Very exotic... Dame Judi dazzles at royal premiere
THE Duchess of Cornwall dazzled along with the cast of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the film’s premiere last night.
The star- studded event was awash with colour as London’s Leicester Square was transformed into what looked like a scene from the India- based movie.
Orange and pink curtains and hanging floral garlands lined the carpet – which was also orange rather than red – while a troupe of Indian dancers put on a traditional show.
Camilla, 67, sparkled in an extravagant ruby and diamond jewellery set and an Anna Valentine plum velvet dress.
But Dame Judi Dench, 80, who plays Evelyn Greenslade in the film, had fun with the Indian theme in her coat of many colours – and patterns – over a richly striped dress.
Co- star Celia Imrie, 62, also dazzled in a pink dress with a vivid saffron shawl.
Kisses
Dame Judi and Dame Maggie Smith were greeted with kisses on both cheeks by the Prince of Wales as he and the Duchess met the film’s stars at the Odeon cinema.
Other cast members at the event included Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Shazad Latif and Lillete Dubey, along with director John Madden and producer Graham Broadbent.
Fans were given garlands as they eagerly awaited the arrivals.
But those desperate for a glimpse of silver foxes Richard Gere and Bill Nighy, both 65, or handsome Dev Patel, 24, were left disappointed as they were all unable to make the film’s opening.
However Prince Charles, David Suchet, Dame Judi’s companion David Mills all looked smart in their tuxedos.
The film- makers and cast were presented to Charles and Camilla ahead of the showing of the film, John Madden’s sequel to his surprise box- office hit about a hotel for retirees in India. In the new film, co- managers Muriel Donnelly ( Dame Maggie) and Sonny Kapoor ( Dev Patel) dream of expansion and they have found just the place: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Meanwhile, Madge ( Imrie) juggles two eligible suitors, and recent arrival Guy Chambers ( Richard Gere) finds a muse for his next novel in Sonny’s mother ( Dubey).