The Royal Ballet and Opera has unveiled its new main stage curtains, featuring the personal cipher of King Charles III. They replace those that carried the cipher of the late Queen Elizabeth II – which had been present at the house for 27 years.
Unveiled at Covent Garden’s Spring Gala on 14th May, the new curtains reflect a longstanding relationship between the opera house and the royal family. The commission was realised in collaboration with Gerriets and the Royal School of Needlework.
The King attended the gala and met the artists, backstage and technical teams. He also met representatives from Gerriets and the Royal School of Needlework, viewing original designs to gain first-hand insight into the craftsmanship involved.
Charles also met artists of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, and appeared on stage in front of the newly unveiled curtains alongside Royal Ballet Principal dancer Marianela Nuñez and soprano Pretty Yende, who performed at the Coronation in May 2023.
The gala offered audiences a first glimpse of the newly commissioned curtains ahead of their first repertoire performance in The Royal Ballet’s production of Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling on Saturday 16th May.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Ballet and Opera, said: “It was a privilege to welcome His Majesty The King this evening, bringing together artists from both companies in a shared celebration. The unveiling of the new stage curtains marks an important moment for the organisation, reflecting our continued investment in the future of our stage and in the remarkable craft that underpins every performance.”
