Michael Sheen would never want to be a member of the royal family.

In the new miniseries 'A Very Royal Scandal,' Prince Andrew is portrayed by Sheen.

Michael Sheen would never want to be a member of the royal family.
Michael Sheen would never want to be a member of the royal family.

While filming his latest project, Michael Sheen gained some understanding of what it's like to be a member of the royal family, but he knows he could never live as an actual royal.

In a recent interview with People, Sheen spoke about his latest project, "A Very Royal Scandal," where he portrays the disgraced Prince Andrew in the days leading up to his interview on "Newsnight" with Emily Maitlis, in which he discussed his friendship with Jeffery Epstein.

Sheen conducted thorough research to understand the mindset of a royal, ultimately deciding that he "absolutely" would never want to be a member of the royal family.

"No, I would not want to live in a palace with all the luxuries and servants, despite the fairytale image of it. The reality is that there are more restrictions than freedoms, and no amount of wealth or privilege can compensate for not having basic freedoms that many of us take for granted. So, no, I would not choose that life."

Michael Sheen at the press night for "Nye"
Sheen realized being royal isn't all it's cracked up to be when preparing to play Prince Andrew in "A Very Royal Scandal." (Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Although Sheen had previously portrayed British Prime Minister Tony Blair in "The Special Relationship" and "The Queen," he was still unfamiliar with the inner workings of the monarchy when he first played a royal on screen.

"The reality seems to be that there are far more restrictions than there are freedoms. No amount of wealth or assets or privilege can make up for not being able to have basic sort of freedoms that a lot of us take for granted. So no, I would not want to have that life." — Michael Sheen

He discovered that the royals and the media share a unique relationship, as he previously believed they were distinct entities.

He was surprised to learn that there are ongoing negotiations between the two institutions, with each side making deals and promises. These negotiations involve a complex web of agreements, and he found it fascinating to observe.

The 2019 interview is showcased in "A Very Royal Scandal," where Prince Andrew attempts to clear his name of sleeping with an underage girl who was trafficked by Epstein.

Prince Andrew in a grey suit against a black background looking concerned.
The interview Prince Andrew gave on "Newsnight" did more harm than good for his reputation. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Prince Andrew has been criticized for appearing defensive during his interview, and he has stated that he does not regret his friendship with Epstein because the opportunities it provided were "extremely beneficial."

Sheen watched several interviews featuring Andrew, one of which stood out due to a "startling" laugh he felt was unusually "exposed" for a member of the royal family.

"The royal family, known for their controlled demeanor, experienced a moment of surprising emotion, even if it was just a laugh, according to the person who spoke to People. Despite their usual composure, this incident left a lasting impression on the speaker."

Playing Prince Andrew was more challenging for Sheen than he anticipated, as it was difficult to determine what was true.

Michael Sheen and Prince Andrew split
Sheen found it hard to know what to believe when it came to the research involved in playing Prince Andrew. (Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Playing Prince Andrew presents a significant challenge compared to other roles, as it is like navigating a maze of reflections, according to the actor.

The royal family is tightly controlled in what is released to the public. This results in stage-managed photographs, interviews, and personal appearances on one hand, and gossip, rumors, and unverified information on the other. It is difficult to determine the motivations behind these releases.

by Lori Bashian

entertainment

Natalie DiDonato, a star on the reality show 'Mob Wives,' has gone missing and the police are searching for her.

Natalie DiDonato, a star on the reality show 'Mob Wives,' has gone missing and the police are searching for her.

entertainment
Cameron Mathison advises caution when making comments about the LA fires, as they can have a devastating impact on victims.

Cameron Mathison advises caution when making comments about the LA fires, as they can have a devastating impact on victims.

entertainment
Nelly Calls on President Trump to 'Rise, Serve, and Unite Us All' Amid Backlash

Nelly Calls on President Trump to 'Rise, Serve, and Unite Us All' Amid Backlash

entertainment
The former 'Bachelorette' celebrity traded the bustling city of Hollywood for a peaceful existence in Nashville.

The former 'Bachelorette' celebrity traded the bustling city of Hollywood for a peaceful existence in Nashville.

entertainment
Billy Ray Cyrus discusses his Trump inaugural ball performance that caused controversy among fans.

Billy Ray Cyrus discusses his Trump inaugural ball performance that caused controversy among fans.

entertainment
Tinseltown experts predict a "political shift" due to Trump's Hollywood advisors.

Tinseltown experts predict a "political shift" due to Trump's Hollywood advisors.

entertainment
Judi Dench's vision loss hinders her from venturing out independently.

Judi Dench's vision loss hinders her from venturing out independently.

entertainment
Blake Lively's sexual harassment accusations are disputed by Justin Baldoni, who presents unedited footage from 'It Ends With Us'.

Blake Lively's sexual harassment accusations are disputed by Justin Baldoni, who presents unedited footage from 'It Ends With Us'.

entertainment
Lauren Sanchez adjusts her attire following criticism for her racy inauguration ensemble.

Lauren Sanchez adjusts her attire following criticism for her racy inauguration ensemble.

entertainment
The MAHA Inaugural Ball was surprised by a performance from Jewel during Trump's inauguration.

The MAHA Inaugural Ball was surprised by a performance from Jewel during Trump's inauguration.

entertainment
Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band, has passed away at the age of 87.

Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band, has passed away at the age of 87.

entertainment
Meghan Markle's neighbors criticize her 'desperate' attempt to abandon 'tiaras in favor of Tupperware'

Meghan Markle's neighbors criticize her 'desperate' attempt to abandon 'tiaras in favor of Tupperware'

entertainment
'Francisco San Martin, a Days of Our Lives actor, has passed away at the age of 39.

'Francisco San Martin, a Days of Our Lives actor, has passed away at the age of 39.

entertainment
At 65 years old, John Sykes, a guitarist for both Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has passed away.

At 65 years old, John Sykes, a guitarist for both Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has passed away.

entertainment
Nelly electrifies President Trump's Liberty Ball, silencing critics.

Nelly electrifies President Trump's Liberty Ball, silencing critics.

entertainment
Candace Cameron Bure and other Hollywood stars celebrated Trump's inauguration with a 'God Bless America' message.

Candace Cameron Bure and other Hollywood stars celebrated Trump's inauguration with a 'God Bless America' message.

entertainment
TikTok is criticized by Michael Rapaport as a "dirty" and "biased" platform.

TikTok is criticized by Michael Rapaport as a "dirty" and "biased" platform.

entertainment
Lauren Sanchez, fiancée of Jeff Bezos, faces criticism at Trump's inauguration for her lingerie-inspired attire.

Lauren Sanchez, fiancée of Jeff Bezos, faces criticism at Trump's inauguration for her lingerie-inspired attire.

entertainment