In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, actor Dominic West opened up about his personal experiences with the press and how they influenced his portrayal of Prince Charles in the hit series, The Crown. The interview shed light on West's affair scandal and its effect on his marriage and public image.

The affair came to light in October 2020 when West was spotted kissing and embracing actress Lily James while they rode scooters around Rome. At the time, West was still married to Catherine FitzGerald, with whom he had been since 2010. The scandal caused significant media attention and speculation about the state of West's marriage.

Following the incident, West and FitzGerald held a press conference outside their home, where they kissed and handed photographers a handwritten note affirming the strength of their marriage. However, West admitted in the interview that the situation was "horrible," particularly for his wife.

Reflecting on the affair scandal, West revealed that it had a profound impact on his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown. When asked if his experiences with the press affected his performance, he replied, "Definitely. I'd had a very acute understanding of what it's like to feel the horror of your name or your photograph coming up in the newspapers."

The actor went on to describe the "dreadful freezing moment" that occurs when personal details are exposed to the public. "But I'd been through it a couple of years previously, and it must have informed how I approached it," West explained. He emphasized that the feeling of horror when one's personal life is exposed is not something that one easily becomes immune to.

West also touched on the lighter moments that emerged amidst the scandal. He shared that he and his wife often joked about the media's portrayal of them as "putting on a show of unity" whenever they appeared together in public. Despite the stressful nature of the situation, West acknowledged that there were lighter moments that they were able to find humor in.

Overall, the interview provides insight into Dominic West's personal journey and how his experiences with the press impacted his performance in The Crown. While the affair scandal brought significant challenges to his marriage and family, West's reflections highlight the resilience and laughter they found amidst the chaos.