Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner Recall the 'Big Moment' They Saw Beyoncé Meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

(Left-right:) Seth Rogen and Beyoncé; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the London premiere of ‘The Lion King’ in 2019.Photo:David M. Benett/WireImage; Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

David M. Benett/WireImage; Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Seth RogenandBilly Eichnerare recalling a pivotal moment in history: whenBeyoncémetPrince HarryandMeghan Markleat the 2019 premiere ofThe Lion King.

“They try to keep the cast as far away from us as possible,” quips Eichner, 46, who voices meerkat Timon in the photorealistic remake and its new prequelMufasa: The Lion King. Nevertheless, he and Rogen, 42 (who voices warthog Pumbaa), met their costar Beyoncé (who voices lioness Nala) at the movie’s London premiere on July 14, 2019.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in attendance at the starry event, as Eichner remembers. “That was the first time she met Meghan Markle,” he says of Beyoncé, 43. “And that was a big moment.”

“We saw it,” confirms Rogen, who remembers walking the red carpet with Beyoncé and the likes of Elton John, Pharrell Williams, Hans Zimmer and Jon Favreau. The Grammy winner, who wore an asymmetrical shimmery gold gown for the event, was later photographed speaking to Harry, 40 and Meghan, 43. Beyoncé’s husband Jay-Z also chatted with the royal couple.

(Left-right:) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the London ‘Lion King’ premiere in 2019.Niklas Halle’n-WPA Pool/Getty

Niklas Halle’n-WPA Pool/Getty

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“We saw it all happening,” recalls Eichner, adding, “that’s when Harry and Meghan were still over there” in the U.K. The couplemoved to Meghan’s hometownof Los Angeles with sonArchiein March 2020 after announcing they were stepping back as senior members of the British royal family underQueen Elizabeth II, breaking with tradition.

“I think that was the night they were like, f— this,” jokes Rogen with a laugh.

“‘Let’s get the f— out,’” quips Eichner. “Centuries of the monarchy died at the hands of theLion Kingroyal premiere.”

Harry and Meghan have continued to spend the majority of their time in America, raising Archie, 5, and daughterLilibet, 3.King Charles III, 76, rules the U.K. following the death of his mother Elizabeth II in September 2022 at age 96.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Disney

source: people.com