The King was warmly received at the Royal Opera House for a gala honoring Sir Antonio Pappano, marking the end of his 22-year tenure as music director of The Royal Opera. Charles, amidst his cancer treatment, expressed feeling “not too bad” after the performance.

He and Sir Antonio reminisced about past events since the coronation last May. Sir Antonio praised Charles’s genuine appreciation for music and their history of collaborations. Performers, informed of Charles’s attendance just 20 minutes before going on stage, delivered a stellar performance, culminating in a standing ovation. Opera tenor Freddie De Tommaso described the event as exhilarating, emphasizing the joy and honor of performing for the King.

Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina expressed gratitude for Charles’s presence, noting his encouragement. Sir Antonio, recognized for his contributions, received high honors, including being appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and winning his second Olivier Award.