Luther Ford Covers DSCENE Magazine January 2024 Issue

The Crown‘s Prince Harry Luther Ford stars in the digital cover story of DSCENE Magazine‘s January 2024 edition captured by fashion photographer Josh Upton. Styling is work of Alexandria Field, assisted by Kayla-Elaine Sanchez Gomez, with beauty from Charlie Cullen.

In the interview with DSCENE‘s editor Katarina Doric, Ford shares his initial reactions to getting the role of Prince Harry, his experience attending an open casting call, and the whirlwind journey that followed. He talks about working alongside an incredible cast, including Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy, and the influence they had on his performance. Ford also discusses how his background in directing and producing has shaped his acting, his personal style influenced by his royal character, and his future aspirations in the industry.

Luther, congratulations on your television debut as Prince Harry in ‘The Crown’. What were your initial thoughts when you first learned you got the role? – Thank you. I think when I first got the role I was just stunned. I couldn’t believe that I’d actually reached that point and it caught me off guard. I remember putting on an episode of The Crown and thinking ‘Wow, I’m going to be a part of that’. That quickly transitioned, to ‘Oh my god. I’m going to be a part of that’. It was pretty terrifying.

You’re working alongside an incredible cast, including Ed McVey, Meg Bellamy, Dominic West, and Elizabeth Debicki. How has the experience been working with them, and how have they influenced your performance? – I was probably most influenced by Ed. I pretty much had all my scenes with him. He’s only a little older than me, but we slotted into that younger – older sibling dynamic so easily. I looked up to him because he had some experience and I thought well he’ll be able to help, ha! It was important to feel that you’re in this together, it can be a uniquely isolating experience I think. Me, Meg and Ed often wonder what this would all be like if we just didn’t quite get on. It’s so lucky that we have fun and are very close. As for the titans of this cast, you get so much from just being there, just watching them. Imelda Staunton taught me to appreciate each moment. Her professionalism is next level, it’s something to aspire to.

How did you approach the task of portraying such a well-known and often scrutinized public figure like Prince Harry? Were there any aspects of his life or personality that you particularly focused on? – Well the production team definitely put you through your paces, it’s definitely not a ‘see you in 3 months, have a good crack at it!’ kind of job. The research team provide you with extensive books, documentaries, articles and documents. I worked with a movement coach (Polly Bennett) and a dialect coach (William Conacher). I was set up with a Marine who taught me how to march, that was purely to grasp a sense of posture and duty I think. I feel like instinctually you first turn to the voice, that feels important, like once you have a grasp on that – the rest will fall into place. But I definitely struggled with the line between an impression and an essence. It becomes quite obsessive and I think it’s easy to lose trace of the fact that there’s also something within you that they saw and want you to draw upon. It’s scary, but you do have to put down the research and trust that you’re good to go, that you’ve gained some kind of insight that is going to be useful. I most closely looked at his relationship with his brother and what the backdrop to the time period we were covering was.

Given the iconic fashion moments associated with the royal family, how has stepping into the role of Prince Harry influenced your personal style and your perspective on fashion? – Not much haha. It’s probably taught me that the nineties are definitely back. Although I’m not sure I’m in a hurry to be taking anything from his wardrobe specifically. Actually, a tailored suit or two wouldn’t go amiss. There’s a scene where me and Ed wear black tuxedos as we smoke on a balcony. I’ll have that one please. Not that you’re asking or they’re giving.

When you’re not on set or behind the camera, what are your favorite ways to unwind and recharge? – I like cooking. I’m not a particularly good cook, but it’s relaxing. Drawing also, not so much now, but in the past that’s been very therapeutic. I’m big into documentaries at the moment. Last night I watched The Work, 2017, it’s about therapy in prison. I recommend.

See more images + read full interview on designscene.net.

Photographer: Josh Upton – @josh_upton_
Stylist Alexandria Field – @alexangelfield
Grooming Charlie Cullen – @charlieculleneducation
Talent Luther Ford – @luther3ford
Stylist’s assistant: Kayla-Elaine Sanchez Gomez
Interview Katarina Doric – @katarina.djoric
Location Hart Shoreditch – @hartshoreditch