In 'A United Kingdom,' A Royal Interracial Marriage Ignites A Global Scandal

In 'A United Kingdom,' A Royal Interracial Marriage Ignites A Global Scandal

In 1948, a black law student named Seretse Khama, who was also heir to the throne in Botswana, married a white English clerk named Ruth Williams. Their courtship sparked an international scandal right as apartheid was taking hold of neighboring South Africa.

This month, Khama and Williams' story is the subject of "A United Kingdom," which premiered at last year's Toronto Film Festival. David Oyelowo plays Khama, and a charming Rosamund Pike plays Williams, a woman who had to adjust to life at the center of a fraught spotlight.

Below, The Huffington Post has a gallery of exclusive photos showcasing the handsomely shot movie directed by Amma Asante ("Belle").

"A United Kingdom" opens Feb. 10.

Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo stage a meet-cute that butts up against the era's politics.
Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo stage a meet-cute that butts up against the era's politics.
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Still cute. Khama and Williams bonded over their shared love of jazz.
Still cute. Khama and Williams bonded over their shared love of jazz.
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South African actor Vusi Kunene portrays Khama's uncle, who was the regent of a Botswanan tribe.
South African actor Vusi Kunene portrays Khama's uncle, who was the regent of a Botswanan tribe.
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Khama and Williams were separated during the political fallout, so they took to writing letters.
Khama and Williams were separated during the political fallout, so they took to writing letters.
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Rosamund Pike is good at reading letters.
Rosamund Pike is good at reading letters.
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Notice "Downton Abbey" actress Laura Carmichael in the background. She plays Williams' sister.
Notice "Downton Abbey" actress Laura Carmichael in the background. She plays Williams' sister.
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Amma Asanta directs South African actress Terry Pheto in a scene.
Amma Asanta directs South African actress Terry Pheto in a scene.
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