King appears as surprise guest at sold-out Shakespeare play

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King Charles III has appeared as a surprise guest at a sold-out performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) production of The Tempest.

The monarch was met with cheers from the crowd as he arrived at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire and took his seat in the packed auditorium.

Backstage, the King toured the company's costume department, describing the pieces as "brilliant" and was seen sharing a laugh while appreciating a replica crown.

The RSC's co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey called the visit from the King "a tremendous honour". The production is directed by Sir Richard Eyre and stars Sir Kenneth Branagh as Prospero.

Harvey, who sat next to the King, said he seemed like a "true enthusiast of the theatre" and was "laughing away" during the performance.

"I think he genuinely enjoyed it," she added.

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After the performance, the King, who is a patron of the RSC, greeted the cast backstage and was seen chatting with Sir Kenneth and Sir Richard.

The RSC's production of The Tempest marks Sir Kenneth's return to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for the first time in more than 30 years, and is Sir Richard's debut with the company.

Jeff Spicer via Getty Images

Jeff Spicer via Getty Images

Jeff Spicer via Getty Images