George and Amal Clooney joined by Benedict Cumberbatch at star-studded Buckingham Palace bash

Words by Sarah Carty and Alison Coldridge.

George and Amal Clooney appear to have cemented their spot in the Royal Family‘s inner celebrity circle.

The Hollywood power couple – who bagged an invite to Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding last May and even gifted Meghan a trip on a private jet for her baby shower – made a surprise appearance at Buckingham Palace bash in London last night.

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The duo were pictured shaking hands and sharing a joke with Prince Charles at the event, which was held in support of the future monarch’s The Prince’s Trust charity. The organisation works with number celebrity ambassadors, including Tom Hardy and Idris Elba, who weren’t photographed at the event.

Never one to opt for standard fare, Amal, 41, showcased her sartorial prowess in a chic, one-shoulder gown by Jean-Louis Scherrer for Stephane Rolland.

The Grecian-inspired gown from the designer’s spring 2007 couture collection hit a style high note – largely thanks to the matching cape that dusted the floor. A metallic box clutch and diamond earrings completed the ensemble.

Meanwhile George, 57, looked dapper in a tux.

The Clooneys were joined at the palace by American actor Josh Hartnett and his partner – British actress Tamsin Egerton – Welsh actor Luke Evans and UK actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

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Amal and George have been friendly with the royals since moving to the UK permanently in 2014, where Amal practices law.

They famously appeared at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May last year and Amal attended Meghan’s NYC baby shower last month. George and Amal also reportedly hosted the newlyweds at their Lake Como home in Italy last summer, following their nuptials.