Actress Emma Thompson has remembered her good friend, the late Alan Rickman, and recalled how she knew he was a “good egg”.

She was speaking after serenading the Prince of Wales as she greeted him at a royal reception for British Academy Award winners.

The event, hosted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at St James’s Palace, saw Emma sing: “It’s you! You look gorgeous.”

Colin Firth and Emma Thompson greet Prince Charles (Eddie Mulholland/The Daily Teleg/PA Wire/Press Association Images)
Colin Firth and Emma Thompson greet Prince Charles (Eddie Mulholland/The Daily Telegraph/PA)

She joined a host of British acting royalty including Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Colin Firth, Jeremy Irons, Sir Michael Caine and playwright and author Ronald Harwood.

Harry Potter star Alan died from cancer in January aged 69.

Recalling her long history and friendship with the royals, Emma told a touching story about Alan.

Dame Judi Dench greets Prince Charles (Eddie Mulholland/The Daily Teleg/PA Wire/Press Association Images)
Dame Judi Dench greets Prince Charles (Eddie Mulholland/The Daily Teleg/PA Wire/Press Association Images)

She said: “Actually one of the first times I came here (St James’s Palace), it was a charity gig with Robert Lindsay… He couldn’t make it, but Alan Rickman came immediately and I’d never met him and that’s when I knew he was such a good egg.”

The Howards End star also spoke about why she was able to freely sing for Prince Charles, saying: “He’s an old friend. And I will always make a loud noise when he comes into any room and he knows that. But he does ask me to pipe down. Someone’s got to do it.”