King Charles Celebrates UK Film Industry at Buckingham Palace Ahead of Gladiator II Premiere
King Charles is honoring the UK’s film and television industry with a special reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, followed by a solo appearance at the star-studded Gladiator II premiere in London, according to the Independent. Directors, actors, TV presenters, stunt performers, and costume designers will gather at the royal residence, with the King and Queen Camilla joining the celebration. Although Camilla will attend part of the event, her schedule has been adjusted this week to support her recovery from a chest infection, so she is not expected to stay for the entire engagement.
Marking the eve of his 76th birthday, Charles will later attend the premiere of the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. The King will meet with the film’s stars, including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Pedro Pascal, as well as acclaimed director Sir Ridley Scott. Following the introductions, Charles will settle in to watch the screening of Gladiator II, described as continuing “the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome.” The screening marks the 72nd Royal Film Performance by the Film and TV Charity and is the first attended by Charles as King. The last Royal Film Performance took place in 2022, when the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.
The earlier reception at Buckingham Palace will also celebrate the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, for which Charles recently became a patron, a role previously held by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, since 1952. As part of the tribute to UK film history, costumes and props from iconic films such as Titanic and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World will be on display. A special exhibit will also feature the costume worn by the late Dame Maggie Smith in the 1982 film Evil Under the Sun. Dame Maggie, a celebrated actress in British cinema, passed away in September at the age of 89.
Accompanying King Charles at the Palace reception will be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Attendees will also enjoy a musical performance by The Countess of Wessex String Orchestra, playing a selection of popular TV themes, film scores, and musical pieces.
The evening showcases King Charles’ commitment to supporting the UK’s entertainment industry, highlighting its cultural impact and legacy as he celebrates its achievements and looks forward to the future of British film and television.