King Charles attended the grand unveiling of new main stage curtains at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, featuring a design in his honour. The curtains, which include an embroidery of the King's personal cipher, were revealed to more than 2,000 guests during a Spring Gala performance.
The previous curtains, installed in 1997, had been used for over 10,000 performances before wear and tear necessitated replacement. The new mohair velour curtains each measure 9.75 metres wide with a 10.8-metre drop. The King's cipher, combining 'C' and 'R' for Rex with 'III', symbolises the enduring relationship between the monarchy and the arts, according to executives.
Royal Ballet and Opera chief executive Alex Beard said it was 'a privilege' to welcome Charles, patron of both companies, to the gala. He added that the curtain unveiling 'marks an important moment for the organisation, reflecting our continued investment in the future of our stage.'
Earlier, Charles met representatives from curtain production specialists Gerriets and embroiderers from the Royal School of Needlework, viewing original designs and intricate embroidery samples. The curtains were commissioned thanks to a grant from the Julia Rausing Trust.
After the show, Charles went backstage to meet the cast, including Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Bryn Terfel, and Pretty Yende. Ms Yende described the evening as 'extraordinary' and called the Royal Opera House 'one of the most extraordinary opera houses in the world.'
