Pop royalty and actual royalty came together tonight when Meghan Markle and Beyonce attended the star-studded premiere of The Lion King in London.
The pair couldn’t hide their excitement at meeting each other and shared a massive hug before Beyonce gushed: “We love you guys.”
The singing sensation, dressed in a daring yellow evening gown split to the thigh, also commented on how “beautiful” baby Archie is as they exchanged parenting tips.
She rubbed Meghan on the back as the pair continued to embrace for several seconds. They then held hands and chatted intently as Jay Z and Prince Harrylooked on.
The two couples looked deep in conversation before they took their seats at the film screening in Leicester Square.
It is thought this is the first time the foursome have ever met.
“The baby, so beautiful,” cooed Beyonce. “We love you guys.”
Meghan then turned to introduce her husband, who greeted Beyonce with a kiss on each cheek and Jay Z with a handshake.
“You’ve been rather busy,” said Harry to Beyonce.
“Congratulations on the birth of your baby,” Jay Z said to the prince, and nodded towards Meghan.
“And how are the twins,” asked the prince, in reference to the pair’s children, Rumi and Sir, born in 2017.
“They are not here. They don’t come on every trip,” replied Beyonce.
“We left them at home. They would loved to have been here.”
Jay Z added: “The best advice I can give you, always find time for yourself.”
Asked about how the encounter went, Beyonce smiled broadly and said: “They are sooo sweet” and looked surprisingly emotional.
Beyonce previously expressed her admiration for the Duchess when she won a Brit Award with Jay Z.
They paid tribute to Meghan in a video acceptance speech.
In it, they stood in front of a Mona Lisa replica, with Meghan in the frame instead of the famous Leonardo da Vinci figure.
Beyonce posted a picture of the scene on her official Instagram account, with the caption: “In honor of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas.
“Congrats on your pregnancy! We wish you so much joy.”
The phrase ‘Melanated Monas’ was a reference to the Duchess of Sussex’s biracial heritage.
Meanwhile, Beyonce and Jay Z – had been due to walk the yellow carpet, appropriately spotted with paw-prints, before the royal guests.
But the couple were running late, while Harry and Meghan were five minutes early.
So as the royals walked to the entrance of the cinema greeting fans, Beyonce and Jay Z were forced to make a hasty arrival via a side entrance in order to be in position for the meet and greet, to the disappointment of some fans.
Beyonce lends her voice to the character of lioness Nala in the CGI feature, which stars Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Men behind the music Pharrell Williams and Sir Elton John also appeared at the star-studded event to watch the new release.
Harry greeted Sir Elton warmly with a huge hug.
The prince has known the singer for most of his life and his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was a close friend.
Meghan also hugged the star, who she met when he sang at her and Harry’s wedding.
Sir Eton admired Meghan’s black stilettos which had a pretty diamanté strap at the back.
“I’m admiring your shoes,” he said, looking down at them, prompting a smile from Meghan.
“Yours are pretty nice too,” interjected Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of Walt Disney.
“It’s just incredible, you’re in for a great night,” said Sir Elton.
The couple were also introduced to Pharrell Williams.
Harry laughingly admired his tuxedo jacket and shorts combo, and the musician did a jokey curtsey for the prince.
“I love the look,” laughed Harry, pointing to the eccentric outfit.
Earlier in the evening, Meghan sparkled on the red carpet as she and Harry walked to the tune of Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
They looked a picture of happiness as they arrived holding hands to a chorus of cheers from the throngs of people gathered.
Meghan, 37, stunned in a chic £3,500 black knee-length flared dress with sheer sleeves and neckline from the Jason Wu Collection.
She teamed it with a black Gucci clutch and Aquazzura heels, and styled her hair in a sleek bun.
The former actress, who is on maternity leave, chatted and waved at the crowds and at one point was in fits of giggles.
While Harry, 34, looked dapper in a suit with bow tie.
The pair, who welcomed son Archie in May, are set to spend the evening mingling with A-Listers.
The photorealistic computer-animated remake of the beloved 1994 classic boasts a star-studded cast, including Donald Glover as king-in-waiting Simba.
Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Myleene Klass and actor Seth Rogen were some of the other celebs at the glitzy bash.
Harry and Meghan are attending the event in aid of conservation work through The Royal Foundation.
Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke of Sussex has taken a deep personal interest in frontline conservation projects that work to protect Africa’s natural heritage and support both wildlife and local communities.”
The pair are taking baby Archie to South Africa in the autumn.
The duke is also carrying out solo visits to Angola, Malawi and Botswana.
Tonight, they met some of the cast and crew before watching the film, which will be released on July 19.
The duo were then expected to speak to representatives from organisations working to protect wildlife and the environment.
For the film’s release, Disney announced the Protect The Pride campaign, aimed at raising awareness of dwindling lion numbers.
The Royal Foundation will be involved with and support the campaign.
Meghan was also pictured at Wimbledon yesterday with Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa.
She was out and about with Archie and Harry on Wednesday at a charity polo match with the Cambridges.
She then made two trips to Wimbledon to watch her close friend Serena Williams.
Credit: mirror.co.uk
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.