In October of 1977, Prince Charles spent two weeks visiting the United States. On Thursday, October 27th, he attended a luncheon at the 20th-Century Fox studio in Hollywood, California. Among those in attendance were Cary Grant, Charlton Heston and Lauren Bacall as well as the cast of M*A*S*H, several of whom were still in costume [1]. He watched an episode of the series being filmed as well as an episode of Charlie’s Angels; according to an Associated Press article, he had “expressed an interest in seeing” both shows [2].
Here’s a press photograph of Prince Charles and Alan Alda:
The legible portion of the caption reads as follows:
Prince Charles of England, during his recent visit to the United States, chats with Alan Alda (right) on the set of “M*A*S*H,” one of his favorite television series, while Alda, who plays Hawkeye, was filming a two-part episode, the first half of which
The two-part episode in question can only be “Comrades In Arms, Part I” and “Comrades In Arms, Part II,” which aired in December of 1977.
Here’s a slightly larger version:
These images were offered on eBay in March of 2010 and January of 2005, respectively.
Works Cited:
1 Associated Press. 27 Oct. 1977: AM Cycle.
2 Ibid.
I think Prince Charles was very lucky to get to meet Alan Alda!
i was very pleased and honored to shake hands with the prince of whales. at that essence, october 27, 1977, at 20th century fox motion picture studios. i was there in the capacity of an lighting technician. when i shook your hand, and felt once again, that honour is aquired by virture. i would graciously ask to have a photo, of the prince meeting myself, steve ritchie. sincerely, steven craig ritchie.
It was comrade in arms part two. The specific scene that was filmed that day was Margaret & Hawkeye’s intimate moment in the hut.