Applause for King at first show of fashion week


King Charles III has appeared at a fashion show in London, just hours after his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Charles greeted onlookers with a wave when he arrived at Tolu Coker's London Fashion Week show on Thursday and was met with applause inside the room.

Watching the British-Nigerian designer's collection he chatted animatedly to British Fashion Council Chief Laura Weir and designer Stella McCartney in the front row.

King Charles with designer Stella McCartney. Photo: Reuters
King Charles with designer Stella McCartney. Photo: Reuters

Earlier on Thursday, Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by police and detained in custody to be questioned over allegations he sent confidential government documents to the late Jeffrey Epstein.

The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, is unprecedented in modern times and presents Charles with the biggest crisis of his reign.

The King issued a statement expressing his "deepest concern" about the news.

"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."

King Charles attended the opening show of London Fashion Week on Thursday. Photo: Richard Pohle...
King Charles attended the opening show of London Fashion Week on Thursday. Photo: Richard Pohle/Pool via Reuters

Charles' visit to London Fashion Week, which was planned in advance, combined his eye for classic British style with his support for traditional crafts.

The 77-year-old monarch, a long-time customer at London's famed Savile Row street of tailors, watched as models presented the latest creations by Coker, who is known for celebrating cultural identity and craftsmanship in her work.

A model wears a garment from British/Nigerian fashion designer Tolu Coker's AW26 show. Photo:...
A model wears a garment from British/Nigerian fashion designer Tolu Coker's AW26 show. Photo: Reuters
Charles follows in his late mother's footsteps by attending a London Fashion Week show. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II sat beside fashion editor Dame Anna Wintour on the front row at Richard Quinn's show.

Coker, who launched her eponymous brand in 2021, was showing as part of the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN programme, which provides financial support and mentoring for new designers.

Before the show, Charles toured exhibitions at the London Fashion Week hub, including one by designer McCartney, known for using alternatives to leather and fur in her designs, focusing on sustainable British innovation.