Kate Middleton Surprised the 'Downton Abbey' Stars During a Visit to Set

• Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery looked back at the time Kate Middleton visited the set of the beloved drama during yesterday's episode of The Tonight Show.
• Dockery said the Duchess of Cambridge was charming, gracious, beautiful, and "mesmerizing" during her visit.
• The Downton Abbey movie hits theaters this Friday, September 20.

The upcoming Downton Abbey movie revolves around the king and queen's visit to the titular estate, but the cast also got a real-life royal visit of their own. Back in 2015, Kate Middleton stopped by the set of the beloved British drama at London's Ealing Studios. Four years might've passed since then, but actress Michelle Dockery, who stars as Lady Mary in the series and film, still holds the memories dear.

"I sort of felt like probably what it felt like for a court jester back in the day, performing for the royals," she joked on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night. "So we were quite nervous. But she was just, of course, so charming, gracious, and beautiful, and she was mesmerizing and it was such a special time for everyone."

Duchess Kate and her husband, Prince William, are known to be big Downton fans. The Duke of Cambridge called it "one of Catherine's and my favorite programs" in a tribute to the show hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Dockery's co-star Laura Carmichael, who portrays Lady Edith, previously gushed over the duchess' visit to set. "We all got quite shy and she was sort of leading the conversation," she said, according to E! News. "It was lovely. She's so normal. I know everyone says that but she really does try to make everyone feel at ease."

Is it too much to hope for a Kate cameo in the Downton film? The movie arrives to theaters this Friday, September 20.

The Downton Abbey Cast Hits the Red Carpet for the Movie's World Premiere

Image 1 of 17

Elizabeth McGovern (Cora, Countess of Grantham), Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), and Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith) pose on the red carpet.

Elizabeth McGovern sports a sleek, hot-pink gown with diamond earrings.

Laura Carmichael flaunts a high leg slit in this black number.

Allen Leech (Tom Branson) poses with his wife, Jessica Blair Herman.

Mr. Carson—ahem, I mean, Jim Carter—looks dashing next to wife Imelda Staunton, who plays a new character, Lady Bagshaw, in the film.

Hugh Bonneville, the Earl of Grantham himself, poses with wife Lulu Williams.

Geraldine James, who plays Queen Mary in the film, looks sophisticated in a white lace suit and silver pointed heels.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes poses with wife Emma Joy Kitchener on the red carpet.

Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Patmore) pairs polka-dot stockings with a black dress.

Tuppence Middleton, who plays Lucy in the new film, wears a black ruffled gown and Jessica McCormack earrings.

Kate Phillips shines on the carpet, and plays Princess Mary in the movie.

Sophie McShera (everyone's favorite assistant cook, Daisy) rocks a black dress with hot pink embellishments at the shoulder and hip.

Penelope Wilton (Isobel) opts for sharp suiting.

Game of Thrones' Mark Addy smiles for the cameras.

Michael Fox (Andy) melts hearts while posing in a smart suit.

Michelle Dockery shines in gold Galvan.

Raquel Cassidy (Baxter) poses in a black lace gown by Caroline Castigliano.

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