The British royals, who make cameo appearances in the movie, were greeted by BB-8 on the red carpet and received Stormtrooper helmets when attending the premiere on Monday night.
- Dec 13, 2017
AceShowbiz - After having its world premiere in Los Angeles last weekend, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" landed in London for a special screening at Royal Albert Hall on Monday night, December 11. The event became extra special as Prince William and Prince Harry's arrival turned it into a royal affair.
The British royals looked sharp in black suits and bow ties. As they walked through the red carpet guarded by men in Stormtrooper costumes, they were greeted by the adorable BB-8, which made a bowing gesture to honor the princes.
The Force is strong on this red carpet! #thelastjedi pic.twitter.com/j6NYKzY3lw
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 12, 2017
The princes also spoke with the cast, including Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Adam Driver, as well as director Rian Johnson. They were presented with special gifts, their own Stormtrooper helmets. "Wow," William said excitedly. "Should I put this on?"
View our round up of tonight’s #TheLastJedi premiere on the Royal Family website: https://t.co/RqabUSAnua pic.twitter.com/Z98uE7LbvH
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 12, 2017
The event benefits the princes' charity, the Royal Foundation. Kensington Palace said the premiere was "an opportunity to recognize and celebrate people who have worked hard to change their lives and the lives of others." They were not joined by their significant others, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, at the screening.
The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry were each presented with a special gift this evening - their own Stormtrooper helmet! #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/NnCmWzkcmw
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 12, 2017
It was reported before that Prince William and Harry filmed cameos as Stormtroopers when they visited the set at Pinewood Studios last year. They reportedly would appear alongside Tom Hardy and Take That's singer Gary Barlow in the scene, where they would be seen guarding John Boyega's character, Finn, in an elevator. Boyega later confirmed the royals' appearances in the film.
Also attending the London premiere were cast members Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, Anthony Daniels, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Joonas Suotamo, Simon Pegg and Kelly Marie Tran. Celebrity guests included Ed Sheeran, Alexa Chung, Tom Daley and Jonathan Ross.
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will open in U.S. theaters on December 15. It marks Carrie Fisher's final appearance as General Leia Organa. The eighth installment of the sci-fi movie franchise is expected to bring in between $424 million-$440 million worldwide by the end of its first frame.
