London Fashion Week launched on Thursday with a rare visit from King Charles III only hours after his brother Andrew’s sensational arrest, overshadowing an event traditionally focused on highlighting new talent.
The king surprised crowds when his car pulled up outside a show by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker—on a day when headlines were dominated by the former Prince Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office for his dealings with late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The king was met by a question about Andrew from the crowd, which he appeared not to hear.
After shaking hands and greeting industry leaders and designers, Charles took a front-row seat between British Fashion Council chief executive officer Laura Weir and top UK designer Stella McCartney.
It was one of several public duties the king carried out on Thursday, apparently seeking to project an air of business-as-usual.
The monarch, dressed suavely in a grey suit with turned-up hems, presented McCartney with a scarf after touring stands of clothes showcasing various designers.
One of the designers showing in the coming days is 27-year-old Joshua Ewusie, a breakout British creator born to Ghanaian parents who is due to put on his second show with his brand “E.W.Usie”.
The young designer has been supported by the King’s Foundation, a charity founded by Charles, helping to provide a studio space shortly after he graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins school. One of the foundation’s partners is Chanel.
