Royals visit EastEnders

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited the set of EastEnders last week to meet the cast and crew.

They watched filming of special scenes that feature the residents of Albert Square celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at a street party.

Their Royal Highnesses met the cast including Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell), Rudolph Walker (Patrick Trueman), Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter), Danny Dyer (Mick Carter), Tameka Empson (Kim Fox), Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler), Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Beale) and Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts).

During the visit The Duchess of Cornwall spoke to Gillian Taylforth about how she has appeared in the show since the very first episode as well as talking to Rose Ayling-Ellis, when The Duchess revealed that the Royal family watched Strictly Come Dancing and supported her journey. Meanwhile The Prince of Wales happily gave his knowledge of EastEnders to Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell) and Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell) as he explained how he knows the couple are no longer together.

During a group photograph The Prince of Wales even leant his coat to a chilly cast member, Letitia Dean.

Talking of the moment, Letitia said: “Today was a very special day for all at EastEnders. As a company we are all incredibly proud of the show we make but to have a visit from the Royal family makes it all the more special. To have the opportunity to mark the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee with a visit from The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall was just beautiful and it will go down in EastEnders history but it was made all the more special for me when The Prince of Wales handed me his coat to keep me warm – what a gentleman, what a couple, what as we say in EastEnders a proper family.”

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer adds: “We at EastEnders are all so incredibly grateful that The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall came to visit EastEnders as we filmed our special episode that shows the residents of Albert Square celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, just as those around the country will be doing this summer. We cannot thank them enough for taking the time to come to Walford, this is one moment that will go down in EastEnders history as we all celebrate 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign. Today was truly an honour.”

EastEnders screens in Australia on UKTV.