Widely acclaimed UK television series ‘Downton Abbey’ has gotten a visit from a modern-day royal as the Duchess of Cambridge graced the show’s location in London with her presence.
A pregnant Kate Middleton made an official visit at the ‘Downton’ set at Ealing Studios on Thursday and was given the royal treatment from the cast and crew.
"The Duchess is a great fan of the show so it was interesting to see her step into the world-renowned sets and see the characters come to life," executive producer Gareth Neame stated.
The 33-year-old Duchess was photographed observing a scene filmed in the servants’ quarters. She was also seen viewing the detailed and “historically accurate” costumes for the cast members while mingling with the make-up artists and other behind-the scenes staff.
"She was so incredibly gracious to spend time with our actors and those behind the camera who bring the saga of the Crawley family to life,” Neame further shared.
Majority of the cast members, including Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Robert James-Collier, Michelle Dockery, Penelope Wilton, Laura Carmichael and Phyllis Logan, had the opportunity to meet the Duchess during the filming of one of their episodes. ‘Downton Abbey’ creator and writer Julian Fellowes was also present.
In an interview with ‘Downton Abbey’ actor Allen Leech, it was revealed that the royal couple watched the drama series and that Prince William is reportedly a fan of the show as well.
"I was actually at an event last week with Prince William, now the Duke of Cambridge," Leech shared on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen. "I met him last week, shook his hand. He actually said, 'I'm a big fan of the show — only now that my wife's had a baby.'"
The show follows the story of the elite Crawley family as well as of their humble servants, all of them living together in an ideal English country house.
Following its success in the U.K. and in other countries, the award-winning period drama series has expanded to over 220 territories. Its fifth season had its final episode aired in 2014 and raked in a total of over 10 million viewers.
In 2013, the season three finale of 'Downton Abbey' drew in more than 12 million Americans, breaking viewership records for the PBS network.
