The Prince of Wales has rubbed shoulders with the stars of Bridgerton and Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Prince’s Trust Awards.
Charles cracked a joke as he arrived on the red carpet outside the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s West End on Tuesday.
On the steps of the venue, he was greeted by impresario Lord Lloyd-Webber, its owner, and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa.
Bailey joked that he expected the hit show to “be on for the next 50 years” and told the prince the series has been shooting in Bath, before describing the city as “stunning”.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly hosted the annual awards for a 10th year and it will air on Thursday on ITV for the first time.
As the prince met the celebrity ambassadors, a rumble of thunder was heard through an open window, prompting laughter from Charles, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway and actress Felicity Kendal.
Former Big Brother presenter Emma Willis and Melanie C of the Spice Girls took to the stage to present an award wearing matching pant suits in pink and purple respectively.
The pop singer, 31, took a tumble while descending some steps during the annual ceremony at London’s O2 Arena in early February – but carried on to finish her performance.
He addressed the impact of the pandemic on young people and stressed the importance of the trust’s work.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane has undergone major renovations in recent years, reopening in July 2021 with the Frozen musical currently showing.