Overview
- King Charles attended the Spring Gala in Covent Garden as the Royal Opera House revealed new main-stage curtains featuring his personal cypher.
- The mohair velour drapes measure 9.75 metres in width with a 10.8 metre drop and replace curtains first installed in 1997 after more than 10,000 performances.
- Royal Opera House leaders said the cypher underscores the long-standing link between the Crown and national arts bodies, noting Charles serves as patron of The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
- Specialists from curtain maker Gerriets and the Royal School of Needlework produced the new set, with funding from the Julia Rausing Trust.
- Sir Ian McKellen introduced the unveiling to open the gala, and media described a warm reception from the audience, with GB News reporting a standing ovation for the King.