The Crown star Erin Doherty has said playing Princess Anne in the Netflix series has taught her the importance of honesty.
The 28-year-old star of the third and upcoming fourth series of the Netflix show said in the past she has been guilty of “not wanting to upset people” in her personal life - but playing the straight-taking Princess has changed her outlook.
When asked by Town & Country what she had learnt from the role, Doherty, who is from Crawley, in Sussex, said: “I hope that it’s a commitment to being honest. Perhaps not brutally so, but just knowing that honesty is the best way to proceed.
Erin Doherty
Town & Country/Richard Phibbs"I get in my head about not wanting to upset people, trying to make them happy. Now I think, they’re probably better off knowing how I’m genuinely feeling, and we’ll have a better relationship going forward. I do believe that’s come from Anne.”
Doherty, who also starred in Les Miserables, added: “I hear myself saying things and I’m like, ‘Oh no!’ But it is better for it in the end, and I would never have had the courage to do that. She’s given me some form of bravery.”
Erin Doherty
Town & Country/Richard PhibbsThe upcoming season - starring Olivia Colman and Gillian Anderson - is Doherty’s last as Princess Anne.
She said on leaving behind the role: “I genuinely have thought about this woman for hours and probably months. Months and months and months of contemplating her mind-state, so it is kind of like mourning someone at the end.”
Erin Doherty
Town & Country/Richard PhibbsDoherty, who was a relative unknown before being cast in The Crown, said she had struggled with certain elements of fame, including people’s judgement on her craft.
“People easily pass comment on your job and what you do, and it makes you very aware of that harsh judgement – it kind of turns you on yourself.”
Series four of ‘The Crown’ is available on Netflix from 15 November.
