Helen Mirren Recounts Humorous Encounter with Queen Elizabeth and a Befuddled Sheikh
The acclaimed actress shared a story about being introduced by the late monarch, only for the sheikh to be unaware of her famous role.
Dame Helen Mirren, known for her Oscar-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film "The Queen," has shared a memorable anecdote from a 2018 tea with Her Majesty and the late Prince Philip.
During the gathering, which took place at Ascot, Queen Elizabeth introduced Mirren to a sheikh, stating, "This is Dame Helen Mirren, she played me you know, in the film." To Mirren's amusement, the sheikh appeared entirely unfamiliar with her and the movie, looking "completely confused."
Mirren, who admitted to knowing little about horses, found herself with little to contribute to the conversation about equestrian matters. The encounter occurred despite Mirren having not publicly discussed her role as the Queen prior to the introduction.
In another lighthearted moment from the same occasion, Mirren confessed to a minor social mishap. While wishing to add milk to her tea, she struggled to recall the proper way to address Prince Philip to ask him to pass the milk jug, which was situated on his side of the table. "I just could not remember how to address Prince Philip? Do I call him sir, is it your majesty, your royal highness?" Mirren recounted on the TODAY show. Ultimately, she abstained from adding milk to her tea, finding the situation too awkward to navigate.
Mirren also paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth following her passing in 2022. At the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards, she referred to the monarch as the nation's "leading star," highlighting her significant and longstanding support for BAFTA. Mirren noted the Queen's historic coronation broadcast, which captivated a global audience, and her consistent presence as a central figure throughout her 70-year reign. The actress drew a parallel between cinema's ability to unite audiences and the Queen's effortless role in bringing people together.
Mirren acknowledged the more than 50 cultural organizations the Queen supported and the honorary BAFTA she received in 2013 for her patronage of the film and television industries. The actress concluded her tribute by stating, "Your Majesty, you are our nation's leading star. On behalf of Bafta, thank you for all that you have done for our film and television industry."