King Charles III attends new stage curtain reveal gala at The Royal Opera House

King Charles III attended the Special Spring Gala at The Royal Opera House on 14th May 2026 when the new main stage curtains baring his personal cipher were revealed.

The new main stage curtains. King Charles III sits on the balcony. ©2026 Tristram Kenton  

The Royal Ballet Principal dancer Marianela Nuñez and soprano Pretty Yende join the king ©2026 Laura Aziz

Actor Sir Ian McKellen ©2026 Tristram Kenton 

King met representatives from curtain production specialists Gerriets and the expert embroiderers of the Royal School of Needlework in the backstage, as well as The Royal Ballet and Opera artists.

King greeting King  ©2026 Laura Aziz

The first repertoire performance on the Main Stage with the new curtains is Kenneth MacMillan's ballet Mayerling.

This is the previous curtain bearing late Queen Elizabeth II's personal cipher.

Source: The Royal Opera and Ballet news release

Updated on 18th May 2026 to clarify the location of the gala as The Royal Opera House.