Ed McVey missed the boat to star in The Crown

Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy starred in a photoshoot as Prince William and Kate Middleton on The Crown, looking cool and edgy.

Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy, who play Prince William and Kate Middleton on The Crown, took part in a new photoshoot, looking completely different from their royal roles.

The duo stars as the young Royals in the final series of the popular Netflix drama, which follows the early days of their relationship.

On the cover of the latest issue of ELLE UK, Ed, 24, sported a black leather jacket and denim shorts, while Meg, 21, wore a black bomber jacket and a patterned skirt with a matching belt.

In another look, Ed wore a navy printed jacket and matching trousers with a white t-shirt, while Meg sported a black coat and loose-fitting blue jeans.

Ed revealed that he thought he had 'missed the boat' to star in The Crown, but he portrays Prince William in the final series. The actor stars in season six of the show alongside Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton, with the plot following the early days of their relationship.

In their joint interview, Ed mentioned how he watched The Crown during drama school and thought he would be too old to find a part on the show. He recalled the audition process, saying: '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.'

The pair enjoyed their time filming on the series, with Ed calling it 'the happiest job'. Meg, 21, 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.' Ed added: '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.'

Although she didn't pay the royals much attention growing up, Meg told how she has become a fan of Kate since playing her. She said: 'I was always very fascinated by the royals, but I didn't necessarily have strong feelings towards them. But you grow really fond of characters that you've spent so much time watching. I'm definitely a Kate-ist.'

Fame from the show has brought some drawbacks, as Ed admitted he is now wary of making new friends. He said: 'Friends that don't care. It's the new friends [of whom you have to be wary] - 'are you with me because you actually like me, or because you want something else from the relationship?' But I don't plan on making any 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 iteration of Elizabeth II. He said: She's incredibly lovely and generous - a professional, through and through. She knows exactly what she needs to do. 'I was so privileged to get to watch these titans of the industry do their thing all day. It was such a masterclass, watching them and how they conduct themselves with such grace.'

When asked what she has learned since joining The Crown, Meg said: 'To take each day as it comes. Appreciating every day for exactly what it is, and not worrying too much, is the sane way of handling it for me.' Ed added: 'This is what you've always wanted, and even though it comes with some negatives, fundamentally you've got to do what you love to do. And it's a massive springboard to get to do more of what you love to do. And breathing. Breathe. Breathe all the time.'

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