Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall met theatre royalty today as they headed to the West End to reopen the Theatre Royal Drury before travelling to Hyde Park for an official visit.
The couple, who have spent most of the last year at Clarence House in London, were joined by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, 73, who gave the pair a personal tour of the venue, before Charles officially reopened the historic theatre.
Charles, 72, sported his signature blue pinstripe suit and light polkadot tie as he sipped on tea and ate scones on the terrace of the theatre.
Meanwhile, Camilla, 73, opted for a belted green shirt dress with a trendy dotted pattern and nude heels for the sunny day out.
Clearly enjoying the June weather, the The Duchess of Cornwall beamed as she picked up an ice cream from a royal parks ice cream van.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall met theatre royalty today as they headed to the West End to reopen the Theatre Royal Drury.Clearly enjoying the June weather, the The Duchess of Cornwall beamed as she picked up an ice cream from a royal parks ice cream van.
Charles, 72, sported his signature blue pinstripe suit and light polka dot tie as he sipped on tea and ate scones on the terrace of the theatre.
The couple, who have spent most of the last year at Clarence House in London, were joined by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber who gave the pair a personal tour of the venue, before Charles officially reopened the historic theatre
Camilla looked delighted to chat to Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who has written more than 21 musicals
The oldest theatre site in continuous use in the world, the stage has been entertaining Londoners since 1812, and every reigning British monarch since has attended performances there.
In 2000 Lord Lloyd Webber bought the theatre and in 2019 along with his wife Madeleine, 58, embarked on a two year project to completely restore it.
Today, the owner sported a light grey suit and red, flower-patterned tie as Prince Charles officially reopened it, unveiling a plaque that read: ‘Theatre Drury Lane Restored 2019-2021, By Lord and Lady Lloyd Weber.
‘Opened by Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, 23rd June 2021’
In 2000 Lord Lloyd Webber (second left) bought the theatre and in 2019 along with his wife Madeleine (left), 58, embarked on a two year project to completely restore it. Charles and Camilla re pictured right
Today, the owner sported a light grey suit and red, flower-patterned tie as Prince Charles officially reopened it, unveiling a plaque that read: ‘Theatre Drury Lane Restored 2019-2021, By Lord and Lady Lloyd Weber. ‘Opened by Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, 23rd June 2021’
Sporting a slick light blue trouser suit, Lady Lloyd Webber, 58, looked elegant as she joined the royal couple.
It comes as the Prince of Wales today hosted the first major investiture ceremony since the pandemic began at St James’s Palace.
Scaled back due to Covid, Prince Charles presented honours to 32 recipients – including CEO of the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, Mrs Allison Ogden-Newton – rather than the 100 guests it would’ve been in pre-pandemic times.
Sporting a slick light blue trouser suit, Lady Lloyd Webber, 58, looked elegant as she joined the royal couple.
Charles (left) and Camilla (right) both sported facemasks for the day out at the theatere
Other significant changes brought in to keep the event Covid secure included the insignia being collected by the recipients from a cushion rather than being pinned on by the prince.
Those being honoured with knighthoods and MBEs also had to wear masks as they move around the Palace, but can remove their face coverings in the Throne Room where the actual ceremony is taking place.
Buckingham Palace – the Queen’s official London residence – is normally the venue for many of the ceremonies – but the event took place at St James’s Palace because of on-going work to update the services at the royal residence.
Camilla opted for a trendy midi green dress (left) while Charles dressed in a pinstripe suit
The Prince of Wales is shown the auditorium during a visit to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are shown around the auditorium by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lady Madeleine Lloyd Webber during a visit to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, central London, to hear about the restoration of the thea
Recipients were only permitted to bring one guest, but the family member, partner or friend also had the chance to meet heir-to-the-throne Charles.
During traditional investitures, each recipient would have approached the prince or hosting royal on their own, and up to three guests would have watched, seated at a distance with scores of other spectators.
But during the pandemic, those being honoured entered the Throne Room one at time, joined by their guest who was also greeted by the prince.
There was no audience present but the investiture is thought to have been shown on large screens to those waiting their turn in the adjacent Queen Anne room – another of the State Rooms.
Those attending are required to bring proof of a negative lateral flow Covid test to ensure entry and be subject to a temperature check on arrival.
Friendly Charles spoke to members of the public during his tour of the theatre today
Britain’s Prince Charles pets a horse as he visits the Royal Parks in Hyde Park
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose as they meet with staff looking after the Royal Parks in Hyde Park
There will also be no hanging around and mingling afterwards. Those attending will depart after collecting their honour, and seating will be socially distanced.
There will also be reduced numbers of ceremonial and support staff present, and family portrait and media facilities remain, but in more limited numbers.
Investitures are usually a key part of the royal calendar, but there have been no major ones for 15 months, since before the start of England’s first national lockdown.
Today’s ceremony took place despite the delay to the June 21 easing of restrictions following concerns over the rapidly spreading Delta variant first identified in India.
Lady Madeleine Lloyd Webber, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to Theatre Royal
Beaming in the sunshine, Charles wore sunglasses as he enjoyed an afternoon tea on the terrace
All sunshine! Enjoying the British summer, Charles looked delighted to sit outside with Camilla
Madeleine Lloyd Webber, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to Theatre Royal on June 23, 2021 in London, England. Theatre Royal Drury is
‘The arrangements have been made in full consultation with Public Health England and Government to ensure they are Covid compliant, in line with current guidelines,’ a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said.
In March 2020, the Queen was pictured wearing gloves for the first time at a palace investiture, when the total number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the UK was 51.
It was before the UK was in the grip of coronavirus, and the head of the World Health Organisation was advising people over the age of 60 to avoid crowded areas.