The King and Queen celebrate the UK's Film and TV Industry

Published

Members of the Royal Family celebrated all things Film and TV, welcoming famous faces and behind-the-scenes talent to a special event at Buckingham Palace.

The King at the Gladiator II Royal Film Performance

The King, Queen and other members of the Royal Family celebrated the UK's Film and TV industry by hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace, before The King attended the Royal Film Performance, and global premiere, of ‘Gladiator II’.

The day started with a musical Changing of the Guard, with the band of the Grenadier Guards performing a medley of iconic hits from films and musicals, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Hairspray and ABBA. 

In the afternoon, The King and The Queen hosted a reception to celebrate the Film and TV Charity's centenary year. His Majesty became Patron of the charity, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II, who had held the patronage since 1952.

Their Majesties, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester met guests including Ridley Scott, Lucien Laviscount, Sir Ben Kingsley and Claudia Winkleman. The King and Their Royal Highnesses also spent time speaking to those who work behind the scenes; including costume designers, composers and representatives from organisations associated with the Film and TV industry. 

The King meets Lucien Laviscount
The Queen meets Claudia Winkleman

Their Majesties took the opportunity to view a number of costumes and items from films including Gladiator II (2024), Titanic (1997), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), and Dame Maggie Smith’s costume from Evil Under The Sun (1982).

The King and Queen view costumes displayed in the State Ballroom

Later in the evening, The King attended the global premiere of Gladiator II at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, hosted jointly by Paramount Pictures and the Film and TV Charity. The Global Premiere of Gladiator II was the 72nd Royal Film Performance delivered by the charity. Founded in 1924, the Film and TV Charity is dedicated to those who work behind the scenes in the UK’s film, TV, and cinema industries by supporting their mental health and financial wellbeing.

In the cinema His Majesty was introduced to the director of Gladiator II, Sir Ridley Scott, and cast members including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, before watching the film.