Queen Camilla came remarkably close to making her acting debut in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, the show’s executive producer has revealed.
The 78-year-old Queen was seriously considered for a cameo in the show’s upcoming sixth season, which is being filmed partly in London and features a star-studded cast including Olivia Colman, David Tennant, Jennifer Saunders and Martin Freeman.
According to executive producer and showrunner John Hoffman, Camilla’s appearance was much more than a fanciful idea.
“We almost got Camilla,” Hoffman told Vulture, referring to King Charles III’s wife.
“I know it’s insane, but yes, there was a moment.”
Hoffman said he was stunned when his casting team suggested securing the royal was genuinely possible.
“I was like, ‘Wait, what? Is that real?'” he laughed. “Then we kind of went down the road a little bit.”
The prospect of casting a reigning Queen may have sounded far-fetched, but Hoffman admitted the production seriously explored the logistics before ultimately abandoning the idea.
The cameo never materialised, however, largely because of strict UK union rules limiting the length of filming days.
“You’re only shooting ten-hour days, no more.”
With a royal appearance likely to involve extensive security and scheduling arrangements, Hoffman said the production simply couldn’t afford the risk of delays.
“I did pursue it a little bit, until I realised it’s going to be a whole thing,” he said.
Camilla wasn’t the only royal name raised during Hoffman’s interview. When asked whether he would consider casting Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, the producer appeared amused by the suggestion.
“When is she travelling? We’re leaving in three days,” Hoffman quipped, before adding, tongue firmly in cheek: “I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
The 45-year-old former Suits actress, who recently relocated to the UK with Prince Harry for an “extended period of time”, was previously linked to a rumoured role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentleman.
Reports claimed the idea was later abandoned following public backlash.
Theo James, who stars in The Gentleman, also poured cold water on the speculation during a recent interview with Town & Country.
“Yes, Fergie is joining. She’ll be playing my love interest,” James joked, referencing Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
“No, I think that was mainly a lot of hot air,” he followed up, addressing the Markle rumours more directly.
Meghan and Harry are reportedly searching for a sprawling property in the Cotswolds as they establish their new life in Britain, with reports claiming Meghan hopes for a home featuring nine bedrooms and even a film studio.
According to award-winning journalist Paula Froelich, the ambitious wish list is tied to Meghan’s reported plans to film a new documentary chronicling her return to the UK.