Being a young royal certainly has its perks as Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, were taken by their parents on a private visit to the set of HBO’s new Harry Potter TV series near their home in Windsor. According to reports, Prince William and Kate took their children to watch an episode of the new TV series being filmed at a purpose-built Hogsmeade Station constructed close to their home at Adelaide Cottage.
An on-set source told the Daily Mail: “There was only one night of filming there, so it was a magical ticket.” Prince Louis was also given the opportunity to ride the Hogwarts Express train along a half-mile track built through the estate’s woodland.
It was also reported the three children met the new actors on set.
Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter; Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley; and Arabella Stanton will take on the role of Hermione Granger, with Mark Mylod directing.
Earlier this week, royal biographer Christopher Andersen opened up about George, Charlotte, and Louis’s upbringing in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. He said: “[Kate and William] pretty much lavish equal attention on all three, while at the same time nurturing their distinct and different personalities.”
It is believed the family are fans of Harry Potter, with William and Kate having visited the Harry Potter studio tour near London in 2013 for an official engagement.
Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children were not the only royals to visit the set in Windsor this week, with Prince Andrew also spotted at the set with some of his grandchildren.
HBO has previously said the series would be “a faithful adaptation of the iconic books”.
The TV series is said to have more breathing space to explore the plot lines from the books without the time constraints of the film.
Producers also announced new production staff, several of whom have previously worked on The Crown such as director of photography Adriano Goldman and hair and makeup designer Cate Hall.
The first series will launch in 2027.