Lily Allen puffed on a vape as she and husband David Harbour left the press night performance of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London on Thursday.

The new live production of the hit Netflix series follows existing characters Jim Hopper (played by David), Bob Newby and Henry Creel when they were younger. 

The couple, who wed in 2020, were spotted as they strolled along the busy street deep in conversation following the play, with their night out coming in the wake of rumours surrounding the state of the couple’s marriage.

Lily, 38, put on a glamorous display in a plunging black velvet top and matching trousers after taking to the red carpet earlier in the evening. 

Also at the party was The Crown’s breakthrough star Meg Bellamy, who plays Kate Middleton in the new series of the show, and superstar Hugh Jackman alongside a slew of other stars at the glitzy night. 

Meanwhile David, 48, cut a dapper figure in a black suit which he wore with a crisp white shirt and stylish dark shades. 

While Lily continues to smoke she gave up drinking in a lifestyle overhaul and celebrated three years of sobriety in October 2022.

Lily has been candid about her addiction struggles, previously revealing the last time she consumed alcohol was July 28 2019.

She has always been open about her drink and drug abuse, particularly when she released her memoir My Thoughts Exactly in 2020.

In 2018, she came under fire for glamourising drug-taking after admitting she snorted a line of ketamine at the Glamour Woman Of The Year Awards in 2008.

Describing what happened, Allen said: ‘Someone gave me a line of what I assumed to be cocaine at the Glamour awards once, but it turned out to be Ketamine. I was thrown out (passed over some railings) of the Glamour awards for being in a k hole.’

She added: ‘Obviously I couldn’t talk, or direct the driver so my assistant instructed the occupant of the car behind to ‘follow that cab’ I believe the occupant was @chattyman I have no idea what happened next.’

Lily and David attended the premiere earlier in the evening alongside  Hugh Jackman who looked typically stylish in a grey jacket and a turtle neck top at the star-studded event.

The first official look at stage production Stranger Things : The First Shadow, along with the first act title: ‘Chapter One: The Girl From Nowhere,’ was recently released.

Public previews of the original play based on the hit series kicked off at the Phoenix Theatre in London, giving theatregoers and fans of the series a glimpse into the original prequel story set in the world of 1959 Hawkins, Indiana.

The new live production follows existing characters Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Henry Creel when they were younger.

The First Shadow is set 20 years before the first series of the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon, with an opening date set for December 14.

The new play is written by series writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry and directed by The Crown ‘s Stephen Daldry with co-director Prima Facie’s Justin Martin.

In March, producers said the play would open in 1959 in Hawkins as a young Hopper’s car fails to start, Newby’s sister does not take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado tries to graduate and leave.

The London stage production announced its cast and preview dates, as well as its formal opening, in September.

Teasing the new play, the producers revealed that a new student, Creel arrives, and his family find ‘a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach’.

They teased that the beginning of Stranger Things ‘may hold the key to the end.’

Matt and Ross Duffer, who are the creators of the Netflix series, said: ‘The cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow is nothing short of phenomenal.

These actors brilliantly explore the early days of many fan favourites – including Hopper, Joyce, Bob, Henry and Dr. Brenner – while also bringing new characters to vivid life.

‘We couldn’t be more thrilled and can’t wait for you to meet them all live on stage. See you in London, nerds!’

The First Shadow stars include Shane Attwooll, Christopher Buckley, Michael Jibson, Oscar Lloyd, Louis McCartney, Isabella Pappas, Patrick Vaill, Lauren Ward and Ella Karuna Williams.

The ensemble includes Kemi Awoderu, Chase Brown, Ammar Duffus, Gilles Geary, Florence Guy, Max Harwood, Matthew Pidgeon, Calum Ross, Maisie Norma Seaton, Tricia Adele-Turner, Lauren Arney, Reya-Nyomi Brown, Patricia Castro, Lydia Fraser, Isaac Gryn, Mark Hammersley, Tom Peters, Kingdom Sibanda, Tiana Simone, Danny Sykes and Meesha Turner.

The show will be produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions whilst the Duffer Brothers act as creative producers.

Sonia Friedman, whose company produced the hit play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, said London will host the ‘incredible story’ for now and that a ‘world class creative team’ has built on the Duffer Brothers’ ‘boundless imagination to dream up an unbelievably exciting theatrical event for audiences’.

Stranger Things premiered in July 2016 and swiftly became one of Netflix’s most popular TV series ever and its fourth season alone garnered over 140.7 million global views.

Grounded in 80s nostalgia, the show has rekindled interest in pop culture artefacts from that era with each new season, such as Eggo waffles and New Coke.

In June 2022, the series revitalised Kate Bush’s song Running Up That Hill, when it was featured as an emotional cornerstone in Max’s character journey (played by Sadie Sink) causing a surge in Spotify streams.

The series has also amassed more than 70 awards globally, including Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and received nominations for over 230 awards.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow opens at the Phoenix Theatre on December 14.

Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy looked worlds away from their roles as Prince William and Kate Middleton in The Crown as they took part in a edgy new photoshoot.

The pair star as the young Royals in the latest series of the hit Netflix drama, with the plot following the early days of their relationship.

Ed, 24, graced the cover of the latest issue of ELLE UK, looking effortlessly cool in a black leather jacket and jeans.

Meg, 21, wore a black bomber jacket and patterned skirt, while cinching her waist with a matching belt.

In another look, Ed wore a navy blue printed jacket and matching trousers, teamed with a white T-shirt, while his co-star wore a black jacket and loose-fitting jeans.

Meg wasted no time showing off her toned midriff as she donned a cropped denim jacket with high-waisted jeans.

In their joint interview, Ed talked about how he watched The Crown when he went to drama school but thought he would be too old to have a part in the show.

Recalling the audition process, he said: “They took us to Upper Elstree Studios, and this huge tent full of 150-200 people – everyone who works on the show, all the heads of department and the whole cast.

“Elizabeth Debicki, Jonathan Pryce, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West – everyone was there. It was wild. I remember seeing The Crown during my first year at drama school and thinking it was the kind of show I would eventually like to be a part of.

‘I knew I would never be part of it because I thought I had missed the boat age-wise. I didn’t even think about it [playing] the younger royals.’

The pair enjoyed their time filming the series, with Ed calling it ‘the happiest job’.

Meg, 21, said: ‘We can’t compare it too much but it was really great. From the writing to the costumes, every department is top notch.”

Ed added: ‘It’s very special. Everyone on the show says this is the best show they’ve ever done, and the happiest work. And all those actors have had a very long career. You shouldn’t think that you have reached your peak too quickly.’

Although she didn’t pay much attention to the royals growing up, Meg opened up about how she’s become a fan of Kate since she gave birth.

She said: ‘I was always very fascinated by the royal family, but I didn’t necessarily have strong feelings for them. But you really grow fond of characters you spent so much time watching. I’m definitely a Kate-ist.’

However, the show’s fame has come with some downsides, as Ed admitted he is now wary of making new friends.

He said, “Friends who don’t care. They are the new friends [of whom you have to be wary] – ‘Are you with me because you really like me, or because you want something else from the relationship?’ But I don’t plan on making new friends. I have all the friends and family I need.”

Ed was full of praise for The Crown’s leading lady Imelda Staunton, who plays the final version of Elizabeth II.

He said: She is incredibly kind and generous – a professional, through and through. She knows exactly what to do.

“I had the privilege of watching these titans of industry do their thing all day long. It was such a masterclass to see them with such grace and see how they carry themselves.”

When asked what she has learned since joining The Crown, Meg said: “Taking each day as it comes. Appreciating each day for what it is and not worrying about it too much is the sensible way to deal with it for me.”

Ed added: ‘This is what you always wanted, and even though it comes with some negative aspects, basically you should do what you love.

‘And it’s a huge springboard to do more of what you love to do. And breathe. To breathe. Breathe continuously.’

Netflix has teased The Crown fans with a sneak peek of the moment Kate Middleton first caught the eye of Prince William at a St Andrew’s charity fashion show.

Part two of the final series of The Crown will bring the key moment at university in the blossoming relationship between the now-Prince and Princess of Wales onto our screens.

And ahead of its release on Thursday, Netflix has treated fans to a sneak preview of Kate’s iconic catwalk, which captivated William back in 2002.

Wokingham Actress Meg Bellamy, 21, who was plucked from obscurity to play the role, struts down the runway at St Andrews’ Bay Hotel in the famous sheer dress and black underwear. 

The teaser clip shows a young William dazzled by his future wife – and the moment the pair first lock eyes.  

It begins with cheering and screaming from the audience, before the camera pans up and we see Kate in the Charlotte Todd-designed strapless dress with turquoise trim. Kate, whose tresses fall in the same ringlet waves as the princess’s 20 years prior, then begins to strut down the catwalk and the shot switches to Prince William – who looks up from his glass of wine.

The prince then leans forward, captivated by Kate, as she turns the corner and poses for cameras before doing a shimmy. She then carries on walking, stops to pose again and a slow motion shot sees her and a rather smitten-looking William share a glance. William presses his lips together before breaking out into a smirk.

Kate the turns away but soon looks back at him, before doing one final turn and walking off stage smiling. 

It has been more than two decades since the moment between the pair of students occurred in real life. 

William is thought to have paid £200 for a ticket to sit on the front row of the show with friends and is rumoured to have turned to one of them and said: ‘Wow, Kate’s hot.’ 

It is said to be the turning point in the couple’s relationship, as they eventually went from close friends to developing romantic feelings for each other. 

The dress in question went on to sell for a staggering £78,000 at auction following the catwalk show and became one of Kate’s best-known fashion moments.

The pair were studying at St Andrew’s University at the time and met the previous year, although Kate’s catwalk appearance is thought to have been the catalyst for romance.

Kate was working towards an art history degree, while William, who initially enrolled for history of art, had switched to geography.

Kate previously revealed it took some time for the two to get to know each other.

‘I think you said I actually went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off,’ she recounted to Prince William during their 2010 engagement interview. ‘[I was] feeling very shy about meeting you.’

But as the pair spent more and more time together, they found that they had much in common and enjoyed each other’s company. 

It was the following year that a 20-year-old Kate took to the catwalk for ‘The Art of Seduction’ charity show – which changed the course of her relationship with William.

The final six episodes of The Crown, which will be released on Netflix on December 14, will introduce Ms Bellamy as Kate alongside Ed McVey who plays William and Luther Ford as Prince Harry.

Another new picture from the series shows William and Kate sharing a heartfelt moment at university, while another depicts one of William and Harry’s ski trips with their father, Prince Charles.

One scene, made all the more poignant due to their current estrangement, shows a young William and Harry having a drink and a laugh together.

Imelda Staunton, 67, who plays Queen Elizabeth II, can be seen waving to the crowds during her Golden Jubilee in 2002 in another scene.

Earlier this month, following the release of the first four episodes of series six, Netflix teased a clip of Meg Bellamy and Ed McVey recreating Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first kiss at a university event, in the trailer for part two of the royal show.

The final instalment of the big-budget royal drama, which has drawn criticism for scenes depicting the run up to and aftermath of Princess Diana’s death in Paris, will focus on the young royals.

Storylines include Prince William trying to integrate into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion.

The show faced fresh criticism this week for reinforcing negative stereotypes about private schools.

The chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, Julie Robinson, said that Netflix’s portrayal of the elite institutions in the drama series is affecting the public’s perception.

Ms Bellamy won the role of Kate when she submitted a self-taped audition after producers put out an opening casting role for the role.

Announcing the casting on Instagram last September, she wrote: ‘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.’

And since landing the role and becoming a rising star in the acting world, Meg has also become hot property among designers; with some of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world scrambling to dress her.

She has been seen in the front row of shows at Paris Fashion Week, and has made her own red carpet appearances in show-stopping outfits from designers including Stella McCartney, Cartier and Dior.

It seems the 21-year-old is following in the footsteps of her on-screen character, the Princess of Wales, who is undoubtedly a style icon – but in contrast to Kate’s recent business-chic wardrobe, Meg is carving out her own image.

Typically, she opts for sleek black outfits with the occasional pop of colour. Most recently, she oozed glamour as she donned a daring black Stella McCartney cocktail dress to attend a premiere of The Crown in LA; which featured a plunging neckline and diamanté detailing.

The Daily Mail recently revealed that Meg has signed a deal to become the new face of Dior, as she often shows off the French fashion house’s designs in public appearances. 

A Netflix insider told the paper: ‘They have been queuing up for Meg, she is playing the most famous woman in the world in a globally famous television drama, so many labels and brands want some of that. 

‘She is a total unknown, but she is being treated like Kate, an A-list princess.’ 

Meg Bellamy cut a sophisticated figure as she stepped out at an event celebrating the finale of The Crown alongside Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki on Tuesday.

The actress, 21, who will star as Kate Middleton in the upcoming episodes of the Netflix series, stunned as she stepped out at The Royal Festival Hall.

Emma, 27 – who portrayed Princess Diana in the fourth series of the historical drama – also showed off their edgy sense of style as they stormed the red carpet.

Elizabeth, who took over the role of Princess Diana from Emma, also stepped out at the event, which comes ahead of the December 14 release of the final ever episodes of The Crown.

The first part of the sixth and final series of The Crown aired on November 16 and followed the eight weeks in the lead up to the tragic death of Princess Diana.

Viewers were reduced to tears watching the harrowing scenes, and the fourth episode ended with the public’s reaction to Princess Diana’s death and her funeral.

Ahead of the final set of The Crown’s episodes arriving on Netflix, the cast and a whole host of other stars came together at a lavish event celebrating the series’ end.

For the occasion, Meg, who will make her acting debut as a young Kate Middleton in the second half of the sixth series, also stepped out on the red carpet.

The actress, 21, looked glamorous in a knitted cream Valentino dress, which she styled with an array of elegant silver jewellery.

She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of white pointed heels as she stormed the red carpet for her second time.

Speaking to Vogue of her red carpet attire, Meg said of her sudden rise to fame: ‘My relationship with fashion has developed quickly in the past 12 months, but more from an access point of view. 

‘You have to remember that, before all of this, I wore a school uniform and I could only afford high-street brands like Primark!’ 

She previously detailed how she was working at Legoland when she nabbed the esteemed role of the Duchess of Cambridge, despite having no acting background. 

Meg was seen posing on the red carpet alongside her co-star Ed McVey, who will star as a young Prince William as his early romance with Kate at St Andrews University is recreated on screen.

Ed cut a dapper figure in a black pinstripe suit, which he styled with a white shirt and shiny black suit shoes as he posed with his arm around Meg.

Over 600 guests enjoyed cocktails and canapes from Spook London, a modern hospitality catering company.

Elsewhere, Emma – who uses they/them pronouns – showed off their very edgy sense of style in a white tuxedo blazer, which they styled with a completely sheer skirt.

They put on a quirky display in the sheer skirt and satin blazer, teamed with a crisp white shirt and a bowtie as they strutted their stuff down the red carpet.

They added a few extra inches to their frame with a pair of heeled knee-high black boots and completed their ensemble with sheer black gloves.

Emma added some glitz to their ensemble with a huge sparkling ring and silver earrings, while they showed off their buzzcut in their smart ensemble. 

Emma portrayed Princess Diana in the fourth series of The Crown before Elizabeth took over the role for the fifth and sixth instalments of the hit Netflix series.

Elizabeth has received much praise for her performance as the late Princess Diana, with commentators and royal watchers calling her talent ‘unquestionable’.

And stepping out to celebrate The Crown’s finale, Elizabeth put on a dazzling display in a shimmering silver gown adorned with beaded detailing.

The Australian actress, 33, made sure to turn heads in her statement ensemble and let her outfit do all the talking as she kept her accessories simple.

Elizabeth was joined on the red carpet by her co-star Khalid Abdalla, who portrayed Princess Diana’s love interest Dodi Fayed on the Netflix series.

Imelda Staunton, who portrays Queen Elizabeth II, cut an elegant figure in Suzannah London’s £1,590 forest velvet three-piece suit, which she styled with black slip-on pumps with bow detailing.

She toted her essentials in a small black clutch from designer Tyler Ellis and added some glitz to her look with a pair of silver droplet earrings.

Lesley Manville, who portrays Princess Margaret, cut a stylish figure in a black tweed dress and heeled black pointed shoes embellished with a silver buckle.

Gillian Anderson, who previously starred as Margaret Thatcher on The Crown, also joined the cast on the red carpet.

The actress, 55, looked incredible in a fitted black polka dot gown with a sheer bodice, which she teamed with black pointed heels.

She toted her essentials in a small black clutch bag and accessorised her ensemble with a simple silver bracelet. 

A whole host of other stars were also seen at the red carpet event, including the likes of Edith Bowman, Beau Gadsdon – who played a young Princess Margaret – and Tanya Burr, among many others.

After the first half of The Crown debuted on Netflix last month, fans admitted they were reduced to tears at the scenes.

The third episode recreated the car crash that killed Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in Paris in 1997, showing the moments until the car entered the Pont de l’Alma tunnel.

And viewers admitted they were reduced to tears watching the harrowing episodes, which follow the eight weeks leading up to Princess Diana’s tragic death.

They took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their emotional reactions to the scenes as they were left devastated at the hard-hitting recreation.

Many viewers also praised Elizabeth Debicki’s ‘award-worthy’ performance as Diana and called for Dominic West to be nominated for awards for his portrayal of King Charles.

One wrote: ‘Just finished the first part of the final season of #TheCrown and I am in tears. Give Elizabeth Debiki all the awards.’

Another gushed: ‘I’m actually crying. Elizabeth Debicki’s potrayal of Princess Diana is haunting. I’m moved. Well done to every single person that put this production together.’

A third said: ‘Episode 4 of the new season of #TheCrown is absolutely heartbreaking. Yes, it is THAT episode and omg, I was crying the entire time. If Dominic West wins an Emmy for his role of the now King Charles, it will be for this episode.’

A fourth tweeted: ‘The way u can feel the pain in this,’ and another said: ‘Just finished watching #TheCrown and my face is swollen after crying.’

The opening moments of the series show the moments leading up to the car crash that killed Diana and Dodi (Khalid Abdalla), before flashing back to eight weeks earlier.

The third episode then arrives back at the tragic moment and sees Diana and Dodi get into a car outside the Ritz Hotel in Paris to return to the Egyptian film producer’s apartment.

The car then accelerates through the streets of the French capital before entering the tunnel at high speed, and viewers sobbed watching the harrowing scenes.

Netflix stressed throughout production of series six that viewers will not see the very moment of the crash which killed Diana and Dodi Fayed. But the episode does play an audio of the fatal incident.

The depiction of events leading up to the very moment the crash happened will likely cause fresh anguish for the royal family in covering such a sensitive subject.

Speaking in a corridor ahead of their ill-fated final journey, Dodi asks Henri Paul – the deputy head of security at the Ritz – if the pair are safe to travel. 

Speaking in French, Henri explains that two staffers have taken a decoy vehicle, so the coast is clear for Diana and Dodi.

‘No one will see us leave, trust me,’ he tells Dodi.

But as the couple walk out to the Mercedes-Benz W140 they are flanked by paparazzi.

Ominous music then plays as the driver asks Diana if she’s okay, before Dodi tell Henri – driving the vehicle – ‘allez’.

After the pair get into the car, very few words are spoken, but Diana and Dodi hold and squeeze each other’s hands.

The car begins to speed through the streets and passes a pedestrian who is walking his dog – who looks a little taken aback by the speed of the vehicle. 

Netflix has always insisted viewers would not see the crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel which killed Dodi and Henri Paul on impact and took Diana’s life a few hours later – however, the crash can be heard right at the end of episode three. 

The series goes as far as to show the car entering the Pont de l’Alma tunnel as it speeds past the dog walker, in a clip that may shock some viewers.

The final series also depicts the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death as the royal family are told the news while at Balmoral.

In a moving scene, an aide breaks the news to the Queen (Imelda Staunton), Prince Philip (Jonathan Pryce) and Prince Charles (Dominic West) who are huddled around the television watching the coverage of the crash.

No words can be heard while the aide delivers the news – however Charles, visibly devastated, breaks down in tears on the sofa.

The Queen while stoic, can be seen holding back tears with a solemn look on her face.

It comes after Princess Diana’s former butler claims series six of Netflix’s The Crown ‘has gone too far’ by recreating the final months of the late royal’s life.

Paul Burrell, 65, served as a footman for the late Queen before working for Diana as a butler for 10 years until her death in Paris in 1997.

Speaking to The Mirror, he said the current series is too close to recent history, thus opening old wounds for Diana’s close friends and family, including Prince William , 41, and Prince Harry , 39.

‘It still feels macabre to show the vehicle in which she died, it’s just gone too far,’ Paul said. ‘I find the whole scene of Diana’s death portrayed in a fictional TV show to be grotesque.’

After six seasons filmed with drama, thrills and countless controversies, the final season of the Crown premiered last night at The Royal Festival Hall in London, with its actors coming together to pay homage to the series. 

Emma Corrin, 27, who played Princess Diana in the fourth season of the Netflix biopic,  opted for a modern twist of a classic look of the late Princess of Wales. 

Clearly channelling Diana, Emma opted for white tuxedo suit with a sheer skirt and chunky heeled boots.

The look is reminiscent of a white tuxedo, designed by Jasper Conran, and worn by Diana on a trip to Florence in 1985.

Emma’s look blends classic masculine and feminine styles, just like Diana’s. While Diana’s is certainly more demure, it was seen as just as daring in the eighties, when it was more unusual for women to sport menswear. 

Meanwhile, Meg Bellamy, 21, who is set to make her acting debut in the final instalment of the Crown, channelled her character Kate Middleton.

The actress, looked glamorous in a knitted cream Valentino dress, which she styled with an array of elegant silver jewellery.

She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of white pointed heels as she stormed the red carpet for her second time.

The look brings to mind a Roland Mouret dress worn by Kate in 2012 at the Thirty Club, whose members are some of the most powerful men and women in advertising and the media.

Named the Lombard dress, it was first worn in its original teal colour by model Amber Valetta in 2009. It was then seen on France’s former First Lady Carla Bruni at a State Dinner in 2010. 

Kate’s look was teamed with crystal-studded Jimmy Choo Vamp sandals that revealed crimson-painted toenails. 

The first part of the sixth and final series of The Crown aired on November 16 and followed the eight weeks in the lead up to the tragic death of Princess Diana.

Viewers were reduced to tears watching the harrowing scenes, and the fourth episode ended with the public’s reaction to Princess Diana’s death and her funeral.

Ahead of the final set of The Crown’s episodes arriving on Netflix, the cast and a whole host of other stars came together at a lavish event celebrating the series’ end.

Speaking to Vogue of her red carpet attire, Meg said of her sudden rise to fame: ‘My relationship with fashion has developed quickly in the past 12 months, but more from an access point of view. 

‘You have to remember that, before all of this, I wore a school uniform and I could only afford high-street brands like Primark!’ 

She previously detailed how she was working at Legoland when she nabbed the esteemed role of the Duchess of Cambridge, despite having no acting background. 

Meg was seen posing on the red carpet alongside her co-star Ed McVey, who will star as a young Prince William as his early romance with Kate at St Andrews University is recreated on screen.

Ahead of the release, Meg, 21, described how she underwent intensive training with movement and voice coaches – and even took costumes home. 

‘I could bring home an outfit of Kate that really felt like her so I just kind of walked around the house and felt her,’ the actress explained.

‘And it is staggering how that changes how you walk, how you carry yourself because, you know, when you’re wearing low rise jeans and a vest top you really do hold yourself differently as to when I wear high rise jeans and baggy clothes.’

‘So that was really important and an integral part of the process,’ she continued.

Meg worked alongside Ed, 24, who plays Prince William. 

However, part one of the new series raised eyebrows after recreating Princess Diana’s final days before she died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.

Part two begins with William heading back to Eton amid an increase in attention from young female fans touched by his plight.

The struggle to re-adjust leads to tensions with his family as they try to support the young heir to find his way in the system and the world.

William later takes up his place at St Andrew’s University, struggling to balance the life of an undergraduate with the constraints of his position as a member of the Royal Family and constant presence of personal protection officers.

His perseverance is tested when he develops a crush on one of the most desired students on campus: Kate Middleton.

Meg emphasised the significance of her bond with fellow actors, expressing that they always made her feel appreciated on-set, saying: ‘I feel very lucky and very honoured to be amongst these incredible people who really have honed their craft and it’s just a real pleasure.’

And when the 21-year-old experienced imposter syndrome, she received support from her co-stars. 

‘Of course, there’s the imposter syndrome but everybody really makes you believe that you can do it and everybody is welcoming from day one.

‘You don’t feel like you’re just popping in to say hi, you feel like part of it and important and valued and I really genuinely felt that the whole way through.

‘I think I’ll take away the friendships that we have all made. The people that I will hopefully keep in contact with my whole life and I think that is really important.’

Meg went on to say she has integrated elements of Kate’s personality into her own, in particular the Princess’ easy-going attitude.

‘I also think there are elements of Kate that I will take away with myself, like how I mentioned about, that easy going energy and how helpful that is in conversations and just speaking with people and that is just something that really has served me well in life since playing her.’

Series six of The Crown also documents Princess Margaret suffering a stroke and subsequently reassessing her lifestyle. As her health continues to decline, she finds herself slipping back into old memories – notably a secret night out with her sister during the biggest party in history: VE Day 1945.

Margaret finds comfort in the memories from that evening, and what it taught her about her older sister Elizabeth, in her final days.

With the passing of her sister and her mother, her 2002 Golden Jubilee and the marriage between Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005, the Queen starts to consider her reign and ultimately her legacy.

Approaching her ninth decade, Elizabeth is forced to examine what is best for the future of the monarchy.

Meg said the role has taught her to prioritise her own happiness and ‘keep pushing for what I really want in terms of my career’.  

‘And also just being grateful because it is very lucky that I am here right now.’

The actress who plays a young Kate Middleton in the latest series of The Crown has said she hopes the Princess of Wales will view her portrayal ‘with affection’.

Meg Bellamy, 21, was chosen from thousands of applicants to play the future Queen of England in the Netflix show, which follows the story of the royal family since 1947.

She was working as a red brick mascot at Legoland in Windsor when she got the call that she had secured the role, and immediately felt a ‘great sense of responsibility’.

Bellamy told The Sunday times: ‘I hope I have done her justice. I don’t know what Kate would think if I played her.

“I don’t know if she would watch it, but I would like her to remember it fondly.”

The Princess of Wales and Bellamy grew up ‘ten minutes apart’ in Berkshire. “I think she seems so nice, and what people love about her is the normalcy that she brings to the royal family,” the actress said.

‘No matter what I read about her, from people who know her and from what’s out there, it’s always what you see is what you get with her. It’s not a front she’s putting up; she’s really easy-going and enjoys talking to people, and that’s really admirable.”

Bellamy will appear in the second part of series six of The Crown, the very last episodes of which will be released on Netflix on December 14.

This week, new footage from The Crown gave eager viewers a first look at Prince William and Kate’s royal romance, as depicted by Bellamy and Ed McVey.

Viewers will witness tThe meeting with Willem and Kate at St Andrew’s University in 2001, where they saw their youthful romance blossom into a high-profile relationship.

Now often seen in couture and designer dresses, Kate is shown much more causally as she walks with her soon-to-be Prince William.

Elsewhere, they are seen ogling over him in a classroom, while he is also shocked by her figure as he watches her walk down the catwalk in a sheer dress.

Ahead of the release, Bellamy described how she received intensive training from movement and voice coaches – and even took costumes home with her.

“I was able to take home an outfit from Kate that really looked like her, so I just walked around the house and felt her,” the actress explained.

“And it’s mind-boggling how that changes how you walk, how you carry yourself, because when you wear low-rise jeans and a tank top, you’re really holding yourself differently than when I wear high-waisted jeans and baggy clothes . .’

“So that was very important and an integral part of the process,” she continued.

Bellamy teamed up with McVey, 24, who plays Prince William.

However, part one of the new series raised eyebrows after it recreated Princess Diana’s final days before she died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.

Part two starts with William’s head returns to Eton amid an increase in attention from young female fans touched by his plight.

The struggle to readjust leads to tensions with his family as they try to support the young heir as he navigates the system and the world.

William later takes his place at St Andrew’s University, where he struggles to balance the life of a student with the constraints of his position as a member of the Royal Family and the constant presence of personal protection officers.

His perseverance is tested when he falls in love with one of the most sought-after students on campus: Kate Middleton.

Bellamy emphasized the importance of her bond with fellow actors and said it always made her feel valued on set, saying, “I feel very fortunate and very honored to be among these incredible people who really do their craft.” have tightened it up and it’s just a real pleasure.’

And when the 21-year-old experienced imposter syndrome, she received support from her co-stars.

‘Of course there is imposter syndrome, but everyone really makes you believe you can do it and everyone is welcome from day one.

‘You don’t feel like you’re just dropping by to say hello, you feel part of it, important and valued and I really felt that the whole time.

“I think I’m taking away the friendships we’ve all made. The people I will hopefully keep in touch with all my life and I think that is very important.’

The world is about to see her play a young Kate Middleton who falls in love with Prince William in the latest series of The Crown.

But in the meantime, actress Meg Bellamy has her own Prince Charming to focus on: real-life boyfriend Connor Dutton, who she was spotted with on a day out in London.

As the hype surrounding Netflix’s royal drama continues, Meg, 21, looked low-key in two-tone jeans, a ribbed powder blue turtleneck and matching Nike sneakers.

Connor, an acrobat, was the first to congratulate his “beautifully talented girlfriend” when she got the part.

Meg will make her big screen debut when she appears in the second episode of The Crown’s final season next month.

A complete unknown before winning the role, she submitted a self-taped audition after producers released an open casting call for the role.

The Berkshire-born actress will play Kate during her years at St Andrews University between 2001 and 2005.

Drama Center London graduate Ed McVey plays Prince William.

He also has a true love story: with kickboxing girlfriend Holly Stevens.

McVey and girlfriend Holly have been dating for several months.

On her Instagram page, called ‘Kickbox with Holly’, Ms Stevens advertises herself as a ‘kickboxing and fitness instructor’ offering self-defence classes in Acton, west London.

She is also an aspiring film writer and director, and recently worked on a play called Pimms And Piety at the Etcetera Theater in Camden, North London.

William and Kate, who married at Westminster Abbey in 2011, met while students at St Andrews University.

The show’s new season has already drawn criticism for its scenes leading up to and aftermath of Princess Diana’s death, including scenes where she appears to Charles and Queen Elizabeth II after she died in a car crash.

Even Olivia Colman, 49, who played the late Queen in the third and fourth seasons, has said she finds it “uncomfortable” watching it now, adding: “I can feel like it might be too close to home now is.’

Meg dazzled on the red carpet ahead of the show’s highly anticipated final series at its premiere on November 12.

Dazzling Meg arrived in a black silk bejeweled Stella McCartney dress and adorned with an AGMES ring.

All eyes were on the rising star, who won her role by submitting an audition video to Netflix.

The first part of the last season is currently Netflix’s number 1 series. The second part will be broadcast from December 14.

Fans will see some historic moments recreated on screen, including Princess Diana’s last days before she died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.

One of the iconic royal moments that will be recreated in series six is ​​Prince Harry and Prince William’s summer holiday to Balmoral in August 1997, where they received the news that their mother had died.

Season six of the program picks up where season five left off, continuing with Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, spending the summer apart for the first time as a now-divorced couple.

The two parents experience two very different holidays with their sons Prince William and Prince Harry (who are played by Rufus Kampa and Fflyn Edwards respectively in the first part of the latest series).

According to executive producer Suzanne Mackie, “We are only at the beginning of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed’s story.

“From the moment she stepped on that boat and [you begin to see] Some of those iconic images of her on the yacht immediately transport you to the whirlwind that was the press speculation surrounding that romance.”

Season 6, Part 1 of The Crown is now available to stream on Netflix. Part 2 premieres on December 14.

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.’

By Milly Veitch for Mailonline

Published: 7:39 PM EST, November 15, 2023 | Updated: 7:39 PM EST, November 15, 2023

They play on-screen lovers as Kate Middleton and Prince William in series six of The Crown – and Meg Bellamy and Ed McVey appeared just as close off-screen when they attended the Netflix show’s premiere in LA.

Dressed in all their finery, the actors put on a fun display together as they posed up a storm at the Westwood Regency Village Theater on Sunday evening.

Meg, 20, who went braless in a plunging Stella McCartney dress, couldn’t keep the smile and laughter off her face as she chatted to her co-star, who looked just as happy in her company.

The pair weren’t shy when it came to posing with each other either, with Ed holding Meg tightly as they looked at the camera. He looked sharp in a white shirt with black trims, tight black pants and the Mejuri Daily Stacker Ring.

It comes after The Crown’s Prince William gushed about his “organic” energy with Meg ahead of the final season, which aired its first part on November 16.

Ed, 21, said he enjoyed shooting with his co-star and said so Cosmopolitan Britain how he used a movement coach to help him embody his role as King as he prepared for the role.

The star sweetly said of Meg, “The casting team saw an energy between us that was very organic and simple.

‘When we were filming the university scenes in St Andrews, we jumped into the North Sea with the rest of the cast, and it was one of those very special moments. It was freezing!’

On how he prepared to play the role of Prince William, he added: “He’s been documented from birth, so I’ve been able to watch him grow up and really study him.

‘He has a very specific voice: that Etonian thing from the 2000s, where people try to determine how much money they have.

‘I worked with a movement coach so I could embody his physicality and try to connect it with his psychology. How he feels in his mind affects how he behaves in his body, especially with what he was going through at the time.”

In October, the first glimpse of footage from season six revealed how the Netflix series will recreate some notable royal moments from history.

And according to the photos released by the streaming giant, fans will see a number of historic moments recreated on screen, including Princess Diana’s final days before she died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.

A statement from the streaming giant revealed that the season will cover the period surrounding Diana’s death, as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton’s meeting in the early 2000s.

It reads: ‘A relationship blossoms between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences.

‘Prince William is trying to integrate back into life at Eton after the death of his mother, because the monarchy must ride the wave of public opinion.

‘As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the wedding of Charles and Camilla and the start of a new royal fairy tale in William and Kate.’

One of the iconic royal moments that will be recreated in series six is ​​Prince Harry and Prince William’s summer holiday to Balmoral in August 1997, where they received the news that their mother had died.

Season six of the series picks up where season five left off, with Prince Charles and Diana spending the summer apart for the first time as a now-divorced couple.

The two parents experience two very different holidays with their sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

According to executive producer Suzanne Mackie, “We are only at the beginning of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed’s story.

“From the moment she stepped on that boat and [you begin to see] Some of those iconic images of her on the yacht immediately transport you to the whirlwind of press speculation surrounding that romance.”

Netflix recently released the first trailer for the upcoming series, which sees Imelda Staunton returning as Queen Elizabeth.

It also included snippets of footage from previous Queen actresses Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, in a nod to the series’ decades-long journey.

‘The crown is a symbol of penetration. It’s something you are, not what you do,” Foy said as a television flickered images of her character to start the trailer.

She first played the role of the monarch in seasons one and two of The Crown, playing a young Queen Elizabeth.

‘Some part of our natural self is always lost. We have all made sacrifices. It’s not a choice. It’s a duty,” Colman repeated then.

The video rolled to a framed photo of her in character as the Sovereign, which she played in seasons three and four.

The clip then dramatically transitioned to Staunton in costume, quietly holding hands before stepping onto a Buckingham Palace-esque balcony to greet a cheering crowd.

“But what about the life I put aside? Wouldn’t I have put that aside?’ Staunton’s voice wondered then.

It was previously thought that the drama would last for five seasons, but then creator Peter Morgan decided to go back to his original plan of having six episodes of the show.

He told Deadline: ‘When we started discussing the storylines for Series 5, it quickly became clear that to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story, we had to go back to the original plan and create six seasons.

‘To be clear, Series 6 will not bring us closer to the present, it will simply allow us to describe the same period in more detail.’

The final part of the royal drama will air in two parts, with the first half of the series dropping on Netflix on November 16, with four episodes, and the second on December 14, with the final six episodes.

Read the full Ed McVey interview in the Dec/Jan issue of Cosmopolitan UK, on ​​sale now.