News
TRH attend the Royal Film Premiere of The Other Boleyn Girl
19th February 2008
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall met the stars of a new film based on the life of Henry VIII today at a Royal Film Premiere in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.
Their Royal Highnesses met the actors from The Other Boleyn Girl at a screening at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square, London.
Natalie Portman, who stars with Scarlett Johansson as sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn battling to win the affections of King Henry VIII, played by Eric Bana, said she was very excited to meet The Prince.
"It must be so strange to see a film version of your family," she said.
"I met him briefly for the premiere of Star Wars about eight years ago, but I'm sure it was an inconsequential moment in his life!"
Johansson, who was sporting a new circular tattoo on the inside of her left arm, joked with The Prince about her forthcoming role as Mary Queen of Scots.
"I'm going to take over the whole of British history," she said.
"A girl from New York - can you believe it?"
The film is based on the novel by Philippa Gregory, who said The Duchess had told her she had read the book and loved it.
"It was a very successful book worldwide and now it's hopefully going to get a whole new lease of life - it's a very exciting time," the author said.
The film is British director Justin Chadwick's first feature-length production and he said making it was an "amazing experience".
He added: "It's an honour and a privilege to have my first film chosen to have a royal premiere."
Before the screening The Duchess, who was wearing a purple velvet evening gown, was presented with a programme by 13-year-old Emma Bell, from Bexleyheath, south London.
Earlier in the day Their Royal Highnesses hosted a lunchtime reception for leading figures from the British film industry.
The lunchtime reception and this evening's premiere were both held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, which helps people in the British film, cinema and commercial television industry.