Having taken up residence in California since photography wrapped at Leavesden Studios in 1998, Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is finally back in England.

On Wednesday, July 15, 1999, over five thousand UK fans took London's West End by storm as Prince Charles, members of the cast and crew of Episode I and select guests gathered for the premiere of the new chapter of the Star Wars saga. Just as the US premieres of the movie had been benefit events to aid various organizations and associations throughout North America, the European premiere took place as this year's Royal Performance, a benefit evening held each year to raise money for The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.

Among the numerous faces popping out of the crowd of fans, one could distinguish many a Star Wars character. But even the mighty Chewbacca and the imposing Darth Vader and Darth Maul respectfully stayed behind the barriers erected by the Metropolitan Police, whose agents were on the site to carefully supervise the whole event. Before long, black limousines started to line up in front of the welcoming committee that had invaded the Odeon Leicester Square, with each celebrity guest's arrival greeted by a powerful cheer that rang across London's West End. Among the Episode I stars present were Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Queen Amidala), Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), and Brian Blessed (Boss Nass). They were joined by Star Wars veterans and Episode I co-stars Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), and Warwick Davis (Wald), as well as classic Trilogy actors Jeremy Bullock (Boba Fett), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Denis Lawson (Wedge Antilles). Fans were also delighted at the opportunity to meet two of the foremost creative forces in the Star Wars universe, George Lucas and Producer Rick McCallum. "This was awesome!" said McCallum, who gladly dived into the crowd, shook hands with as many people as he could, and happily signed autographs. "I've never seen a crowd like that - anywhere."

Many of Britain's leading entertainers were also present, but the guest of honor was Prince Charles, who greeted the crowd with a wave before entering the cinema to be introduced to the leading members of the cast and crew of Episode I. At 8 p.m., the lights dimmed and the piece de resistance, The Phantom Menace, jumped to life before the gathered guests. After the screening, the delighted spectators were led to a massive marquee erected near London's Tower Bridge for the post-premiere celebration. The party's many attractions included live Star Wars music from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, a spectacular laser show, Star Wars ice sculptures, robot dancers, and a bar serving exotic alien drinks.

The festivities ended at 4 in the morning, but Episode I was not done opening in Europe yet. The next evening saw a second charity screening take place, this time for the Almeida Theatre. The event was a gift from George Lucas to Ian McDiarmid, one of the theater's co-directors.

Episode I officially opened in the UK on July 16, 1999, and will reach the rest of the European fans during summer and fall.

Many thanks to reporter David Bassom of Star Wars Magazine for his invaluable help in covering the event.