A princess in waiting: Childhood snaps reveal how The Crown’s Meg Bellamy was born to play Kate Middleton in the sixth series of the Netflix royal drama

Beaming at the camera, these are the never-before-seen childhood photos that prove Meg Bellamy was always born to play a princess.

Former school friends of the young actress plucked from a job working at Legoland to play Kate Middleton in the latest series of The Crown say back then the precocious, playful pupil always had that star quality.

Those who remember young Meg treading the boards in school productions say it’s come as no surprise to them that she landed the role as a fresh-faced Kate Middleton courting Prince William, believing she was always ‘destined for the top’.

Now the 21-year-old has the world at her feet, becoming the face of Dior while Cartier, Valentino and Jaguar are all said to be falling over themselves to make her the face of their brands.

The actress, who bears a striking resemblance to Kate, has also been guest of honour at some of society’s most glittering events.

But before she was hand-picked to play the princess in the Netflix blockbuster, Meg had no acting training or experience, appearing in school productions such as Grease, where she played Sandy and We Will Rock You, where she featured as Scaramouche.

When she got the part as Kate, she was finding her way in the world working part-time at Legoland, donning a costume as a ‘red brick’ to entertain visitors to the attraction.

Meg studied at St Crispin’s Secondary School in Wokingham, Berkshire, where she not only excelled in drama but was also hugely popular and was voted in as head girl.

Former pals told MailOnline that Meg’s newfound stardom was inevitable.

Debbie, who did not want to give her last name, said: ‘There was always something about Meg when she was on stage and I’m not saying that because she’s now famous.

‘She was always the star of the show and had a lot of charisma. Even though they were only school productions she was very dedicated and professional.’

Sarah, another school pal said: ‘I wouldn’t say that we expected her to be such a big star so suddenly, but it was always on the cards for Meg, so it doesn’t totally surprise me. She was easily the best actor in the school, and everybody loved her.

‘But I’m pretty sure that she’s not going to become a big head because she’s always been a very down to earth girl. I’m very happy and excited for her and will be closely watching The Crown when it’s on TV.’

With lush brunette hair, just like the real Kate Middleton, Meg has been dubbed ‘the fake Kate’ and ‘Kate 2’ with many commentators pointing to the striking physical and other similarities between her and the royal.

She grew up in Berkshire, just 22 miles from Kate’s childhood home in the same county, both enjoyed acting while at school and have also spoken of their love of team sports such as tennis and netball.

Meg was raised by her mother Sue at the family’s £800,000 detached home in Wokingham, Buckinghamshire, along with her brother Ollie.

Sue separated from Meg’s father Robert, who is an online health coach, when the actress was little and lived with Meg’s stepfather John Hawcroft, a former pharmaceuticals salesman who now works a clinical education and training manager, according to his LinkedIn.

Pictures of the actress show as a youngster on family day outs, dressed in a ‘Where’s Wally’ outfit and appearing excited after appearing in an amateur production of Cats show she enjoyed a happy childhood.

Family friends revealed that Sue has been instrumental in Meg’s acting career and initially spotted her talent when the youngster began putting on shows at home and was constantly singing.

She then signed up her up for the Stagecoach Performing Arts school in Wokingham.

‘Sue is very proud of Meg’s achievements and has always supported her ambition to get into acting,’ said a family friend. ‘They’re a very down to earth, loving family and nobody is getting too carried away with her being in The Crown.

‘Meg might be a big star and about to get even bigger, but Sue will ensure that she stays firmly rooted.’

It was another family friend who initially encouraged Meg to apply for the role of Kate after maintaining that she looked like her and would be right for it.

Claire Louise Rosser, Meg’s former drama teacher at Stagecoach also revealed in an interview that her former pupil will be the ‘perfect fit’ to play Kate.

She said: ‘Her actual sensibility is so similar. I think Kate comes across as a genuine beautiful person – she is statuesque, beautiful and seems humble.

‘Meg is similar and ridiculously humble. She was very popular, the type of student you had to encourage to come forward.

‘She wasn’t loud or a drama diva – she was quite reserved, she had amazing attendance, and was always on time and would do what was asked.

‘What’s amazing is that she took the initiative to do a self-tape for The Crown and it’s become one of the stories you rarely hear of in the industry – a huge unknown plucked for a massive production. That reflects Meg.’