King Charles made a film-star worthy entrance as he arrived for the Gladiator II world premiere at Leicester Square tonight in his state Bentley limousine.
The royal, 75, is spending the eve of his birthday watching the highly anticipated blockbuster, hot off the heels of a glittering reception he and Camilla hosted to celebrate the centenary of the Film and TV Charity.
He looked dapper in a black tuxedo, teamed with a bowtie, at the red carpet where the monarch smiled for the cameras.
Earlier this evening, Charles and his wife chatted with A-listers including the film’s director Ridley Scott as they welcomed a slew of stars to Buckingham Palace.
While acting legend Denzel Washington, who had been expected to attend, was a no-show, is expected to meet the King tonight at the premiere.
Charles will also meet the movie’s stars including Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal – before settling down to watch a screening.
Queen Camilla, who has had to pull out of the event due to an ongoing chest infection, earlier told Ridley: ‘I am so sorry I’m not coming tonight. I’d be coughing throughout it. ‘
The director clasped her hands and told her not to worry at all.
The royal, 75, is spending the eve of his birthday watching the highly anticipated blockbuster, hot off the heels of a glittering reception he and Camilla hosted, to celebrate the centenary of the Film and TV Charity
He looked dapper in a black tuxedo, teamed with a bowte, at the red carpet where the monarch smiled for the cameras
King Charles made a film-star worthy entrance as he arrived for the Gladiator II world premiere at Leicester Square tonight in his state Bentley limousine
Indeed, the Queen discreetly coughed several times during her shortened appearance at the reception and gratefully sipped on a glass of water, saying she had felt ‘absolutely rotten’ last week but was definitely ‘on the mend’.
The King met the stars of Gladiator II tonight and asked Hollywood legend Denzel Washington : ‘Are you playing someone terrible?’
Charles, 75, walked the red carpet in Leicester Square without Queen Camilla who has been forced to scale down her engagements due to a chest infection.
At the Odeon Luxe cinema he met stars of the movie including Washington, 69 , Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen plus Brit director Sir Ridley Scott, 86.
He warmly shook hands with Sir Ridley who appeared to say they would talk after the movie.
Oscar-winning actor Washington shook the King’s had firmly as Charles asked him: ‘Are you playing someone terrible?’
The actor replied: ‘I’m a lovely man, you’ll see.’
The King added: ‘You’ve been in so many films, fantastic.’
The 75-year-old grinned as he arrived at Leicester Square this evening to watch Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II
Earlier this evening, Charles and his wife chatted with A-listers including the film’s director Ridley Scott as they welcomed a slew of stars to Buckingham Palace. Pictured at the premiere
Charles appeared to be in high spirits, sporting a black tuxedo for the highly anticipated movie premiere
The father-of-two was dressed to the nines at the London premiere in a dapper black lapel tuxedo jacket
King Charles gestured from inside a vehicle as he attended the royal performance and global premiere of Gladiator II
The King was delighted as he stepped out of the limousine and was greeted by the red carpet tonight
Charles made a dapper appearance in a black tuxedo, teamed with a stylish bowtie this evening
The father of Prince William and Prince Harry was all smiles as he greeted attendees outside the event
Charles shook hands with Denzel Washington, 69, who plays Macrinus in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II
The King appeared very pleased after he was presented with a bouquet of colourful flowers in shades of pink
Pictured: King Charles attending the Royal Film Performance and world premiere of Gladiator II in aid of the Film and TV Charity, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year
Mescal, 28, said to the King: ‘I play Lucius.’
The King also had a giggle as he met Kaitlyn Coleman, 7, and Sophie Alger, 4, who gave him a brochure and flowers.
In another sweet exchange, a nervous-looking Washington said to the King: ‘I didn’t know whether I was meant to grab you or not’, as he shook His Majesty’s hand. The King thanked him for coming and the actor replied: ‘My pleasure.’
The original Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, won five Oscars and grossed $465.4 million worldwide at the box office.
The global premiere of Gladiator II was hosted jointly by Paramount Pictures and the Film and TV Charity.
Earlier this evening, other talent in the line up in the Music Room at the palace included British actor Henry Golding – who told the King how nice it was to be ‘back on British soil’ after after living in LA for 17 years – Emily in Paris star Lucian Laviscount, Mo Gilligan, Claudia Winkleman, India Amarteifio, who played young Queen Charlotte in the Bridgestone spin off, and director Gurinder Chadha.
Other royals present included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The King is Patron of the Film and TV Charity, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II, who had held the patronage since 1952.
Charles donned a dapper navy pinstripe suit for the occasion, whereas Camilla sported an elegant black dress with white detailing around the collar and sleeves.
69-year-old Hollywood star Denzel Washington appeared animated as he shook hands with the King
Pedro Pascal, who takes on the role of Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II, beamed as he met the monarch
Actor Pedro Pascal was all smiles as he greeted Charles with a firm handshake at the premiere this evening
Pictured: King Charles arriving at Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London, to attend the premiere of Gladiator II
The royal grinned as he arrived for the glitzy red-carpet event at Leicester Square in London this evening
Charles made a grand entrance as his limousine rolled in for the red carpet premiere in London today
The royal looked to be in high spirits as he made his way for the screening of the blockbuster flick
Charles joined a host of glitzy A-listers at the red carpet premiere for Gladiator II on Wednesday
The royal looked delighted as he made his arrival for the glamorous event at Leicester Square tonight
Charles had also said he had been ‘moved to tears’ by his wife’s documentary on domestic abuse at the event.
The royal also joked with actor Damian Lewis who is currently starring as Henry VIII in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light, who cheekily told him: ‘At least you can claim not to be related to him!’
‘You are fantastic in it,’ said the monarch, who is understood to have watched the series with his wife.
Meanwhile Queen Camilla chatted animatedly with actress Emily Mortimer about her mother Penelope, whom she knows personally.
‘Penny sends her love, ‘ Mortimer told her.
When Her Majesty enquired about how she was, the actress laughed and said: ‘Oh, she’s still smoking as much as ever.’
‘Oh she’s still on the fags!’ laughed the Queen.
‘Yes she’s still on the fags!’ giggled Mortimer.
Founded in 1924, to help people working in the screen industries to overcome a spectrum of personal and professional challenges, today it continues to offer counselling and support with mental health, legal, and financial advice.
Celebrating those who work within the television and film industry in the UK, Their Majesties met guests including directors, actors, TV presenters, stunt performers and costume designers.
And there was even an opportunity to view a number of costumes and items from films including Titanic (1997), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), and the late Dame
Maggie Smith’s costume from Evil Under The Sun (1982), as well as hear music from TV shows, film scores, and musicals, performed by The Countess of Wessex String Orchestra.
As well as teasing the King about his ancestry, Lewis also told him that he watched the Queen’s recent television documentary on the source of domestic abuse and how moved he had been by it.
‘It’s very moving, isn’t it?’ His Majesty said.
The King also spoke to two of the makers of the Queen’s programme, Naveed Chowdhary-Flatt and Kerene Barefield, and told them he had been ‘moved to tears’ when he watched a preview of it in Scotland.
Gladiator II stars Denzel Washington (pictured left) and Paul Mescal (pictured right) posed for photographs with director Ridley Scott (pictured centre)
Pictured: (L-R) Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal, Fred Hechinger and Pedro Pascal attend Gladiator II The Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere at Leicester Square
The 75-year-old monarch marked the eve of his 76th birthday by attending the Gladiator II premiere
Pictured: King Charles attending the Royal Film Performance and world premiere of Gladiator II
King Charles asked actor Denzel Washington whether he plays ‘someone terrible’ in the new film
Pictured: King Charles arriving at the world premiere of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II in Leicester Square, London
The King and Queen have hosted an array of glamorous stars at a glittering reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the centenary of the Film and TV Charity. Pictured, Queen Camilla with Ben Kingsley
The King is Patron of the Film and TV Charity, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II , who had held the patronage since 1952. Pictured greeting Gurinder Chadha
The King shared a joke with Damien Lewis as the pair chatted during the Buckingham Palace reception
Camilla grinned while chatting to Damien Lewis, who looked to be in good spirits, and had shared a laugh with the King
Emily Mortimer grinned as she chatted with King Charles, and the pair shook hands, during the event
Charles was animated as he chatted with the A-lister guests at his Buckingham Palace reception
Picture: Charles and Camilla viewing costumes and items from films during a reception to mark the centenary of the Film and TV charity
Charles, 75, donned a dapper navy pinstripe suit for the occasion, whereas Camilla, 77, sported an elegant black dress with white detailing around the collar and sleeves. The Queen pictured with Ridley Scott
Charles, who shook hands with Sir Lenny Henry, was delighted as he and his wife hosted A-listers
Queen Camilla enjoyed a conversation with Dame Harriet Walter as her and Charles hosted the event
Charles shook hands and chatted with the glitzy attendees at the event, which included Dame Eileen Atkins
Charles and Gyles Brandreth made conversation at the Buckingham Palace reception which took place on Wednesday
Camilla and Penelope Keith were seen sharing a conversation during the glitzy occasion at Buckingham Palace
Charles pictured meeting Henry Golding – during a reception to mark the centenary of the Film and TV charity
Founded in 1924 to help people working in the screen industries to overcome personal and professional challenges, today it continues to offer counselling and support with mental health, legal, and financial advice
Charles appeared in high spirits, sharing a laugh with Gurinder during the reception on Wednesday
He added: ‘I really am very proud.’
The King has celebrated the UK’s film and television industry at a Buckingham Palace reception before a night out at the Gladiator II premiere.
Charles welcomed directors, actors, TV presenters, stunt performers and costume designers at Buckingham Palace in London on Wednesday, including the director of the Gladiator sequel, Sir Ridley Scott.
The Queen attended at his side whilst they welcomed the guests, but left the event early as she is recovering from a chest infection.
The reception at the historic royal residence marked the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, of which Charles has become patron, following in the footsteps of his late mother Elizabeth II who had held the role since 1952.
Film director Sir Ridley, actor Joseph Fiennes, actress India Amarteifio from the hit Netflix show Queen Charlotte, and TV presenter Claudia Winkleman were among the celebrities who attended the event.
Speaking at the event, the chief executive of the Film and TV charity Marcus Ryder MBE said it was intended to celebrate and show support ‘to everybody in the TV and film industry’.
He said: ‘In a film, you don’t even see the tip of the iceberg – you see the snow that covers the tip of the iceberg.
Pictured: A smiling Charles meeting with Lucien Laviscount, among a host of other talented actors
The royal looked to be in good spirits as he shook hands with the glamorous attendees at the reception
The King was all smiles as he greeted Ridley Scott at the reception, which took place at Buckingham Palace
‘We have to support everybody – all the people who make the magic happen.
‘It’s wonderful to see all the people who make the iceberg.’
A number of costumes and props from films were put on show at Buckingham Palace for the reception, including costumes worn by Joseph Quinn in his role as Emperor Geta in Gladiator II, and the costume worn by the late Bernard Hill in his role as Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron’s Titanic.
Two of Russell Crowe’s costumes from Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World were also on show, as well as the late Dame Maggie Smith’s outfit from the 1982 film Evil Under The Sun.
It comes as Queen Camilla reluctantly missed the weekend’s remembrance events due to her illness.
On Tuesday, the Queen reassured she was ‘on the mend’ as she conducted her first public engagement after contracting a ‘nasty’ chest infection.
Camilla said she was ‘determined’ to meet this year’s Booker Prize finalists at Clarence House despite picking up a seasonal bug which has laid her low for the past week.
She has, however, been forced to pull out of attending the global premier of Gladiator II today with the King and from attending a birthday event with him on Thursday.
Camilla had been due to join her husband as he opened the first Coronation food hub.
British talent included Damien Lewis, Henry Golding, Lucian Laviscount, Emily Mortimer, Mo Gilligan, Claudia Winkleman , Fiona Bruce, Sam Mendez and Gurinder Chadha. Pictured, the TV charity’s CEO, Marcus Ryder
Among the star studded line-up was presenter Kirsty Young, who donned an elegant navy ensemble
Actor Owen Teale was also in attendance, looking dapper in a black suit and tie for the occasion
Fearne Cotton made a colourful appearance in a hot-pink blazer as she grinned while meeting the King
King Charles was all smiles as he chatted with Penelope Keith during the glitzy Buckingham Palace reception
Camilla and Penelope looked to be engaged in conversation, as they enjoyed the glitzy event together
Camilla looked delighted to shake hands with Ben Kingsley, who looked sophisticated in a black suit and colourful tie
Fiona Bruce looked elegant as ever in a chic black suit, as she shook hands with King Charles at the event
The Queen grinned as she met with presenter Claudia Winkleman at the Buckingham Palace reception
The monarch’s wife is also ensuring those engagements she is managing to attend are shorter than planned in order to manage her recovery.
Arriving in the Garden Room at Clarence House on Tuesday, Her Majesty was immediately asked how she was feeling by Gaby Wood, Chief Executive of the Booker Prize Foundation.
‘I’m getting much better,’ she said. ‘Bit of sort of coughing going on but I really wanted to be here.’
The Queen missed Remembrance events at the weekend on doctors’ advice ‘to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection’ and to protect others, the Palace said.
A source said she had also ‘tweaked’ her diary this week to ‘protect and prioritise’ her continued recovery, with royal doctors keen to prevent any setback from the seasonal illness.
Wearing a white frilled collar shirt by Me and Em and a black pinafore by Fiona Clare, the Queen met Ms Wood and Edmund de Waal, chair of the 2024 judging panel, at the entrance to the garden room.
She posed for photographs with the six finalists before speaking to them in turn. Her Majesty told them she was ‘determined’ to be there as she was ‘so impressed’ by their writing.
Camilla, who coughed a handful of times during the engagement, had been due to host the finalists at a reception, but due to her lingering symptoms, she instead met them for a brief chat which lasted just under 15 minutes.
Second-time finalist Percival Everett, author of James, thanked the Queen for meeting them all and enquired about her health.
She told him: ‘I’m on the mend, these things always take a bit of time to get rid of… but hopefully I’m on the mend now.’