Welcome to Portrait Session, an intimate photo series and interview featuring some of our favorite people of the moment.
After six seasons, The Crown is taking its final bow this month. Following the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 up until 2005, the award-winning Netflix historical drama has consistently given us spectacular performances from industry greats such as Olivia Coleman, Matt Smith, and Helena Bonham Carter, to name just a few, while also skyrocketing the careers of some noteworthy new faces (Claire Foy and Emma Corrin, anyone?). With part two of season six hitting the streamer today, we predict that kind of star-making power will unfold once again as the story focuses on the early courtship of Prince William and Kate Middleton at St. Andrews. Since season six casting news broke back in fall of 2022, fans have been eager to see newcomers Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy’s portrayal of the infamous royal couple. Plucked from obscurity, the actors stand to have a major breakout moment following their screen debut. So if they weren’t already on your radar, they should be now.
The first time I met McVey was during our photo shoot for this story at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. He was delightfully charming, cracking jokes in between poses for the camera. Clearly poised for a bright future. Our second meeting took place a few weeks later, albeit virtually. In that time, the actor’s schedule was jam-packed with premieres, junkets, and press appearances galore, but he didn’t appear phased. Part one of the final season came out in November, but since he’s not in those first episodes, he likens the experience to being on a roller coaster that is slowly making its way up the hill. The anticipation of what’s on the other side is there, but the rush hasn’t fully hit yet. McVey expects that will come later, after part two drops. “I’m sure when it does go out, it will be nuts, and I won’t be prepared for anything,” he said.