Even Beyoncé Was Nervous to Meet Meghan Markle at 'The Lion King' Premiere
I am still crushing hard over the meeting between Meghan Markle and Beyonce. Billy Eichner, who plays Timon, gave us all the behind-the-scene deets on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

I am still crushing hard over the meet-and-greet between two royal goddesses, Meghan Markle and Beyoncé. And now we know even more details on what happened: Billy Eichner, who plays Timon, gave us all the behind-the-scene deets in an interview last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. "We were all kind of nervous, even Beyoncé," he said. I'm shocked—I didn't even realize Beyoncé GOT nervous—but, I mean, relatable.
"In the days leading up to you, they email you a protocol of how you're supposed to greet Prince Harry and Meghan and they're very intense about it," he added. Among other things, attendees were instructed to refer to Meghan and Harry as "your royal highness" and not address them until shaking their hands.
Of course, Beyonce went right ahead and called Meghan "My princess," because she does what she wants and also that title is much better.
"I completely freaked out, although they were very very nice and totally chill and down to earth and lovely," said Billy (again, understandable). But apparently they actually bonded in a major way, which is actually a really sweet detail: "Meghan and I went to the same college in Northwestern. We were both theater majors. I didn't know her when we were theater. So we had this strange conversation about our acting teachers."
So there you have it. Meghan was down-to-earth, and friendly, and made everyone feel really welcome and appreciated. No surprise.
Here's video of that iconic Beyoncé-Meghan moment (it's around the five minute mark, if you want to fast-forward), as well as meet-and-greets with other castmembers and interviews with the cast:
Ah-MAZE-ing.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Meghan Markle's Blog, The Tig, Is Cleverly Named: Branding Expert
She's a smart businesswoman.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Everyone Wants Lindsay Lohan on Season 3 of 'White Lotus,' And It Could Actually Happen (If We're Lucky)
Please??????
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Small Business Spotlight: Rebel Nell
The women-led business creates social change through handcrafted jewelry.
By Sara Holzman
-
Meghan Markle's Blog, The Tig, Is Cleverly Named: Branding Expert
She's a smart businesswoman.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is "Pushing the Boundaries" of Royal Protocol With Her Latest Campaign, Commentator Says
She's doing great work.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Set Prince Harry Up for Success in His New Life in America, Celebrity Lawyer Suggests
She taught him well.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says He Brought Legal Claim Against Associated Newspapers Because He Loves the U.K.
He gave his witness statement on Tuesday.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
A Royal Reconciliation With Prince Harry Is "Almost Impossible," According to One Royal Expert
Never say never!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry's "Low-Key" Court Appearance May Help to "Minimize the Media Circus," Royal Expert Says
He's trying a new strategy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
'Succession' Actor Brian Cox Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are "Victims" of the "Moribund" Royal Institution
He has strong feelings about their situation.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Felt "Deprived" of His "Teenage Years" Because of Associated Newspapers, Court Told
The duke appeared in court on Monday.
By Iris Goldsztajn