The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel had its royal premiere on Tuesday, February 17.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have attended the British comedy sequel premiere at London’s Leicester Square which was decorated to resemble a set from the Indian-based film.

The release follows the 2012 box office hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Critics have given director John Madden’s sequel mixed reviews.

Based in Jaipur, India, the follow-up sees the original cast members reprise their roles, with Richard Gere joining the cast.

The Second Best Marigold Hotel also stars Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Dev Patel, Tina Desai, Penelope Wilton and Tamsin Greig.

Following the premiere, Tina Desai said the royal couple had been “extremely warm and gracious”, and that Prince Charles was very interested in the Bollywood film industry.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel earned more than $135 million at box offices worldwide on a production budget of $10 million.

Sequel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will be released on February 26. Money raised by the premiere will go to The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, which provides support to film and TV industry employees and their families who fall on hard times.

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