The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attended the Royal Film Performance of 1917, a First World War epic at the ODEON Luxe on Wednesday evening.
The royal couple arrived on the red carpet shortly before the film began and met with representatives of The Film and TV Charity, which administers the Royal Film Performance, as well as the director, producers, and stars of 1917.
Prince Charles and Camilla met with Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes and stars Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, and Claire Duburcq before entering the theatre.
The film is based on a story that Mendes’s grandfather had told him about British soldiers. The official premise from Clarence House outlines the film as such:
“At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.”
Among its accolades, 1917 has been named one of the top 10 films of the year by the American Film Institute, the National Film Board; and was named the film of the year by the Hollywood Critics Association Awards.
The film has also generated serious Oscar buzz and is likely to be nominated for Golden Globes, BAFTAS, and Academy Awards this coming awards season.
1917 opens on Christmas Day in the United States and on 10 January in the United Kingdom.
The Royal Film Performance has been held nearly every year since 1946, when King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, and Princess Margaret attended a performance of A Matter of Life and Death.
The Royal Film Performance supports The TV and Film Charity, which “works behind the scenes of the film, television and cinema industry in the UK. From research to writing, through casting and production, to editing, sales, distribution and exhibition, the organisation supports the lives of everyone involved,” per Clarence House.
All money raised helps The TV and Film Charity to develop programmes that support its members, including mental health support.
“It will also help them to run services like their Film and TV Support Line, a completely free, 24/7 helpline for issues including debt, depression and harassment,” per Clarence House.
“We’re honoured to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to what will be the 71st Royal Film Performance, shining a light on everyone working behind the scenes of the UK’s thriving film and television industry,” said Alex Pumfrey, CEO of The Film and TV Charity, in a statement released by Clarence House.
Other films that have been screened at the Royal Film Performance include The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which Prince Charles and Camilla attended; Spectre, a James Bond flick, attended by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex; West Side Story; Chariots of Fire; and Titanic.
