Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg revealed he got ”a buzz” from meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the royal premiere of his new blockbuster War Horse, on the eve of the Duchess’s 30th birthday.
His British cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Emily Watson, David Thewlis and newcomer Jeremy Irvine also walked the red carpet at the Odeon Leicester Square alongside 600 serving and ex-military personnel. ”It’s an honour to be here with the royals. This is my first royal premiere for the Duke and Duchess, having done them before for the Queen and the Queen Mother. This is a wonderful occasion tonight,” said the director. ”This is so exciting. I get a buzz. You never grow out of something like this,” he added. ‘It’s a huge privilege that the film has been blessed by them and they decided to lend their support behind it,” said Hiddleston, who plays Captain Nicholls. Watson joked that she had been briefed about approaching the Duchess.
”We’ve been told to address her as ‘Ma’am’ as in ‘jam’,” she revealed. The Duchess of Cambridge kicked off her 30th birthday celebrations by sharing the red carpet with the film’s equine star. The Duchess, who is celebrating her birthday today, stole the show last night in an elegant floor-length black lace evening gown by Alice Temperley. Michael Morpurgo, the author of the children’s book which inspired the film, led the well-wishes for the Duchess. The Duchess shared the red carpet with the equine star of the film. She grinned and laughed when she spotted thoroughbred Joey standing patiently outside in the rain. Mr Morpurgo said it was an “honour” that the Duchess chose War Horse as her first royal premiere and said he would send her a copy of the book as a birthday gift. “I am thrilled, it is a wonderful honour that she has chosen this film to do that,” he said. “I will send her a copy of War Horse for her birthday. “She is a wonderful example of dignity and calm and I like that in her.” The premiere was also attended by 600 serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families, as well as beneficiaries of military charities. The royal couple went to the event in aid of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, which helps the welfare of those in the Armed Forces. – telegraph
