The night before, she'd filmed Kate Middleton's famous catwalk scene for "The Crown" — you know, when she wore a risqué sheer dress at a student fashion show that attracted William's attention The prince's gaze. — Meg Bellamy practices walking in the heels she wore on the runway. All was going well until she walked outside to empty the bin and heard a pop.
"I actually broke the bottom of the heel. There was a screw sticking out," Bellamy told Busy. She learned from the clothing department that the shoes were inappropriate for going out. Luckily, it was quickly resolved on set the next day. "I'll never do it again," she said.
In some ways, Bellamy is still figuring it out. In 2022, the now 21-year-old actor was working at Legoland, playing a giant red brick, when she received news that she would be starring in The Crown . She gave in quickly and threw herself into preparing for the role. Of course, she studied everything about Middleton's life before becoming king, but there were also more practical preparations, like training for Kate's swimming scene in which she beats William (Ed McVey) in the college pool.
“The thing that really got me hooked was the tumbling turns,” Bellamy said. "I remember one time I forgot to breathe before I did it. So I was like convulsing in the water."
For those used to seeing Middleton as the Princess of Wales and mother of three, watching Bellamy compete in the pool may be uncomfortable. But the show focuses on a time when Kate was just an "ordinary" college girl, rather than a would-be princess bent on marrying into the royal family. In one scene, she scolds William when he is rude to a classmate who asks for his autograph.
Bellamy found the show's take on Middleton refreshing. "I love that she's very confident and has her own style. I think she could easily have been written as a girlfriend just to enhance William's story," she said. "Her relationship with William was, in her eyes, like, 'Is this good for me?' It wasn't like, 'This is William and that's enough.'"
Following her breakthrough performance around the world, Bellamy is looking for her next big gig. But wherever she ends up, she'll be sure to take everything she's learned from The Crown with her, especially the wisdom she's gleaned from her more established co-stars.
"We watched them take, take, take, and they were killing it every time. But when they came off the field, everyone was just chatting and eating chips and they were very calm, unlike their characters," she said. “It’s nice to know you don’t have to be all serious and in character all day long.” It’s a good lesson learned on the boat—well, that is, keep your costume shoes indoors.
in a noisy stall
What was your coffee order?
It bounces between cappuccino, flat white, or iced latte, but it’s always oat milk!
What cities have weather locations saved on your phone?
I still have a few places left on my press tour, like New York and Los Angeles. There are also places I want to visit, such as Tokyo.
What's your zodiac sign?
I'm a Libra. I used to know better about it all. When I was about 16, I went through a real astrological phase. From memory, I'm a Scorpio moon and Virgo rising, if that means anything to you.
What's your favorite overused movie line?
Anything from Home Alone , Jurassic Park , or The Incredibles. I could probably recite those movies verbatim. I can still recite the entire opening sequence of Bee Movie; it's all my brother's fault.
What was your favorite cartoon as a child?
I loved "Tom and Jerry" when I was a kid. My favorite movies when I was younger were Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid – I would watch them over and over again.
What’s a movie or TV show that you’re currently obsessed with?
I just finished watching The English Traitor . Holy moly. I was hooked. I watched it for 7 hours straight on the plane. Seriously, it's great.
Who is your celebrity idol?
Jodie Comer is my favorite actress, but there are so many incredible people that I look up to for so many reasons.
If you had to be on a reality show, which one would you choose?
I'll be in "Traitor" ! I would find it so fascinating. I'm not sure if I want to be a loyalist or a traitor.
What are your favorite karaoke songs?
Probably "Proud Mary," which is a great builders song.
What has inspired you recently?
My friends, I find it very inspiring to see how people can be so dedicated and positive, no matter what is going on in their own lives.
How would you like people to describe you?
I hope it will be about kindness. It would be great if people said I can actually act.