Scarlett and Nat’s royal do

The Prince of Wales attended a “double” royal premiere tonight, as he met the stars of a new film featuring one of his ancestors.

Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall met the actors from The Other Boleyn Girl at a screening at the Odeon cinema in London’s Leicester Square.

Natalie Portman, who stars with Scarlett Johansson as sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn battling to win the affections of Henry VIII, said she was very excited to meet the prince.

“It must be so strange to see a film version of your family,” she said.

This is the second time Natalie has met Prince Charles

“I met him briefly for the premiere of Star Wars about eight years ago, but I’m sure it was an inconsequential moment in his life.”

Johansson, who was sporting a new circular tattoo on the inside of her left arm, joked with Charles about her forthcoming role as Mary Queen of Scots.

“I’m going to take over the whole of British history,” she said.

“A girl from New York – can you believe it?”

The film is based on the novel by Philippa Gregory, who said Camilla had told her she had read the book and loved it.

“It was a very successful book worldwide and now it’s hopefully going to get a whole new lease of life – it’s a very exciting time,” the author said.

The film is British director Justin Chadwick’s first feature-length production and he said making it was an “amazing experience”.

He added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to have my first film chosen to have a royal premiere.”

Before the screening Camilla, who was wearing a purple velvet evening gown, was presented with a programme by 13-year-old Emma Bell, from Bexleyheath, south London.

Earlier in the day the royal couple attended a lunchtime reception for leading figures from the British film industry.

Stars, directors and industry executives mingled at the reception at Clarence House.

Charles told the assembled company: “The great thing is that British cinema does seem to be admired in every part of the world, mainly I think, due to the constant search for excellence which goes back to the very beginning of film making.”

The lunchtime reception and this evening’s premiere were both held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, which helps people in the British film, cinema and commercial television industry.