Prince Harry’s Controversial Nazi Costume Incident to Resurface in Highly Anticipated Season of The Crown
Amidst the fervor surrounding the sixth and final season of the widely acclaimed Netflix series, The Crown, the cast and crew were captured on set filming pivotal scenes delving into the aftermath of Prince Harry’s ill-fated costume choice at a costume party back in 2005. Startling images from The Crown’s set reveal a man carrying newspapers with a front-page photograph of Prince Harry donning a swastika armband, causing a stir in the media.
Luther Ford, the talented actor portraying Prince Harry as a young adult in the concluding season of The Crown, meticulously recreated the infamous snapshot for the compelling series.
Now 38 years old, Prince Harry has expressed remorse for the offensive attire on multiple occasions, promptly issuing an apology soon after the incident took place. In his contrite statement, the 20-year-old Prince Harry expressed deep regret, stating, “I am very sorry if I caused any offense or embarrassment to anyone.” He humbly acknowledged the poor judgment behind his choice of costume and extended a sincere apology.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews swiftly responded, expressing their satisfaction with Harry taking responsibility for his regrettable actions. They appreciated his willingness to acknowledge the inappropriateness of his decision.
In his memoir, Spare, released in January, the Duke of Sussex made a startling claim, implicating his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, in the decision to wear the Nazi uniform. According to Harry, the Prince and Princess of Wales found his costume choice amusing, recalling that they “howled with laughter” upon seeing him in the ensemble. Harry recounted reaching out to William and Kate, seeking their opinion, and they allegedly approved the Nazi uniform idea for the “Native and Colonial”-themed costume party. Reflecting on the moment, he revealed considering a pilot uniform before settling on the controversial attire.
“I rented it, plus a silly mustache, and went back to the house. I tried it all on. They both howled. Worse than Willy’s leotard outfit! Way more ridiculous! Which, again, was the point,” Harry divulged.
The publication of the photos in various newspapers ignited a firestorm, plunging Prince Harry into a state of profound shame. In Spare, he candidly expressed, “There were moments over the course of the next several weeks and months when I thought I might die of shame.” In a December 2022 episode of the Netflix show Harry & Meghan, he referred to the costume decision as “one of the biggest mistakes of my life.”
Driven by a determination to rectify his misstep, Harry embarked on a path of education and growth. He recalled seeking guidance from the chief rabbi in London and engaging in heartfelt conversations with Holocaust survivors, recognizing the significance of learning from his mistake. Furthermore, Harry shed light on the concept of “unconscious bias” within his own family, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and rectifying such biases.
Acknowledging the ongoing journey of personal growth and enlightenment, Harry emphasized, “Once it’s been pointed out or identified within yourself, you then need to make it right. It’s education, it’s awareness, and it’s a constant work in progress for everyone―including me.”
Notably, in September 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, signed a groundbreaking five-year, $100 million contract with Netflix to produce a wide array of thought-provoking content, including documentaries, docuseries, and feature films.
As The Crown continues its final season, captivating audiences worldwide, it promises to delve into pivotal events such as Princess Diana’s tragic demise in 1997, as well as the blossoming relationship between Prince William and Kate during their college years, captivating viewers with its nuanced portrayal of history.
