The Crown's lucky child actors who shot to fame on the Netflix drama

When the character of a young Prince William first came to The Crown in season five when depicting the early to mid-1990s, the role was in fact given to Dominic West's son, Senan. 

Although the father-son duo no doubt had a blast filming together on set, it was then reported that Dominic's son wouldn't be back to reprise his role again.

"I loved watching him do it," The Wire actor told Radio Times, adding: "So that was wonderful but when it gets very emotional, it can get a bit weird. When he had to cry, it was horrible." 

Dominic then added that Senan decided not to return due to feeling the more emotional scenes in season six would be tricky.

Instead of Senan, Rufus Kampa was then cast to play the young Prince William for season six part one. 

The actor did a tremendous job portraying the Prince of Wales as a 15 year old, coping with his teenage years and being rocked by his mother's tragic death. The Crown was Rufus' first major role.

In part two of season six, we meet Prince William in his University years, where he met and fell in love with a young Kate Middleton.

Although not a child actor, we can't wait to watch Ed McVey give his spin on the role. Before The Crown, the 24-year-old had appeared in stage productions at The Old Vic and Hammersmith Riverside Studios.

Prince Harry has also been portrayed a number of times in the drama. Firstly, by Will Powell who made his screen debut in two episodes of season five. 

This picture shows him alongside Senan West who played his other brother, and his on-screen parents Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki as the Prince and Princess of Wales.

By the time season six part one came around, they needed a slightly older actor to play young Harry. Producers then cast Fflyn Edwards in the role.

Playing the teenage Prince Harry is Luther Ford who is also making a major role debut on The Crown. Luther has been working in the industry prior to his acting gig, however. His IMDb profile states he previously directed a few short films.

Here, the actor is seen in character laughing with his on-screen brother, William, played by Ed McVey. We can't wait to see their brotherly dynamic on screen.

Meg Bellamy is by no means a child actor, but it's the first time royal fans are seeing a young Kate being portrayed in a major screen role so we had to include her!

Season six part two will welcome Meg as the conscientious student who steals William's heart while studying at St Andrew's University.

Prince Charles has been a focal character throughout the show's run. In season one, he was mostly portrayed as the firstborn child to a newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II (played by Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (played by Matt Smith). By the time it got to season two, the young Prince was portrayed by Billy Jenkins.

Billy's role as Charles was one of his first major parts on screen, but he has since gone on to star in Dodger, Peaky Blinders and Holmes & Watson. In season three, Josh O'Connor took over the role, before making way for Dominic West.

Princess Anne was portrayed in season two by twin actors Grace and Amelia Gilmour. How sweet is this photo from on set? 

It depicts proud siblings Charles and Anne with the Queen Mother (played by Victoria Hamilton) watching their baby brother, Prince Edward, be baptised. 

Later, Princess Anne was portrayed by Erin Doherty and Claudia Harrison.

A young Prince Philip was a frequent character in The Crown. In season two, adult Prince Philip was played by Doctor Who star Matt Smith, but there were flashback scenes from his traumatic childhood. 

This is where Finn Elliot stepped in. Finn also appeared in season three.

Of course, The Crown wouldn't be the show it is without the central character, Queen Elizabeth II. But avid fans of the show will know that the drama began its story way back in the 1940s during her father, King George VI (played by Jared Harris)'s reign.

In a number of episodes from season one, a young Princess Elizabeth was portrayed by Verity Russell. The young actress also appeared in a flashback scene in series three.

Meanwhile, a young Princess Margaret was played by Beau Gadsdon.