We’ve always known Dame Helen Mirren is a legend—there’s a dame in her title, after all. Still, on Thursday (September 26), she made a show-stopping entrance at the London premiere of her new HBO series “Catherine the Great,” and the drama of it all proves that she’s also acutely aware of her royalty status.
Mirren did not walk onto the red carpet. She was carried in on an English sedan chair by four mere mortals. The actress exited before flashing cameras, showing off an ensemble clearly inspired by the Russian empress she plays in the show. The star paired wide-legged trousers with an elegant, square-necked navy blouse. As if that weren’t enough, she added a sparkling black opal and diamond Chopard necklace and matching earrings for some extra elegance.
Helen Mirren at the “Catherine the Great” premiere.
Mike Marsland/Getty ImagesThere’s basically no reason for anyone to ever walk a red carpet after this. On social media, people gave Mirren the praise and applause she truly deserves. “The Mirren out there winning at red carpets for life. Pure sass, loving this,” one person wrote. “Helen Mirren is FABULOUS!!” someone else declared, while someone else called her a goddess. All true.
“Catherine the Great” will premiere on October 21 and includes countless opportunities to see Mirren rock more regal costumes. According to HBO’s website, the mini series is a “four-part historical drama” that follows “the end of Catherine’s reign and her affair with Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin that helped shape the future of Russian politics.” Mirren, who won an Academy award for her role in The Queen is also an executive producer on the new show, so you know it’s going to be good.
Mirren has a busy slate of projects. Up next for her is Fast & Furious 9, which she is currently filming. I really hope she’s carried onto that red carpet, too.
