King Charles takes to the stage at the Royal Opera House

The King has taken to the stage to support one of the Royal Opera’s most important members. 

King Charles attended a gala performance for Antonio Pappano, the longest-serving Music Director in Royal Opera history. Pappano spent 22 years at the Royal Opera House, and his storied career was celebrated with several performances. After the performance, His Majesty joined Pappano and the performers onstage to applause.

The King and the music director have a long relationship, working together on several different projects. Most notably, Pappano conducted The King’s May 2023 coronation at Westminster Abbey. He also received a Knighthood in 2012 marking his service. 

Pappano said of The King and the evening, ”He was just so generous in his praise, and genuinely so, and that means everything, he loves music.”

He said about the gala: “These kinds of programmes are almost impossible, with so many different pieces from one to the other, but the feeling that everybody wanted to be here, we had a full house, the King was here. 

The King has long been involved with the Royal Opera House. In 2003, he took on the role of President of the Royal Ballet, and in 2009 he became Patron of the Royal Opera House. Buckingham Palace shared earlier in May that he would remain Patron of the Royal Opera House as King.