The stars ofThe Lion Kinghad to “Be Prepared” when it came time to brush shoulders withMeghan MarkleandPrince Harry.
Billy Eichner, who voices Timon in the revamp of the beloved 1994 Disney film, appeared onJimmy Kimmel Live!on Thursday and shared that the “intense” protocol formeeting the royal coupleat the London premiere had the entire cast intimidated. Not evenBeyoncé, the film’s Nala, was immune!
“We were all kind of nervous, even Beyoncé,” the comedian explained. “What makes you nervous is that the days leading up to it, they email you a protocol of how you’re supposed to greetPrince Harryand Meghan.”
He continued, “You’re supposed to say, ‘Your Royal Highness,’ you can’t speak until your hands are in a handshake with his.”
Eichner also explained that his friend Jared was told to stand behind him and only speak if he was addressed directly.
“I’m not kidding!” the actor said. “I was like, ‘Does that same rule apply toJAY-Z?’ I don’t know. I have a feeling it doesn’t!”
Just before the royal couple made their way to Eichner, he wascaught on camera preparing to say hello.
In the clip, Eichner, who shared the video on Twitter — whispers to costar Seth Rogan about what he might say to the new parents.
“[I’m going to say] pleasure to meet you,” he says in the video. “I’m gonna say it, I’m gonna say it.”
“Your Highness sounds a little weird and bowing feels weird,” the comedian recalled to Kimmel. “In my head, I’m like, ‘What do you call her?” I kept thinking she’s Princess Markle, but that sounds like a character on Super Mario Brothers.”
“I completely freaked out,” Eichner added. “Although, they were very, very nice and totally chill and down to earth and lovely.”
As it turns out, Meghan and Eichner attended Northwestern University around the same time, so they ended up having a casual conversation about their acting professors.
Sunday’s premiere wasthe first time Megan walked the red carpet as a royalwith Harry.
Meghan, 37, wore a black Jason Wu dress with sheer sleeves and accessorized with Aquazzura heels and a Gucci clutch. Harry, 34, looked elegant in a classic black and white tuxedo.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Beyonce.NIKLAS HALLE’N/AFP/Getty
As Beyoncé leaned in for a hug with the Duchess of Sussex, she was spotted saying, “My princess.”
Observers said that there was a “familiarity” between Meghan and Beyoncé, so much that many had a hard time believing this was their first time meeting.
JAY-Z also offered Meghan and Harry a few words of wisdom as a parent of three himself: “The best advice I can give you, always find some time for yourself.”
source: people.com
