William, Prince of Wales, in film and television explained

William, Prince of Wales (born 21 June 1982), is the heir apparent to the British throne. Over the years, he has been the subject of various depictions in film, television and documentaries. These include fictionalised portrayals of William, such as by Nico Evers-Swindell in and by Hugh Skinner in The Windsors, and appearances by William himself, such as in and A Planet for Us All, a film on the prince's environmental advocacy.

From The Guardian to The Daily Telegraph, various critics have given commentary on the various representations of William in film and television. Moreover, some of the actors behind the depictions of William, including Oliver Chris and Ed McVey, have commented on their experiences portraying the prince. Furthermore, William has reacted to being portrayed in The Crown. In addition to film and television depictions, William is also the source of various eponyms, including the Duke of Cambridge Stakes and the Prince William Cup.

Background

The eldest son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, William was born on 21 June 1982 in London. He would go on to be educated at Eton College in England and the University of St Andrews in Scotland, graduating with a degree in geography at the latter institution in 2005.[1] Afterwards, William undertook military service at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst,[2] eventually becoming a lieutenant.

On 29 April 2011, William married Catherine Middleton, whom he met while studying at St Andrews. The couple have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. In the course of his royal duties, William has increased public awareness of mental health, the natural environment, and homelessness. In 2017 he spearheaded Heads Together, a campaign which aspired to reduce the stigma of and provide vital assistance to people experiencing mental health conditions, with Catherine and his brother Prince Harry. In 2020 William launched the Earthshot Prize, a prize consisting of five challenges and recognizing solutions to environmental challenges. In 2023 he launched Homewards, a programme promoting a collaborative approach to ending homelessness.[3]

Film and documentary depictions

William was the subject of the 2002[4] film Prince William, which portrayed the relationship between William navigating his adolescence, as well as his relationship with CharlesIII.[5] William was depicted by Jordan Frieda, who admitted in an interview that he believed the film was "tacky".[6] Moreover, the press gave Prince William a "drubbing". However, Ann Hodges, a television critic for the Houston Chronicle, commented that Prince William "keeps you watching".[7]

Nine years later, William's relationship with Catherine was depicted in Lifetime's . William was portrayed by Nico Evers-Swindell, who researched his role in approximately five days.[8] The Evening Standard commented that the film "was absolutely ace" and that the English would cherish the production in ways not anticipated by the filmmakers.[9] In contrast, Stephen Bates, writing for The Guardian, opined that Evers-Swindell's acting of William "varies from plain wooden to teak-like".[10] In response to criticism of William & Kate: The Movie, Evers-Swindell said that the film production was neither British nor an in-depth look at the British royal family.

Also, in 2011, William's relationship with Catherine was the subject of the Hallmark Channel film .[11] Dan Amboyer, who portrayed William, did not have background knowledge of the prince prior to starring in the film. Amboyer would watch documentaries in preparation for depicting William.[12] Writing for the New York Daily News, David Hinckley commented that Amboyer's portrayal made the attraction between William and Catherine "naturally credible".[13] In contrast, Brian Lowry, writing for Variety, commented that if the depiction of William and Catherine in William & Catherine: A Royal Romance were to be believed, the couple would be two of the most boring people on the planet.[14] Furthermore, William was the inspiration for Prince Wheeliam, a character in the Pixar film Cars 2.[15]

In 2017 William was featured as a character in the BBC Two film King CharlesIII, an adaptation of the 2014 play by Mike Bartlett.[16] He was played by Oliver Chris, who watched footage of William, his father Prince Charles (who did not ascend to the throne as Charles III until 2022), and Diana to prepare for the role.[17] Writing for Vulture, Devon Ivie commented that Chris's portrayed William "as a bit of a bumbling fool who's dominated by [Catherine] despite his good intentions".[18] However, Mark Lawson, writing for The Guardian, opined that William was reasonably presented as being overshadowed by Diana in King CharlesIII via the appearance of the latter's ghost.[19] Moreover, Chris has said that if William had seen his depiction, William "would see that it's done with an awful lot of respect and admiration". The same year, William spoke about his memories of Diana in , which was directed by Ashley Gething.[20] Despite calling the documentary less than certainly admirable, Brian Lowry, writing for CNN, commented that one need not be obsessed with the British royal family to appreciate William's grief.[21] Moreover, Sam Wollaston, writing for The Guardian, described William's reminiscing of Diana as "normal, human, and moving".[22] That year, William also described his reaction to Diana's death and processing the subsequent outpouring of grief from the public in Diana, 7 Days,[23] which Harry Singer directed.[24] Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Gerard O'Donovan commented that the documentary skillfully balanced the private grief of the people closest to Diana with the grief of the general public.

In 2018 William was depicted by Burgess Abernethy in Lifetime's .[25] Writing for The Guardian, Amy Nicholson opined that Abernethy's depiction of William was "hopelessly stuffy and old" and "the end cap of a dynastic tradition that Harry and Meghan are excited to implode".[26] In addition, Ed Power, writing for The Irish Times, referred to William's depiction in Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance as essentially a Spitting Image puppet without the shade and humanity.[27]

In 2020 William participated in the ITV documentary A Planet for Us All. In the film, William discusses his efforts to combat animal poaching and climate change. William has also spoken to Radio Times on A Planet for Us All, saying: "I feel it is my duty, and our collective responsibility to leave out [sic] planet in a stronger position for our children".[28] Writing for The Independent, Sean O'Grady commented that A Planet for Us All was surprisingly moving and that William "is becoming quite an adept TV presenter".[29] In contrast, Anita Singh, writing for The Daily Telegraph, opined that the documentary failed to comprehensively explain William's role in addressing the environment and conservation and that it would have been more instructive to see the connection between William's various initiatives.[30] In 2021 William was depicted by Jack Nielen in Spencer, which was directed by Pablo Larraín.[31]

Television depictions

The Crown

Multiple actors have depicted William in The Crown, a television series that premiered on Netflix in 2016.[32] In season 4 of the series, Lucas Barber-Grant portrays William. However, Barber-Grant would be replaced by Senan West in season 5 of The Crown,[33] which chronicled the breakdown of CharlesIII and Diana's marriage.

Dominic West, Senan's father and the actor for Charles on The Crown, stopped Senan from portraying William in season 6 of the series to avoid conveying the news of Diana's death on screen to Senan. Consequently, Rufus Kampa and Ed McVey would depict William in the sixth and final season of The Crown. In these episodes, William is shown enduring the fallout of Charles and Diana's divorce, Diana's death, and meeting Catherine. In preparation for portraying William, McVey learned about the prince's physicality and experimented with his vocal pitch.[34]

Writing for Time, Judy Berman commented that the grief shown by Kampa in his portrayal of William was "crowded out" by the royal stage-managing in season 6 of The Crown.[35] Moreover, Martha Ross, writing for The Mercury News, opined that Kampa's William had been set up as the young hero of The Crown in the first part of season 6.[36] Likewise, James Hibbs, writing for Radio Times, said that William was the "clear star" of the second part of season 6 of The Crown, describing McVey's portrayal as a "captivating screen presence".[37] However, Hibbs also opined that the series had unnecessarily fabricated high drama in its depiction of William and Catherine's relationship. Similarly, writing for Rolling Stone, Alan Sepinwall commented that The Crown excessively focused on McVey's depiction of William.[38] Furthermore, Sepinwall remarked that William had been presented as "a fairly normal kid" whose feelings towards Catherine would be roughly the same as if he were a non-royal character.

According to Robert Hardman, William had no plans to watch his portrayal in The Crown. Additionally, according to Hardman, William "rolls his eyes when people say that '[''The Crown''] is just drama'".[39]

Other media

In 2011, William's marriage ceremony to Catherine would be parodied in the South Park episode "Royal Pudding".[40] In addition, in 2014, William served as the inspiration behind the Prince of Canada, a character in the South Park episode "Freemium Isn't Free".[41]

Hugh Skinner portrays William in the Channel 4 television series The Windsors, launched in 2016.[42] In the series, William grapples with eventually becoming a king. In preparation for the role, Skinner watched a few interviews of William, and Skinner listened to William to develop the accent for the part. Skinner has also said that he does not believe William could take offence at his portrayal, noting that "the person they've written in the script is so good and heroic".[43]

In the 2020s, William has been depicted in two scenes of Spitting Image: "Prince William Presents the Earthshot Prize"[44] and "The Royal Succession".[45]

In 2021, Iwan Rheon voiced William in HBO's animated series The Prince.[46]

See also

Footnotes

References

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Prince of Wales . Biography . n.d. . The Royal Family . The Royal Household . 24 July 2024 . 9 May 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160509124719/https://www.royal.uk/the-prince-of-wales . live .
  2. Web site: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales . . n.d. . Government of Canada . 24 July 2024.
  3. Web site: The Prince of Wales . About The Prince of Wales . . n.d. . The Royal Family . The Royal Household . 24 July 2024 . 9 May 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160509124719/https://www.royal.uk/the-prince-of-wales . live .
  4. Web site: Prince William to get TV treatment . Deans . Jason . 19 March 2002 . The Guardian . Guardian Media Group plc . 26 July 2024.
  5. Web site: Prince William movie: Your views . About The Prince of Wales . . 7 October 2002 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 24 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727215001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2287196.stm . live .
  6. Web site: 'Prince William? I needed the work' . Jardine . Cassandra . 28 May 2004 . The Daily Telegraph . 24 July 2024 . 10 January 2022 . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3617882/Prince-William-I-needed-the-work.html . live .
  7. Web site: Review: ABC movie portrays Prince William in a heroic light . Hodges . Ann . 27 September 2002 . Chron.com . Hearst Newspapers, LLC . 24 July 2024 . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728033851/https://www.chron.com/culture/main/article/review-abc-movie-portrays-prince-william-in-a-2109005.php . live .
  8. Web site: Lifetime's Prince William Defends Movie Against Critics . Powers . Lindsay . 19 April 2011 . The Hollywood Reporter . Prometheus Global Media . 25 July 2024 . 24 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240724193652/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lifetimes-prince-william-defends-movie-179848/ . live .
  9. Web site: FIRST REVIEW – William & Kate: The Movie is a classic . . 10 April 2012 . London Evening Standard . . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/first-review-william-kate-the-movie-is-a-classic-7282177.html . live .
  10. Web site: William and Kate: The Movie – so bad it'll probably be a smash . Bates . Stephen . 14 April 2011 . The Guardian . Guardian Media Group plc . 25 July 2024.
  11. Web site: Production Begins On 'William & Catherine: A Royal Romance' . Schutte . Lauren . 5 May 2011 . The Hollywood Reporter . Prometheus Global Media . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053014/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/production-begins-william-catherine-a-185876/ . live .
  12. Web site: Hallmark Channel's 'William & Catherine' Stars Talk Researching the Royal Newlyweds . Nededog . Jethro . 27 July 2011 . The Hollywood Reporter . Prometheus Global Media . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hallmarks-william-catherine-stars-talk-216218/ . live .
  13. Web site: 'William & Catherine: A Royal Romance' review: Hallmark portrays friendly, glowing royal courtship . Hinckley . David . 27 August 2011 . New York Daily News . Daily News Enterprises . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/08/27/william-catherine-a-royal-romance-review-hallmark-portrays-friendly-glowing-royal-courtship/?clearUserState=true . live .
  14. Web site: William & Catherine: A Royal Romance . Lowry . Brian . 24 August 2011 . Variety . Penske Media Corporation . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://variety.com/2011/tv/reviews/william-catherine-a-royal-romance-1117945880/ . live .
  15. Web site: Vanessa Redgrave to voice the Queen in 'Cars 2' . Reynolds . Simon . 20 April 2011 . Digital Spy . Sky Digital . 25 July 2024.
  16. Web site: King Charles III: Outcry 'surprises' Prince William actor Oliver Chris . . 9 May 2017 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-39856174 . live .
  17. Interview with Oliver Chris: "I've lived my whole life with people saying 'When are you going to be Prince William?'" . Chris . Oliver . Oliver Chris . Alice Jones . 13 March 2017 . The Theatre Times . 25 July 2024.
  18. Web site: It's Time to Watch King Charles III, the Future-History Royal Drama That's Dividing the U.K. . Ivie . Devon . 31 May 2017 . Vulture . Vox Media, LLC . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727232759/https://www.vulture.com/2017/05/king-charles-iii-the-royal-drama-thats-dividing-the-u-k.html . live.
  19. Web site: Stop frothing, royalists – King Charles III is the boldest BBC show of the year . Lawson . Mark . 10 May 2017 . The Guardian . Guardian Media Group plc . 25 July 2024.
  20. Web site: 'Diana: Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy': TV Review . Scheck . Frank . 22 July 2017 . The Hollywood Reporter . Eldridge Industries . 25 July 2024 . 26 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240226204729/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/diana-mother-her-life-1023403/ . live .
  21. Web site: 'Diana: Our Mother' examines legacy through her sons' eyes . Lowry . Brian . 24 July 2017 . Cable News Network . Turner Broadcasting System . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727232755/https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/24/entertainment/diana-our-mother-review/index.html . live .
  22. Web site: Diana, Our Mother review – William and Harry remember the hugs, 20 years on . Wollaston . Sam . 25 July 2017 . The Guardian . Guardian Media Group plc . 25 July 2024.
  23. 10 Things We Learned About Princess Diana and Her Death from Diana, 7 Days . Mackelden . Amy . 1 September 2017 . Harper's Bazaar . Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. . 25 July 2024 . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728033859/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a12156525/diana-7-days-nbc-princess-diana-recap/ . live .
  24. Web site: Diana, 7 Days, review – a poignant reminder of the phenomenon that was the princess's life – and her death . O'Donovan . Gerard . 27 August 2017 . The Daily Telegraph . 24 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727232754/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/08/27/diana-7-days-review-poignant-reminder-phenomenon-princesss/ . live .
  25. Web site: Meet Lifetime's TV Movie Prince William, Kate Middleton...and Princess Diana?! . Bailey . Alyssa . Elle . Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. . 23 February 2018 . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727054515/https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a18672226/lifetime-meghan-harry-movie-casts-prince-william-kate-middleton-diana-queen-elizabeth/ . live .
  26. Web site: Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance review – a brain-numbing charmer from Lifetime . Nicholson . Amy . 14 May 2018 . The Guardian . Guardian Media Group plc . 26 July 2024.
  27. News: Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance review – a brain-numbing charmer from Lifetime . Power . Ed . 14 May 2018 . The Irish Times . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/harry-meghan-a-royal-romance-i-wanted-it-to-be-shoddier-1.3495230 . live .
  28. Web site: Prince William explains motivation behind documentary in A Planet for Us All clip . Morris . Lauren . RadioTimes.com . Immediate Media Company Ltd. . 5 October 2020 . 26 July 2024.
  29. Web site: Prince William – A Planet for Us All, review: It's easy to be cynical, but I found it surprisingly moving . O'Grady . Sean . The Independent . Independent Digital News and Media Limited . 6 October 2020 . 26 July 2024 . 29 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172241/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/prince-william-a-planet-for-us-all-review-david-attenborough-b810695.html . live .
  30. Web site: Prince William: A Planet for Us All, review: can the Prince become the new Greta Thunberg? . Singh . Anita . The Daily Telegraph. 5 October 2020 . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727232802/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2020/10/05/prince-william-planet-us-review-can-prince-become-new-greta/ . live. subscription.
  31. Web site: 'Spencer' Review: Prisoner of the House of Windsor . Scott . A.O. . 4 November 2021 . The New York Times . 25 July 2024 . 2 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240402032354/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/04/movies/spencer-review.html . live .
  32. Web site: Dominic West Says He Stopped Son Senan from Acting in The Crown Season 6 Because of Key Scene . Henni . Janine . 4 December 2023 . People . Dotdash Meredith . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://people.com/dominic-west-son-senan-the-crown-season-6-key-scene-8410603 . live .
  33. Web site: The Crown season 6 cast: Full list of actors and characters . Robinson . Abby . Knight . Lewis . 19 December 2023 . RadioTimes.com . Immediate Media Company Ltd. . 26 July 2024.
  34. Ed McVey Portrays a Complex Prince William in The Crown's Final Season . McVey . Ed . Hugh Skinner . Max Gao . 15 December 2023 . Harper's Bazaar . Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a46145313/ed-mcvey-the-crown-season-6-prince-william-interview/ . live .
  35. The Crown Hits a Disappointing New Low in Its Maudlin Sixth Season . Berman . Judy . 16 November 2023 . TIME . TIME USA, LLC. . 26 July 2024 . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728033837/https://time.com/6334953/the-crown-season-6-review/ . live .
  36. Web site: So far, Prince William is the young hero in 'The Crown's' Season 6 . Ross . Martha . 21 November 2023 . The Mercury News . MediaNews Group . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727215004/https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/11/21/so-far-prince-william-is-the-young-hero-in-the-crowns-season-6/ . live .
  37. Web site: The Crown season 6 part 2 review: William is key to improved final run . Hibbs . James . RadioTimes.com . Immediate Media Company Ltd. . 14 December 2023 . 26 July 2024 . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061528/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/the-crown-season-6-part-2-review/ . live .
  38. 'The Crown' Ends With Too Much Prince William and Kate Middleton . Sepinwall . Alan . Rolling Stone . Penske Media Corporation . 14 December 2023 . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/the-crown-season-6-finale-prince-william-kate-middleton-prince-harry-1234923348/ . live .
  39. Web site: Kate Middleton and Prince William's True Feelings About The Crown Revealed . Hill . Erin . 16 January 2024 . People . Dotdash Meredith . 26 July 2024 . 28 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240228160419/https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-feelings-the-crown-8430621 . live .
  40. 'South Park' spoofing Royal Wedding tonight. What other current events should it parody? . Ward . Kate . 11 May 2011 . Entertainment Weekly . Dotdash Meredith . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://ew.com/article/2011/05/11/south-park-royal-wedding/ . live .
  41. Web site: South Park did even more savage takedown of William and Kate – and violated the Queen . O'Sullivan . Kyle . 17 February 2023 . The Daily Mirror . Reach plc . 25 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/south-park-even-more-savage-29244710 . live .
  42. Web site: The Windsors star Hugh Skinner: I feel sorry for Royal Family . Hunt . Julia . 5 July 2017 . Irish Independent . Mediahuis . 26 July 2024 . 15 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240815062205/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/the-windsors-star-hugh-skinner-i-feel-sorry-for-royal-family/35899237.html . live .
  43. Interview withThe Windsors' Hugh Skinner . Skinner . Hugh . Hugh Skinner . . 18 April 2016 . Channel 4 . 26 July 2024 . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728061528/https://www.channel4.com/press/news/interview-withthe-windsors-hugh-skinner . live .
  44. Spitting Image . 24 October 2021 . Prince William Presents The Earthshot Prize . Television production . 26 July 2024 . Spitting Image . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053018/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYvo5U7osg&gl=US&hl=en . live .
  45. BritBoxUK . 21 September 2022 . The Royal Succession . Television production . 26 July 2024 . 27 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240727053013/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbaJ2h6cuTc . live .
  46. Iwan Rheon interview: 'The Prince of Wales is an archaic title – get rid of it' . Rheon . Iwan . Iwan Rheon . Chris Harvey . 22 July 2023 . The Daily Telegraph . Telgraph Media Group Limited . 26 July 2024 . 31 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230731220647/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/07/22/iwan-rheon-interview/ . live .

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