King Charles III attends sold out The Tempest in Stratford-upon-Avon

King Charles III made a surprise appearance at a sold-out performance of Shakespeare's The Tempest in Stratford-upon-Avon, delighting audience members by taking a seat among the public. The King was met with cheers as he arrived at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for the production, which stars Sir Kenneth Branagh.

Upon arrival, Charles was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, and the Royal Shakespeare Company's co-artistic directors, Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey. He then took a seat near the back of the auditorium, sitting between Evans and Harvey and near the production's director, Sir Richard Eyre. Audience members in the dress circle and stalls were seen taking pictures as the monarch settled in to watch the play.

During the interval, the King met with members of the RSC's in-house costume department. He examined several historical costumes, including a crown from a 2023 production of Edward II, a dress worn by Dame Judi Dench in a 2003 performance, and garments worn by David Tennant in 2013 and Sir Antony Sher in 1984. Charles described the items as brilliant.

The visit underscores the King's formal connection to the institution. He became the patron of...