'We love you guys,' Beyonce tells Meghan at Lion King premiere

British royalty and American royalty graced the red carpet at the European premiere of The Lion King on Sunday night.

Although it was believed to be the first time the two couples have met, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Beyonce and Jay-Z greeted each other affectionately.

Meghan and Beyonce shared a hug and linked hands.

As Meghan chatted with Beyonce and Jay-Z, the rapper could be heard saying "congrats", while his wife said "baby, so beautiful".

Beyonce also told the duchess: "We love you guys."

The couples appeared to chat about their children, with Jay-Z telling new father Harry: "Always find some time for yourself."

Harry kissed Beyonce on both cheeks and mentioned that the American couple were a busy pair.

The singer appeared to answer: "A little bit. No more busy than you guys."

Beyonce lends her voice to the character of lioness Nala in Disney's CGI remake of the 1994 classic, which also stars Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Sir Elton John and Pharrell Williams, who are behind the music, also attended the event in London's Leicester Square.

The premiere was held in "support of the conservation and communities work" of Prince Harry through the Royal Foundation, Buckingham Palace said.

After the film, the duke and duchess were expected to meet representatives from organisations doing groundbreaking work in the areas of conservation and the environment.

Disney has announced its global conservation campaign Protect the Pride to mark the movie's release.

With conservation partners and the Royal Foundation, the drive aims to raise awareness and support efforts to recover the dwindling lion population across Africa.

Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Sussex has taken a deep personal interest in frontline conservation projects that work to protect Africa's natural heritage and support both wildlife and local communities."

Harry and Meghan are taking baby Archie to South Africa in the autumn.

The duke is also carrying out solo visits to Angola, Malawi and Botswana. 

Skynews