Star of The Crown Ed McVey has said he feared he had “missed the boat” to be cast in the award-winning Netflix series.
The actor, who plays uni-aged Prince William, joined his co-star Meg Bellamy, who portrays a young Kate Middleton, for a new cover shoot with ELLE UK where they reflected on their experience filming the royal drama.
Recalling their first audition, the 24-year-old said he was overwhelmed seeing the show’s cast in person and added that being a part of the series has been a dream come true, especially since he believed he’d never get the opportunity to.
He told the outlet: “They brought us in to Upper Elstree Studios, and this massive tent full of 150-200 people - everyone who works on the show, all the heads of department, and all of the cast.
“Elizabeth Debicki, Jonathan Pryce, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West - everyone was there. It was wild.
“I remember watching The Crown during my first year of drama school, and thinking it was the kind of show I’d love to be part of, eventually. I knew I’d never be part of it myself, thinking I’d missed the boat, age wise. I didn’t even consider [playing] the younger Royals.”
When it came to prepping for their audition, Bellamy, 21, explained that her naivety to the industry allowed her to be fearless in her attempts while McVey had a different approach – embodying the royal by getting the same haircut.
Bellamy shared: “I loved The Crown and wanted to be an actor, and figured I had nothing to lose. It was a long journey, but it turned out okay.”
To which McVey joked: “I went to my barber’s and showed him a picture of young Will. He was like, ‘um, okay!’"
The popular series marks McVey and Bellamy's first foray into TV, something that isn't lost on them.
Discussing their experience, Bellamy said: “We can’t compare it to too much, but it really has been amazing. From the writing to the costumes, every department is top of their game.”
Echoing his co-star’s sentiments, McVey continued: “It’s very special.
“Everyone on the show says it’s the best show they’ve ever done, and the happiest job. And all those actors have had very long careers. You don’t want to think you’ve peaked too soon.”
Their comments come as the final installment of The Crown, Season Six Part Two, was released on Netflix on Thursday, December 14.
