Olivia Colman, the renowned British actress who plays Queen Elizabeth II in the highly anticipated new season of The Crown, which premieres this week, has defended Prince Harry and wife Duchess Meghan against the barrage of negative press the couple have received recently.
Speaking at the official launch of the third season of the Netflix series, Colman said she had developed a greater understanding of the pressures the royals face, after stepping into The Queen’s shoes – literally – during filming.
When asked about Harry and Meghan’s recent treatment by the British tabloid press and by the public on social media, Colman described the criticism as “evil”.
“It’s just evil. They’re mean to them. Everything they do, they step outside their house and it’s something,” she said.
“I don’t know why they’re so mean to a fellow human being. It always strikes me as odd.”
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Olivia Colman stars as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of Netflix’s The Crown.
(Credit: Netflix)She was also asked about the Sussex family’s decision not to spend Christmas with the Queen at Sandringham, and her response was excellent.
“You show me someone who would like to. Everyone wants a little Christmas on their own every now and again, it’s alright,” she said.
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Harry and Meghan have faced a barrage of criticism in recent months.
(Credit: Getty)On Thursday, it was revealed that Harry, Meghan and baby Archie will spend their Christmas break in the United States, visiting Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland on Los Angeles.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said in a statement: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.
“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”
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Skipping Christmas with The Queen is not unusual for royal family members.
Duchess Catherine and Prince William have done the same previously, opting to spend the day with Kate’s mother and father in Buckleberry in 2016.
2016 marked Princess Charlotte’s first Christmas, so it’s not hugely unusual to see Harry and Meghan choose to spend Archie’s first Christmas with his mother’s family.
Last Christmas, Meghan was heavily pregnant with baby Archie. She stepped out in Sandringham for the second year in a row alongside Harry, Prince William and Duchess Catherine.
The third season of The Crown drops on Netflix on November 17.
