Who is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon and who plays him?

At the end of last season, Jacaerys was sent North to gather troops for the inevitable war between the Greens and the Blacks – but how will he fare when he finds out about his brother's death at the hands of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell)?

Actor Collett recently opened up to RadioTimes.com about the prince's marriage to Baela Velaryon, promising a ray of light amid the darkness.

He said: "When you're watching season 2, just enjoy Jace and Baela grow as people, right before your very eyes. Apart from Corlys and Rhaenys, they're the healthiest couple in Westeros because they do genuinely love each other... just enjoy watching Jace and Baela's relationship and how it grows and how they grow as people through all the emotions that are so high in the season."

So without further ado, read on for your guide to the young prince, and what he has to do with the action in House of the Dragon.

Who is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon?

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon is the first-born son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon. His father initially wanted to honour his former lover and call him "Joffrey" but was overruled, and he was instead given an honourable Velaryon name. He is nicknamed Jace.

There has been some debate about who Jacaerys's real father is, with many believing Rhaenyra's children were instead fathered by Ser Harwin Strong on account of their appearance.

Nevertheless, he was gifted a dragon egg upon birth which hatched, confirming his blood was noble enough to be a dragon rider (at least in the eyes of those who doubted him). His dragon is Vermax.

Tensions ran high following the death of Lady Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) when Prince Aemond decided to take the late woman's dragon, Vhagar. Rhaenyra's boys confronted Aemond, who taunted the family about their real father and a fight broke out, resulting in Lucerys slicing his uncle's face, damaging all use of his eye.

A furious King Viserys (Paddy Considine) declared any further discussion about Rhaenyra's children's father would result in dire punishment – and the battle lines were well and truly drawn between them.

At the end of the season 1 finale, Jace was sent North to Winterfell on behalf of his mother, while Lucerys was sent to Storm's End.

However, Aemond chased after Lucerys on his dragon Vhagar and accidentally killed the boy, well and truly beginning the civil war between the two factions.

Season 2 will see Jace having to deal with his grief after such a tragic loss.

Who plays Prince Jacaerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon?

Two actors have portrayed Prince Jacaerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon. However, only one will be seen back this season.

Harry Collett

Harry Collett stars in House of the Dragon as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon from episode 8 onwards.

You will have also seen Collett in Casualty, where he played the recurring character Ollie Hide between 2014 and 2022.

Collett has also starred in the likes of Dolittle, Dunkirk, The Hive and Galavant.

Leo Hart

Leo Hart plays young Prince Jacaerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon. It's really his first acting role, but you may have caught him elsewhere.

If you played the 2020 video game Sackboy: A Big Adventure, you may recognise his voice as the eponymous character.

And he also starred in the 2018 short film Hopscotch.

House of the Dragon season two will air on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK from 17th June – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.

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