An Evening at the Royal Premiere

 

On Wednesday 28^th January, I had the honour of attending the Royal Premiere of HRH The King’s new film Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision at Windsor Castle. This historic event marked the first ever film premiere to be held at a royal residence. The documentary film was created by Prime Video in partnership with The King’s Foundation.

I was invited as part of The King’s Foundations’ 35 Under 35 –  a network of makers and changemakers brought together as part of The King's Foundation's 35th anniversary celebrations and to advocate for the change His Majesty wants to see in the world.

 

 

We had received our beautiful invitations in the post a few weeks previously and I have been bursting to share the news – it’s not every day you get an invitation to a Royal Premiere!

We arrived at the castle at 5pm sharp, ready to be checked in by the many armed police outside the entrance. After reuniting with the other members of the 35 Under 35 group, we proceeded to walk through the castle grounds to the other side of the castle, where the screening was held.

 

 

Outside the entrance to the premiere, set against the stunning backdrop of the illuminated castle, a marquee full of photographers awaited us. Having never been ‘papped’ before, I was sufficiently awkward with my pose! We then all gathered together for a lovely group 35 Under 35 photograph, before heading inside the castle.

 

 

The Inner Hall featured a dedicated backdrop for further photographs and videos. Laura Young (one of the 35 Under 35), an environmental scientist and campaigner, interviewed us about our outfits, as the evening’s dress code was "Rewear, Repair or Recycle". I spoke about my handmade blue niobium jewellery, worn with a blue vintage dress I bought from UK independent company, Scum Vintage, which was originally made by Leeds-based designer Dawn Stretton. 

 

 

Before long, it was time to make our way upstairs to the Waterloo Chamber for the screening of the film, where we were given cards with our seat number – each detail thoughtfully considered with sustainability in mind.

Photography was not permitted inside the screening and reception, so these are the official professional photographs.

 

 

We took our seats at the back of the astoundingly ornate and beautiful room as it gradually filled with A-list celebrities and influential figures. While waiting for the film to begin, we spotted Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rory Stuart, Hannah Fry, Alan Titchmarsh, Stanley Tucci and Sebastian Vettel, just to name a few. I was sat 3 seats down from Rod Stewart – a sentence I thought I would never say! We stood for the King and Queen who arrived at 7pm sharp, before Kate Winslet (who also narrates the film) delivered a poignant opening speech.

 

 

The 90-minutes documentary film charts The King’s personal journey as an environmentalist throughout his lifetime, and highlights the work of The King’s Foundation - His Majesty’s nature and sustainability charity which exists to protect and promote the Harmony philosophy. The film explores environmental and social projects such as Highgrove and Dumfries House, alongside international examples of harmony-led initiatives. You’ll have to watch Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision for yourself to find out more about the inspiring and positive stories that this film promotes, which will be released on Prime Video on the 6^th February.

The screening concluded with a standing ovation from the audience, after which we filtered through into St George’s Hall for the reception where we were greeted with drinks and canapés. In a room of maybe 200 guests, the mingling began.

 

 

I was honoured to meet and speak with The Queen, and spent much of the reception chatting with Hannah Fry (mathematician, science presenter and author) and Lolly Adefope (comedian and actress).

I was especially thrilled to get the chance to talk to Hannah Fry (whom I may have been fangirling over!), about the science of jewellery and niobium. She told me about a fascinating natural glass called ‘tektite’, which formed during ancient meteorite impacts. We bonded over a shared dislike of diamonds. Later, I found myself talking with Lolly Adefope, who is one of the loveliest people you could meet. I’m a massive fan of the BBC series “Ghosts” (I grew up watching Horrible Histories), and it was wonderful to chat to Lolly about her life as a comedian and actress.

Before we knew it, it was 10pm, and we were gently ushered out of the castle – bringing to an end an unforgettable evening that I will treasure forever.