University of Worcester student meets the King at Buckingham Palace

Alannah Southerton, who stars in the film Lollipop, which recently premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival, was invited as a guest of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Worcester.

The event, which took place at Buckingham Palace, was hosted by His Majesty the King Charles III to celebrate 100 years of the Film and TV Charity, for which he is a patron.

Celebrities at the event included actor Damian Lewis, star of Wolf Hall and Band of Brothers, Floella Benjamin, Dame Eileen Atkins, Fiona Bruce, and Fearne Cotton.

Miss Southerton said: "I met Lenny Henry, Claudia Winkleman, Steven Moffat, Nina Gold, and I had conversations with people about the importance of perseverance and bravery in the film and TV industry."

She added: "I’ve already been in contact with people I met at the event since then, and these chances for future acting opportunities are a dream for any early career actor."

Miss Southerton added: "I felt so proud to be wearing my University of Worcester name tag and I will never forget the support and kindness I was shown and I’m incredibly grateful."

The reception coincided with her 24th birthday.

She said: "It was definitely the most memorable day of my life.

"Not everyone gets to celebrate their birthday with the King."

She added: "It was fantastic to meet the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Edinburgh: they were both so friendly and supportive.

"Being there gave me the opportunity to be free to network in a room with people at the peak of their careers, and that level of prestige is unheard of for actors starting out.

"It allowed me to see that these big names are real people and are friendly, open creatives in a field we all love."

Miss Southerton is currently studying English Literature and Film Studies at the university.

For more information on courses at the university, visit worcester.ac.uk or contact their admissions team.