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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Aine Fox & Sara Odeen-Isbister

Prince William's reaction as he's told he should 'Netflix and chill' by royal fan

Prince William was told he should " Netflix and chill" by a royal fan during a visit today.

The heir to the throne was visiting The Garden Cinema in central London this afternoon to learn more about The Royal African Society's biennial event, Film Africa, a film festival celebrating black stories on screen.

William sat in the audience for a Q&A session during the event which aims to give young film students of African heritage an opportunity to learn more about the industry, network with others and learn from international professionals.

William, who is patron of the Royal African Society, also joined workshop groups and heard about the experiences of students.

When he expressed interest in watching more African films, he was advised he could " Netflix and chill" - a somewhat risque slang term - by EbonyLife TV and EbonyLife Films founder Mo Abudu.

William speaks with film students (PA)

Mo, who spoke to William in one of the small discussion groups, suggested he watch The King's Horseman, a film made by her company, which is due to be released on Netflix on Friday.

It is a cinematic adaptation of a play which tells the story of a tradition in Nigeria which was supposed to see a king's horseman sacrifice himself so he could serve his deceased ruler in the afterlife.

Of her conversation with William, Ms Abudu said: "He said he hasn't watched a lot of African films but that he would like to and that he's going to watch The King's Horseman.

"I said you must 'Netflix and chill' and he nodded.

William is a patron of the Royal Africa Society (PA)
The prince with the Royal Africa Society chairperson Arunma Oteh (Getty Images)

"I'm excited that I've been able to tell the prince about my film today."

Netflix's royal drama The Crown has been back in the headlines as the new series out later this month faced criticism from several quarters.

Both Dame Judi Dench and Sir John Major have criticised reported storylines in the upcoming series, with screen veteran Dame Judi saying the drama has begun to verge on "crude sensationalism".

During Wednesday's cinema engagement, William listened intently as students and experts told of their experiences in the film industry.

During the Q&A - which also featured Ghanaian-American writer and actor Nana Mensah and costume and fashion designer Colleen Morris-Glennon, Ms Abudu told those gathered in the screening room that "black storytelling is key".

William sat in on a Q&A where film students could learn more about the event (Getty Images)

She said: "I think it doesn't matter what part of the world we come from, you can be from Africa, you can be American, you can be black British, you can be from the Caribbean.

"I just think that there's something about being a global black person and telling stories that reflect the black consciousness that we need to keep doing."

She added: "Yes, our focus is to tell black stories because there aren't enough black stories being told. So it's not about 'oh, is it reverse racism?' No, it's not. It's actually about diversity."

She said there is also "great African literature" which should be explored on screen.

She told her audience: "We've had all the Jane Austen novels, we've had so many from the West. Let's do some fresh things, let's do some great storytelling."

Established in 2011, Film Africa showcases the best African cinema from across the continent and diaspora in the UK.

This year's festival features 48 films from 16 countries, in seven venues - including 22 UK, Europe and world premieres.

Other festival events include talks and discussions, professional workshops and masterclasses, school screenings and family activities for the younger generation.

William's cinema trip followed a symposium at St James's Palace earlier on Wednesday bringing together this year's Tusk Conservation Awards winners, alumni from previous awards and conservation experts.

William attended the Tusk awards on Tuesday evening.

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