Queen Elizabeth eyed the Iron Throne today in a visit to the Belfast set of HBO’s Game of Thrones.
A fictional throne met real-life royalty today, when England’s Queen Elizabeth stopped by the Paint Hall studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Queen and husband Prince Philip enjoyed a tour of the set of HBO’s Game of Thrones, getting a chance to study props and scenery, and talk with members of the epic fantasy’s crew and cast.
BBC News captured a few choice images of the set tour, which is one of several stops on Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Northern Ireland. The money shot is undoubtedly that of Her Majesty’s careful study of the Iron Throne of Westeros… though unfortunately, the Queen does not seem to have laid claim to the hotly-contested seat.
In addition, Sky News has footage of Queen Elizabeth’s entire tour of the set and her party. The Queen arrives about 22 minutes into the video. Led by showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss, the set tour itself commences near the 26 minute mark.
Members of the crew explained the details of the intricate costumes and props to the Queen and Prince Philip – the Duke of Edinburgh was particularly interested in a salacious dagger favored by Daario Noharis.
The Queen’s party then proceeded to the set of the Great Hall, where Her Majesty met cast members Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Rose Leslie, Kit Harrington, Conleth Hill, and Lena Heady beside the Iron Throne.
No one seems to be quite sure whether or not Queen Elizabeth herself actually watches the violent and sexy fantasy series, but Game of Thrones is notable for Her Majesty in other ways. Over its four year run, the series is credited with bolstering both employment and creative arts in Northern Ireland.
Game of Thrones season 5 will return to HBO in Spring 2015.