Royals grace premiere of War Horse epic

The royal couple, who arrived at the premiere of the First World War epic to a resounding cheer, shared the limelight with the star of the film, a thoroughbred called Joey.

Sheltered from the rain by a see-through umbrella, the Duchess grinned broadly when she spotted the horse trotting down the red carpet in London’s Leicester Square.

The couple met military personnel who were guests at the premiere as well as the cast and crew, chatting animatedly with two of the film’s stars, Benedict Cumberbatch and Emily Watson.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg revealed he got “a buzz” from meeting the couple, on the eve of the Duchess’s 30th birthday.

He said: “This is a wonderful occasion tonight. This is so exciting. I get a buzz. You never grow out of something like this.”

The premiere was in aid of the Foundation of Prince William and Harry, which helps the welfare of those in the Armed Forces and was attended by 600 serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families, as well as beneficiaries of military charities.

One of the film’s stars, Tom Hiddleston, said: “It’s a huge privilege that the film has been blessed by them and they decided to lend their support behind it.”

War Horse, which has been nominated for best drama at the prestigious Golden Globes, is based on a play inspired by children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s novel.

Tha author led the birthday well wishes for the Duchess and said it was an “honour” she chose War Horse as her first royal premiere and said he would send her a copy of the book as a birthday gift. He said: “She is a wonderful example of dignity and calm and I like that in her.”