the characters at that time so you're able to just look at the characters on the page and figure it out," he said. 

Luther Ford as Prince Harry, Ed McVey as Prince William in The Crown season six part two© Justin Downing/Netflix
Luther Ford as Prince Harry and Ed McVey as Prince William in The Crown season six part two

Chatting about how he got into character, Ed added that he used a vocal technique and would say a particular sentence to help him find William's voice. "With the voice, I had a sentence which was, 'Around the roundabout and down to Chile to play polo,'" explained the actor. 

The new episodes see Prince William return to Eton as he's still coming to terms with the death of his mother whilst dealing with an increase in attention from young female fans. 

Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton in The Crown© Netflix
Meg Bellamy plays Kate Middleton

In later episodes, he enrolls in St Andrews University, where he meets Kate Middleton. 

The official synopsis teases: "Later, as Prince William takes up his place at St Andrew's University, the omnipresent conflict of life as a public servant continues as he tries to balance the traditional undergraduate rites of passage with the constraints of his position and constant presence of personal protection officers."

Prince William character© Netflix
The final episodes focus on Prince William as he starts university

Elsewhere, the Queen reflects on her reign and legacy following her Golden Jubilee, as well as the passing of her mother and sister. 

The synopsis reads: "With the passing of her sister and her mother, her Golden Jubilee and having approved the marriage between Prince Charles and Camilla, the Queen starts to consider her reign and ultimately her legacy. Approaching her ninth decade, the Queen is forced to dig deep and really examine what is best for the future of the monarchy."

All seasons of The Crown are available on Netflix. 

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