The Crown star Claire Foy reflects on portraying the late Queen Elizabeth II, her grounded approach to success, and her strong views on the impact of social media.
Netflix star Claire Foy has opened up about her Emmy-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, insisting that embodying the late monarch was “just another role” despite the international recognition and awards that followed.
The 41-year-old actress, who earned two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her performance, shared her reflections in a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK. Foy explained that having already spent a decade in the acting industry helped her maintain perspective while taking on one of the most high-profile roles of her career.
“I’d been acting for a good 10 years before then, so I had a decent gauge on how it all worked,” she said. “It meant I could just be amazed by these extraordinary experiences rather than getting swept up in the hype.”
Beyond her thoughts on fame, Foy also expressed strong reservations about social media, echoing concerns previously raised by Prince Harry. The actress admitted she largely avoids online platforms, believing they have a predominantly negative effect on modern life.
“I am vitriolic in my hatred of it,” Foy said bluntly. “There has to be some medium that enhances life, not makes it worse. Right now, I don’t really think that’s happening.”
Her comments closely align with the views of the Duke of Sussex, who has repeatedly spoken out about the dangers of social media, particularly for young people. In a conversation with comedian Hasan Minhaj, Prince Harry discussed his concerns about his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and the challenges of managing their future exposure to online platforms.
“If you say no to Instagram or Snapchat, guess what happens? They go to school and get bullied for being the only one not on the platform,” Harry explained.
The prince went on to suggest that a more appropriate age for accessing social media could be as late as 21, highlighting the complex pressures facing parents in the digital age.
As conversations around online safety, fame and mental wellbeing continue to grow, Claire Foy’s candid reflections offer insight into how even globally celebrated figures strive to stay grounded amid public scrutiny.