The Crown have found their Kate Middleton! Meg Bellamy lands the role of the Duchess alongside Prince William star Ed McVey in series six of Netflix show - five months after casting call for 'stunning actress'

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The Crown have cast actress Meg Bellamy in the role of Kate Middleton for series six of the drama.

The Netflix show initially put out a casting call in April to find a 'stunning actress' to portray the role of a young Kate, and now after a five month wait, they've finally found their Duchess. 

Meg, who was head girl at St Crispin’s School where she studied drama, will star alongside Ed McVey, who has been cast as her onscreen husband Prince William. 

Introducing her Royal Highness: The Crown have cast actress Meg Bellamy (left) in the role of Kate Middleton (right in 2008) for series six of the drama

Ed and Meg will play the couple during the period in which their romance blossomed while studying at St Andrews University. 

The part of the future Queen Consort is Meg's first major acting role and comes just months after she left her comprehensive school in Wokingham. 

Taking to Instagram after the news was revealed, an excited Meg penned: 'Pinch me please... So excited to announce that I will be playing Kate Middleton in Series 6 of Netflix’s ‘The Crown’. It is such an honour to be joining the most incredible cast and crew, and I will strive to do Kate justice.

In addition to Ed, Rufus Kampa, 16, will also play the Prince at a different stage in his life, depicting his teenage years showing how he and the royal family coped with the death of Princess Diana. 

Young love: The Netflix series will depict Kate and William's blossoming romance while they were students at the University of St Andrews (pictured in 2007)

While Meg has no official acting credits to her name, both Ed and Rufus have significantly more experience. 

Ed, who will take on the Prince in the early 2000s with scenes showing how he fell for fellow Art History student Kate, graduated Drama Centre London in 2021.

He was an understudy in the play Camp Siegfried, which was show at London's Old Vic. 

Sharing his elation at landing the huge role, Ed penned on Instagram on Friday: 'Ahhhhh the big news is now out!!! I’m absolutely buzzing to be given the opportunity to play Prince William in #TheCrown in Series 6!!! Along side the amazing @megkbellamy. Gunna be an amazing shoot can’t wait to learn all I can! Full press release in bio.'

Meanwhile Rufus made his professional acting debut in Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 & 3/4s: The Musical, while he's also acted in a handful of West End productions.  

It was reported in April that The Crown bosses were on the hunt for a 'stunning' actress who can play a young Kate Middleton in the sixth season of the Netflix drama.

Her Prince awaits: Meg, who was head girl at St Crispin’s School where she studied drama, will star alongside Ed McVey (left), who has been cast as her onscreen husband Prince William (pictured right in 2008)

The show previously issued a casting call looking for 'exceptional young actors' to play Prince William and Prince Harry aged 16-21.

A source said: 'Having the Duchess of Cambridge is an easy win for The Crown, as it will get more people watching.

'Particularly as it will show her relationship with William as their romance starts to blossom when they were both students.

'But since she's not a crucial part of the storyline, Kate's presence is a bonus. They'll only cast her if they can find the right candidate.'

Younger days:  In addition to Ed, Rufus Kampa (left) will also play the Prince (right in 1997) at a different stage in his life, depicting his teenage years showing how he and the royal family coped with the death of Princess Diana

MailOnline contacted representatives for Netflix for comment at the time.

It comes after the casting call for William and Harry said the roles in the drama are 'significant' indicating there may be storylines effecting the young Prince's lives in the late nineties and early noughties.

Over the first four series of The Crown, the Netflix hit has become well known for bending facts to suit its narrative, and while some artistic license is inevitable, some critics have been outraged in its rewriting of history and relationships.

'It's such an honour': Taking to Instagram after the news was revealed, an excited Meg penned: 'Pinch me please... So excited to announce that I will be playing Kate Middleton in Series 6 of Netflix’s ‘The Crown’

Can't wait: Sharing his elation at landing the huge role, Ed penned on Instagram on Friday: 'Ahhhhh the big news is now out!!! I’m absolutely buzzing to be given the opportunity to play Prince William in #TheCrown in Series 6!!!'

Royal experts have indicated that Prince Harry is now facing a dilemma over his casting after signing a £100million deal with the streaming service - with upcoming series covering some of the most painful and traumatic points of this life.

In Season 5, which is currently being filmed, Dominic West's son, Senan West, 14, will play a young Prince William. Fittingly, his father is playing Prince Charles. It is not known if a fictionalised Prince Harry will appear.

Directors are looking for actors that bare a strong resemblance to the royals and say no previous acting experience is required.

Role: It was reported in April that The Crown bosses were on the hunt for a 'stunning' actress who can play a young Kate Middleton in the sixth season of the Netflix drama (Kate pictured with William in 2005)

Plans: Bosses were also hoping to find an actress who can play the Duchess of Cambridge so they can depict her and William's blossoming romance while they were students at the University of St Andrews (pictured in March 2022)

'We are very experienced in providing a great deal of support for the young actors and their families through what they find is a uniquely rewarding creative process,' the notice read.

The casting call indicates the series will run until at least 2005, likely starting around 1998 - just a year after Princess Diana's death.

The time period will likely cover William attending University of St Andrew's in Scotland where he met Kate as well as Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles and the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana.

It may also cover Prince Harry's party days, including alleged experiments with cannabis and alcohol, which resulted in Prince Charles taking the then 16-year-old Prince to a rehab centre in a bid to set him straight.

 

On the lookout: The show previously issued a casting call looking for 'exceptional young actors' to play Prince William and Prince Harry aged 16-21

The dates also cover the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebration as well as the royal family's reaction to wider world events including the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Other key events in the time period including Edward's marriage to Sophie Wessex in 1999 and the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen mother in 2002.

William and Harry - as well as Kate Middleton and Harry's then girlfriend Chelsy Davy were regulars on the London club scene in the early noughties.

While Netflix's artistic license has been called into question before, creator Peter Morgan has said he feel a 'sense of duty' towards the royal brothers.

Sources close to the creator previously told the Daily Mail he felt a sense of 'responsibility' towards the pair.

Final season: Directors were looking for actors that had a strong resemblance to the royals -and said no previous acting experience is required. It will likely cover 1998 to 2005 (the brothers are pictured at the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002)

Timeline: The time period will likely cover William attending University of St Andrew's in Scotland where he met Kate Middleton as well as Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles and the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana

However, royal editor and author Duncan Lancombe told OK! that the Prince 'can't not be upset' at 'Netflix cashing in on your trauma'.

'Netflix can just make up conversations with the premise that it is a drama. They are basing it on history, but in order to make it something watchable they are dramatising it.'

'The only two humans that know what they said to each other at the most horrendously traumatic time of their lives is them. Netflix now thinks it's acceptable to put two child actors doing it with made up lines.'

'What I've said about how William will feel. Take that and double it for Harry. Harry is an emotional guy, whereas William is quite insular and shy when he needs to be.'

History: William and Harry - as well as Kate Middleton and Harry's then girlfriend Chelsy Davy were regulars on the London club scene in the early noughties (pictured in 2002) 

The appearances of Meg, Ed and Rufus will follow on from the season five cast, with a number of known names and newer faces  taking on the roles of various members of the Royal Family.

The last two seasons of the hit drama covering the Royal Family in the 1990s to 2003. 

Elizabeth Debicki, 32, cast as Princess Diana in August 2020, and fans of the Netflix show were delighted to hear that the Australian actress would be taking on the role - replacing Emma Corrin.

From her big break in 2013's The Great Gatsby to becoming a household name thanks to 2016 TV series The Night Manager, the star steadily climbed up the ranks of showbusiness to secure the career-making role.

Elizabeth Debicki, 32, is cast as Princess Diana in August 2020, and fans of the Netflix show were delighted to hear that the Australian actress would be taking on the role - replacing Emma Corrin 

A former ballerina in training, Elizabeth switched to theatre during high school. She studied at University of Melbourne's Victorian College of the Arts, where she was also awarded the Richard Pratt Bursary for outstanding acting students.  

She shot to stardom after making her debut in The Great Gatsby in 2013, after impressing the film's director, Baz Luhrmann, with her brief appearance in the 2011 Australian movie A Few Best Men.

Since then, she has appeared in several movies including The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Tenet and The Cloverfield Paradox.

RADA-trained performer Claudia Harrison was spotted in character as Princess Anne on-set at Scotland's Covesea Lighthouse last year, where she was shooting opposite Imelda Staunton, who is taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix show. 

Who's who? RADA-trained performer Claudia Harrison was spotted in character as Princess Anne on-set at Scotland's Covesea Lighthouse last year

Claudia, 46, boasts a number of TV gigs on her CV as well as a high-profile co-star following her turn in 2005 thriller Archangel, where she starred opposite Daniel Craig in the show about a mystery concerning dictator Josef Stalin. 

She is a farmer’s wife and a mother-of-three and is said to have been ‘shocked and delighted’ when she was chosen to play Anne when the Royal was aged in her 40s. 

The Thick Of It star and London deli owner Theo Fraser Steele plays Princess Anne's husband Timothy Laurence.  

He cut a dapper figure during filming to play the role of Anne's spouse, who she married in 1992 after splitting from Mark Phillips.  

Royal role: The Crown's fifth season will feature The Thick Of It star and London deli owner Theo Fraser Steele playing Princess Anne's husband Timothy Laurence (pictured on-set on Tuesday)

Theo's acting career spans back to 1996, when he starred in Casualty while he also played Christian Holhurst in political satire The Thick Of It in 2005.  As well as acting, he is a successful deli owner and runs a shop with his wife in Hackney.   

James Murray, 47, will take on the role of Prince Andrew, replacing Tom Byrne, who played the Queen's second son in series four.

James' previous endeavours include his portrayal of Stephen Hart in ITV's Primeval and playing Liam Carney in BBC One's season four of Cutting It.

The Mancunian actor, who is married to actress Sarah Parish, is also currently filming Masters of Air - the Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks-produced Apple TV series. 

The Crown series 5: James Murray is set to take on the role of Prince Andrew following his TV appearances in Cutting It and Primeval (James pictured in 2018)

Dominic West is set to play Prince Charles in the final two series of The Crown.

The actor, 52, is understood to be taking on the role of Prince Charles at the time of his affair from Diana, Princess of Wales, with his second wife Camilla Parker Bowles. 

A TV insider told The Sun: 'Show bosses looked at several stars for the sought-after role, but he was by far their preferred actor. Now both parties are hammering out a deal.' 

They revealed how the 'irony' of the casting will 'not be lost on anyone' following his recent scandal where he was pictured embracing actress co-star Lily James last year.

Dominic will replace Josh O'Connor who has played the role for two series. 

New role: Dominic West is set to play Prince Charles in the final two series of The Crown

Jonathan Pryce has said he is 'confident' about 'tackling the daunting prospect of portraying Prince Philip' in seasons five and six of The Crown.

It was revealed in August that the actor, 75, will join the star-studded cast of the hit Netflix show and portray the royal through the 1990s and 2000s.

Speaking after the announcement, Jonathan added that it will be 'a joy' to act alongside Imelda Staunton as the Queen and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret.   

In a statement shared on social media by Netflix, Jonathan said: 'I am delighted to be working with Netflix again. 

New role: The Two Popes actor Jonathan Pryce, 74, has said he is 'confident' to take on the 'daunting' role of Prince Philip in The Crown's final two seasons

'The positive experience I had making The Two Popes has given me the confidence to tackle the daunting prospect of portraying Prince Philip.   

'To be doing so with Peter Morgan in the company of Imelda [Staunton] and Lesley [Manville] will be a joy.' 

Meanwhile, Lesley Manville has been cast as Princess Margaret.

The actress, 65, will be taking the reins from current star Helena Bonham Carter for the fifth and final series of the Netflix hit. 

Lesley is believed to have been producers first choice for the role, is set to play the Queen's younger sister during one of the 'darkest periods of her life'.   

Congrats! Lesley Manville has been cast as Princess Margaret (right in 1966) for the fifth and sixth seasons of The Crown

Confirming the news in a statement, she said: 'I could not be happier to be playing Princess Margaret. The baton is being passed on from two formidable actresses and I really don't want to let the side down. 

'Furthermore, to play siblings with my dear friend Imelda Staunton will be nothing short of a complete joy.'

The role has been played by Helena for season three and upcoming season four, and was taken on by Vanessa Kirby in season one and two. 

Taking on the main role, Imelda Staunton will replace Olivia Colman as The Queen. 

Speaking about joining the hit show, Imelda, 66, admitted she is 'frightened' to take on the Queen Elizabeth role in The Crown.

The actress is following on from Claire Foy and Olivia, but says she has an 'extra challenge' playing a recent version as it will be fresh in the audiences mind.

Her Royal Highness: Taking on the main role, Imelda Staunton will replace Olivia Colman as The Queen

Speaking to The Sun, Imelda said: 'When Claire was in the first series, to all of us that felt like history. Then following on from that with Olivia, again it seems like history.  

'Now we start in 1991 playing someone much more recent. That's the extra challenge I have, people saying, "Oh, I don't think she's like that at all"'.

It has also been reported that young actors Lucas Barber-Grant and Arran Tinker are returning to reprise their roles as Princes William and Harry respectively, after making their debut in season four last year, but this yet to be officially confirmed. 

The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family's history throughout the 1990s and into 2003, however it is not yet known which moments will be seen. 

Coming back? It has also been reported that young actors Lucas Barber-Grant and Arran Tinker are returning to reprise their roles as Princes William and Harry respectively, after making their debut in season four last year (pictured)

In July, it was reported that a shift in the ending of The Crown has led to rumours of a follow-up that leaves open the possibility of a sequel based on Charles, William and Harry and could even feature Megxit. 

Showrunner Peter Morgan, 59, has been urged by Netflix bosses to take the Royal Family's story further - and now, the creator's have altered the ending of series 6, The Sun reports. 

Season 5 of the Netflix hit is due to air this November, while season 6 was set to be the final instalment of the Windsors' story, airing next year.

More to come? In July, it was reported that a shift in the ending of The Crown has led to rumours of a follow-up that leaves open the possibility of a sequel based on Charles, William and Harry and could even feature Megxit 

Sequel? This shifting of the final year allows space for a sequel in which the show could delve into Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry (pictured with his wife Meghan)

Series 6 was originally supposed to conclude in 2002, it being the year the Queen lost her sister Princess Margaret as well as her mother - but 2005 is now set to be the new end date.

And this will be with the wedding of Charles and Camilla, 'marking the start of an era'.

This shifting of the final year could allow space for a sequel in the story that could delve into Prince Charles and his sons Princes William and Harry.