The Rise of Nicholas Galitzine: Meet the Actor Embodying Prince Henry in ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’
Nicholas Galitzine, the English actor with a remarkable knack for portraying royalty, is quickly solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most captivating rising stars. Fresh off a series of roles that have showcased his diverse talent, he is now poised to capture hearts worldwide as the much-anticipated fan-favorite character, Prince Henry, in the film adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s beloved novel, *Red, White & Royal Blue*. This role marks another significant milestone in his burgeoning career, further cementing his reputation for bringing charm and depth to princely characters.
The excitement around Prime Video’s *Red, White & Royal Blue* is palpable, with the film adaptation of the 2019 *New York Times* best-seller set to debut on August 11. Among its compelling ensemble, Nicholas Galitzine stands out as the dashing Prince Henry, one of the story’s two central romantic leads. In a relatively short span, the 28-year-old London native has ascended through the ranks, becoming a sought-after talent, recognized for his charismatic screen presence and versatile acting range.
Many might recognize Nicholas Galitzine from his previous princely portrayal, and indeed, his career journey is filled with fascinating turns. From his foundational roles to his life experiences before stepping into the spotlight, there’s much to discover about this dynamic British actor. His path to stardom is a compelling narrative of dedication, unexpected opportunities, and a continuous pursuit of artistic excellence.
Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry in ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’
The announcement of Nicholas Galitzine taking on the role of Prince Henry in *Red, White & Royal Blue* in June 2022 sent waves of excitement through the book’s massive fanbase. Fans eagerly anticipated how the actor would bring the beloved character, an heir to the British throne, to life. Nicholas himself expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram, writing, “So pleased to be able to bring Henry to life in @casey.mcquiston ‘s ‘Red White & Royal Blue’, led by the wonderful @matthewmichaellopez.” This sentiment resonated deeply with readers who cherished Henry’s wit, vulnerability, and inherent sense of duty.
The acclaimed novel and subsequent film adaptation tell the captivating story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and his evolving, initially contentious, but ultimately romantic relationship with Prince Henry. Their journey from public adversaries to secret lovers, navigating geopolitical pressures, family expectations, and their own identities, forms the heart of this modern romance. Nicholas shares the screen with Taylor Zakhar Perez, who portrays Alex, promising a chemistry that is central to the narrative’s success. The talented cast also includes Sarah Shahi, Clifton Collins Jr., Stephen Fry, Rachel Hilson, Ellie Bamber, Aneesh Sheth, and the iconic Uma Thurman, lending considerable gravitas and depth to this highly anticipated production. The film is expected to explore themes of identity, duty, and finding love in unexpected places, all set against a backdrop of international diplomacy and high-stakes romance.
His Breakthrough Role: Prince Robert in ‘Cinderella’
Nicholas Galitzine truly had a breakout moment with his role as Prince Robert in Prime Video’s 2021 modern adaptation of *Cinderella*. This musical fantasy showcased not only his acting prowess but also his impressive vocal talents, establishing him as a versatile performer capable of carrying a romantic lead. In this contemporary retelling, Nicholas starred alongside pop sensation Camila Cabello as Cinderella, Idina Menzel as the Stepmother, and Billy Porter as the Fab G, among other notable actors. The film provided him with a significant platform to demonstrate his ability to blend charm, charisma, and a powerful singing voice, endearing him to a global audience.
Prior to *Cinderella*, Nicholas began his onscreen journey in the 2014 film *The Beat Beneath My Feet*, a role that laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Since then, his filmography has expanded to include a diverse array of projects. He appeared in the supernatural horror film *The Craft: Legacy*, and gained further recognition for his leading role in the immensely popular Netflix romance *Purple Hearts*. Notably, Nicholas also co-starred with Uma Thurman in the Netflix series *Chambers*, an experience that would foreshadow their reunion in *Red, White & Royal Blue*. His career trajectory indicates a deliberate choice of varied roles that challenge him and showcase his range. Looking ahead, after *Red, White & Royal Blue*, Nicholas has several exciting projects lined up, including the comedy *Bottoms*, the romantic drama *The Idea of You* with Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway, and the historical drama series *Mary & George* opposite the esteemed Julianne Moore. These upcoming roles highlight his increasing demand and his commitment to working with top-tier talent across different genres.
Nicholas Galitzine’s Musical Talent
Beyond his acting capabilities, Nicholas Galitzine has proven himself to be a formidable vocalist, a talent he magnificently displayed throughout *Cinderella*. From his heartfelt rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” to his charming “Perfect” duet with Camila Cabello, Nicholas firmly established that he possesses impressive vocal chops. This musical ability adds another layer to his artistic profile, distinguishing him in a competitive industry.
In a revealing 2020 interview with Vogue, Nicholas shared his aspirations to release his own music in the future. He acknowledged that acting had taken precedence, but expressed a clear desire to explore his musical side more deeply. “My goal is to continue working with passionate, driven, artists who are willing to think out of the box, and to keep challenging myself as an artist and a creative,” he stated, highlighting his broad artistic vision. He made good on this ambition with the release of his debut single, “Comfort,” in 2022. This track offered fans a glimpse into his personal musical style, further cementing his image as a multi-talented artist who isn’t afraid to explore different avenues of creative expression.
Nicholas Galitzine’s London Roots and Greek Heritage
Just like the character of Prince Henry whom he portrays, Nicholas Galitzine boasts strong ties to London, where he was born and raised. His family, after his mother’s emigration from Greece, made their home in the vibrant Hammersmith district of West London. This upbringing in one of the world’s most multicultural cities undoubtedly shaped his perspective and provided a rich cultural backdrop for his early life. While time may have passed since his last visit to his “heritage homeland,” Nicholas remains deeply connected to and proud of his family’s Greek culture.
He shared his affection for his roots in an October 2022 interview with Numéro Netherlands, stating, “Going to Greece, feeling the culture and the food and everything, and honestly just being with my family and my loved ones, that really kind of fulfills my zest for life when I’m not working.” This sentiment highlights the profound impact of his heritage on his personal well-being and artistic sensibilities. His ability to connect with diverse cultural experiences, both personally and through his acting, contributes to the depth and authenticity he brings to his roles, including that of a British prince with a multifaceted identity.
From Athlete to Actor: Nicholas Galitzine’s Unexpected Path
Before the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Nicholas Galitzine was on a completely different trajectory, one paved with athletic ambition. He recounted his formative years in a September 2021 interview with WWD, revealing, “I was training my whole younger life to be a sportsman. Rugby was my main thing.” His dedication was so intense that he attended a specialized school two hours from his home, renowned for its rugby program, considering it “the best rugby school in the country.”
His athletic prowess wasn’t limited to rugby; Nicholas was a multi-sport athlete with significant achievements. “At one point I was second in London competing with the javelin. I was playing county-level football,” he detailed, emphasizing that his childhood was “all sports, just sports crazy.” This intense commitment to athletics speaks volumes about his discipline, competitive spirit, and ability to dedicate himself fully to a goal. However, this demanding lifestyle came with its challenges. Nicholas admitted that he “kept getting hurt” playing sports, and eventually, the constant injuries led him to “fall out of love with it.” This pivotal moment opened the door for him to explore other passions, ultimately leading him to discover acting.
The transition from a highly physical, competitive sports environment to the nuanced world of acting might seem unusual, but the discipline, resilience, and focus honed on the sports field undoubtedly contribute to his approach as an actor. His athletic background perhaps instilled in him a strong work ethic and a profound understanding of body language and physical expression, which are invaluable assets in his craft. Nicholas Galitzine’s journey from an aspiring sportsman to a celebrated actor underscores his adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges, attributes that continue to propel his ascent in the entertainment industry.