The upcoming Downton Abbey movie revolves around the king and queen's visit to the titular estate, but the cast also got a real-life royal visit of their own. Back in 2015, the Duchess of Cambridge stopped by the set of the beloved drama at London's Ealing Studios.
Four years might've passed since then, but actress Michelle Dockery, who stars as Lady Mary in the series and film, still holds the memories dear.
"I sort of felt like probably what it felt like for a court jester back in the day, performing for the royals," she joked on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night. "So we were quite nervous. But she was just, of course, so charming, gracious, and beautiful, and she was mesmerising and it was such a special time for everyone."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are known to be big Downton fans. William called it "one of Catherine's and my favourite programmes" in a tribute to the show hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Dockery's co-star Laura Carmichael, who portrays Lady Edith, previously gushed over the duchess' visit to set. "We all got quite shy and she was sort of leading the conversation," she said, according to E! News. "It was lovely. She's so normal. I know everyone says that but she really does try to make everyone feel at ease."
The Downton Abbey film is out at UK cinemas now.
