Rising star who plays Prince William in Netflix’s The Crown as he falls head-over-heels for Kate Middleton has his own love story off screen with kickboxing girlfriend

His depiction of a young Prince William falling head-over-heels for Kate Middleton has set him on the road to stardom.

But in real life, The Crown‘s Ed McVey is living a love story of his own – with his kickboxing girlfriend Holly Stevens.

Sharing a remarkable resemblance with Meg Bellamy, who plays Kate in the Netflix drama, the fitness instructor was seen strolling with the 24-year-old actor along a street in London – a short time after his return from The Crown premiere in Los Angeles.

Since McVey, who grew up in Devon, won the coveted role to play the Prince of Wales he has been inundated with offers from high-end fashion labels who are eager to work with him. 

He was invited to Paris Fashion Week along with Luther Ford, who plays Prince Harry, where they attended the Hermes show. McVey wore a purple jumper by the designer brand.

His depiction of a young Prince William falling head-over-heels for Kate Middleton has set him on the road to stardom. But in real life, The Crown’s Ed McVey (pictured with Meg Bellamy) is living a love story of his own – with his kickboxing girlfriend Holly Stevens

Last week, he opted for a more casual look in a burgundy and yellow winter jacket, which he teamed with a matching woolly hat (pictured: Ed McVey with girlfriend Holly)

Sharing a remarkable resemblance with Meg Bellamy (left), who plays Kate in the Netflix drama, the fitness instructor Holly Stevens (right) was seen strolling with the 24-year-old actor along a street in London – a short time after his return from The Crown premiere in Los Angeles

But last week, he opted for a more casual look in a burgundy and yellow winter jacket, which he teamed with a matching woolly hat.

McVey, who was handed the role by casting agents after he sent an audition tape of himself to them, finished his low-key look with a pair of white chinos.

McVey and girlfriend Holly have been dating for several months. On her Instagram page, named ‘Kickbox with Holly’, Ms Stevens advertises herself as a ‘kickboxing and fitness instructor’ who offers classes in self-defence in Acton, West London. 

She is also a budding film writer and director, and recently worked on a play called Pimms And Piety at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden, North London.

McVey’s dress-down look was a long way away from his appearance at The Crown premiere last Sunday, where he sported a Valentino tuxedo, after the luxury label agreed to dress him for the night.

Clearly close friends, McVey and co-star Ms Bellamy were seen giggling and hugging as the sixth series of the hit programme was launched to huge fanfare. 

In the show, viewers will see how William and Kate’s romance flourished at St Andrews University – including their first kiss. The final four episodes of the drama will air on Netflix on December 14.

Ms Bellamy shares similarities with her character Kate off-screen, too – they both enjoy running.

With her hair tied back and headphones in, the star was seen jogging in Windsor, close to Adelaide Cottage where William and Kate live with their three children.