Charles introduces Pacino to Parker-Bowles

Prince Charles

The Prince of Wales has enjoyed an evening at the cinema with an old friend - Hollywood star Al Pacino.

Charles hosted a charity premiere of Pacino's new film The Merchant Of Venice in London's Leicester Square.

The two have been friends for years and Pacino has been a house guest at Highgrove. The premiere was a chance for Charles to introduce Pacino to his partner, Camilla Parker Bowles.

"How very nice to see you - I've heard so much about you," Parker Bowles said as she greeted the actor.

Pacino stayed at Highgrove in 1997 and was reportedly astonished when he bumped into Charles and found him clad in a full-length muslin robe.

They have remained friends and Charles stays in contact with the actor by letter.

The film has a mostly British cast including Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes and The Office star Mackenzie Crook.