Victoria star Laurence Fox reveals what he thinks of the modern day royals

As cheeky Lord Palmerston in ITV hit Victoria, Laurence Fox is constantly winding up poor Queen Victoria.

Now, the 40-year-old actor, who’s having a great time playing the “naughty and mischievous” MP, has revealed what he thinks of the modern day royals.

And it turns out he’s a big fan!

“Good old royals!,” says Laurence in a chat with TV Times. “I watched Harry and Meghan’s wedding last year but not as avidly as my dad; he had tears rolling down his cheeks.

“It’ll be interesting what happens when the Queen falls off the perch. But she’s been a servant to her people. At one of her birthdays or jubilees, I got a lump in my throat when she saw all the people and was surprised. Victoria’s still held in high regard, too.

“In our story, she comes across as someone who puts her people first until some wally like me tries to get them to like him more than they like her!”

Laurence, who shot to television fame by starring in ITV cop series Lewis, laughs that he looks like a very famous children’s character in Victoria.

“I look exactly like Willy Wonka! I sometimes see my shadow on the ground and think, ‘Ha ha, it’s Willy Wonka.’ I’ve even got a cane. But, of course, you can’t go full Willy Wonka – although it would be nice to!”

As Victoria continues this Sunday, Laurence’s character is once again causing trouble for the young monarch as this time they argue over how to deal with the threat from the Chartists.

But while on screen they clash, off it Laurence is full of admiration for former Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman, who plays Victoria.

"She’s fantastic, isn’t she? When she has to get angry with me, she raises her voice by only about half a decibel. There’s no shouting. She’s poised and has to do most of her acting with her eyes, as she’s the Queen and she can’t give much away about what she’s thinking.”

Victoria, featuring Laurence Fox, is on ITV on Sundays.