"That fleeting moment shed light on the challenges faced by women in this demanding industry," remarked 21-year-old Meg Bellamy, who was handpicked to embody the role of Kate Middleton in the final season of Netflix's esteemed show, 'The Crown,' last year. The young British actress, who brought Kate Middleton to life in the sixth season of the hit series, candidly revealed the onslaught of cruel "torment" she endured from social media trolls who criticized her for being "too fat" to portray the Princess-to-be.
Amidst the buzz surrounding the Los Angeles premiere, Bellamy, a mere 21 years old, spoke candidly to Mail Online about the rigorous hours she spent studying Kate Middleton's every move to prepare for the role. She also shared that Elizabeth Debicki, who portrayed Princess Diana, kindly offered her support, urging the directors to share her phone number with Bellamy.
However, the premiere night also brought with it a wave of unexpected criticism. Bellamy recounted, "After a long day of media engagements that went smoothly, I checked my phone and was bombarded with vicious remarks about my body. The comments mostly said, 'You're too fat to play Kate.'" She sighed, "That fleeting glimpse into the world of being a woman in this industry was a stark reminder of the scrutiny we face. It made me realize that I needed to distance myself from such negativity, as it holds no value." Bellamy now avoids reading social media comments, especially those left by "men named Gary, with a fish as their profile picture."
Despite the harsh criticism, Bellamy remains resilient. "I've experienced so many wonderful moments in my life," she said with a determined smile. "Those who spew such negativity are the real losers. I'm living my best life right here, right now." Bellamy had anticipated 'The Crown' to be a "grand spectacle," but found the reality to be far more laid-back, especially as it marked the final season. "I had this fear that everyone would be on edge, thinking, 'Don't mess this up! You've joined a highly successful show. Do your part well!'" she chuckled. However, starring in 'The Crown' has propelled her career to new heights, now sharing the same agent as esteemed actors like Robert Pattinson and Dev Patel. "The audition opportunities I'm getting now are beyond my wildest dreams," she beamed.
'The Crown,' a royal historical drama crafted by Peter Morgan, concluded its epic run with the sixth season in November 2023, boasting more Emmys (21) than any other Netflix show, solidifying its place in television history.
