British royalty and Hollywood royalty collided recently on the set of the new James Bond movie. Prince Charles popped by the legendary 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios, located just outside of London, to tour the grounds and get a sneak peek at some of the film’s most impressive gadgets and cars. Among the production pieces that star Daniel Craig showed off to Charles were the film’s custom-made Aston Martin DB5 and Aston Martin V8. In photos from the visit, Charles can be seen leaning over to examine the interior of one of the cars as Craig points out its features; in others, he’s shown chatting with the actor, both men beaming in their respective bespoke suits. (The Prince of Wales dressed for the occasion in a colorful blue tie decorated with tiny speed boats and palm trees!)
Britain’s Press Association news agency reported that His Royal Highness was inquisitive about how things are going on set, asking one worker, “You haven’t had any more things blowing up recently?” in reference to a recent explosion that left one person injured and the stage damaged. The worker admitted that production had been slightly delayed as a result.
Despite his visit, don't expect Charles to make a cameo in the upcoming flick. The heir to the throne is a patron of both the British Film Institute and the Intelligence Services, and was making his rounds visiting the set. While there, he also had the chance to meet Craig’s costars Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris, who portray secret service head M and secretary Moneypenny, respectively. Also on hand to greet Charles was Bond newcomer Lashana Lynch. One particularly arresting shot shows Charles walking out of a portion of the set meant to represent Cuba, with faded blue-painted walls and glass arch-top windows and doors. The Bond film, currently referred to as Bond 25, is due out in April 2020.
