 A couple of years ago, I was working as an extra on the set of a low-budget British film. It was one of those long shooting days where nothing much happens - standing around for hours, waiting for your scene, then rushing to get dressed, positioned, and ready, only to have the director decide to move on to something else.

During a break, while we were all loitering around the catering table, I overheard two crew members talking excitedly about a special guest who would be joining them later that afternoon. Curiosity piqued, I sidled up to join their conversation, just in time to hear one of them mention Prince Charles. My jaw dropped! I couldn't believe it; His Royal Highness himself was coming to visit the set?! Needless to say, rumors started flying faster than a Hollywood script rewrite.

As luck would have it, my scene happened to be scheduled right after lunch – when Prince Charles was due to arrive. After quickly gobbling down some sandwiches (well, cucumber ones actually, very posh), I reported back to wardrobe, eager to find out what exactly was going on. That's when I learned that Prince Charles wasn't there simply to observe; no, he had agreed to do a walk-on part, a tiny little cameo in the movie!

Now, here's where things got really interesting. You see, our film was a period piece set during Victorian times, so costumes were elaborate affairs involving layers upon layers of clothing, complete with corsets, bustles, top hats, and monocles. And let me tell you, nobody does authenticity quite like us Brits. So imagine the panic when news broke that Prince Charles needed to be fitted into his costume immediately! Time was ticking, and everyone knew that protocol demanded perfection when dressing royalty.

In strode the man himself, impeccably polite and charming, despite being surrounded by chaos. He shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and even managed to make small talk about the weather (quintessentially British). Watching him navigate through the madness without missing a beat filled me with admiration. Here was someone used to performing under pressure, albeit usually at state banquets and diplomatic functions rather than amidst hastily assembled crinolines and cummerbunds.

Finally, everything was ready, and it was time for HRH to take his place alongside us extras. We were lined up according to height, which placed poor Prince Charles near the back row. Being ever the gentleman, he insisted that taller individuals step forward, creating quite a comical shuffling of bodies as people vied for position next to him. Eventually, order was restored, and the cameras began rolling.

To this day, I still can't believe I shared a scene with Prince Charles, if only for a fleeting moment. When I think back on that experience, I am reminded of how life sometimes throws you curveballs, offering opportunities beyond your wildest dreams. In true British fashion, we persevered, adapted, and transformed what could have been a stressful situation into a memory none of us will ever forget.

And yes, before you ask, I did manage to sneak a peek at the rushes afterwards. Let me assure you, Prince Charles looked every inch the debonair Victorian gentleman. If only Thomas & Friends had been so fortunate...