Prince William, Kate Lead War Horse Premiere (18 photos!)

Prince William and wife Kate Middleton turned the Leicester Square premiere of Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” into a royal event on Sunday (Jan. 8), highlighting a star-studded gathering.

Kate, 29, wore a stunning floor-length creme gown, embroidered with black flower and leaf patterns. It was fitted to the waist with the long skirt loosely fitting her legs.

“It’s a very prestigious honour because they represent an entirely new era in British royalty that has the entire world excited,” said Spielberg.

“When they came to America, that was one of the most exciting events, I think, that we’ve enjoyed for some time, so it’s such an honor to be here in the UK to be able to meet them and to be able to show them, and all of us, ‘War Horse,’” he added.

Check out the premiere photos; click to enlarge.

“War Horse encapsulates for me a timeless personal story of courage,” Spielberg continued.

“The movie, which I am proud to say was filmed here in Great Britain, deals with the discovery of humanity against conflict, and celebrates bravery, loyalty, tenacity and hope.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greeted members of the cast before watching the film. Six hundred serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families also attended the film.

“War Horse” is about the close bond between a horse named Joey and a young man named Albert, who raises the horse.

When World War I breaks out, the horse is taken for the British cavalry and begins an incredible journey. The horse passes from the British to the Germans and ends up with a French farmer and his granddaughter.

Joey touches the lives of them all.

The picture stars Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irvine, Benedict Cumberbatch and Toby Kebbell.

The screenplay was written by Lee Hall and Richard Curtis. It’s based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and a stage play by Nick Stafford.

Kate celebrates her 30th birthday today (Jan 9), but is expected to have a small, quiet party to mark the occasion.

Proceeds from the UK Premiere will go to “The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry,” which aids war victims.