King Charles Opens London Fashion Week After Backing Investigation into Prince Andrew

Just hours after voicing support for an investigation involving Prince Andrew, King Charles III stepped into the spotlight at London Fashion Week. The monarch officially opened the five-day event from the front row of designer Tolu Coker’s runway show.

London Fashion Week kicked off on a distinctly royal high note when King Charles III officially opened the five-day event on Thursday.

He appeared front row at British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker’s Fall-Winter 2026 show, just hours after issuing a statement following the arrest of his younger brother.

Earlier in the day, Buckingham Palace released a statement from the King saying he learned “with the deepest concern” of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest and stressing that “the law must take its course.” He also confirmed that authorities have his “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” in the investigation.

Despite the turmoil within the royal family, King Charles stayed on schedule and attended London Fashion Week, which runs from February 19 to 23.

He was photographed seated in the front row at Coker’s runway show at 180 Strand in London. He reportedly arrived 25 minutes late, and guests were asked to stand upon his arrival.

Dressed in a gray suit with a white collared shirt and patterned tie, King Charles was seated next to Stella McCartney and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir, who escorted him into the venue. Also in attendance were designer Martine Rose, Alexander McQueen Creative Director Sean McGirr, and British rapper Little Simz.

The Royal Family later shared images from the King’s visit, revealing that he officially opened London Fashion Week 2026 and toured exhibitions, including Brand63Africa and Stella McCartney, which were curated to highlight craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability within British fashion.

Coker, a former beneficiary of The Prince’s Trust — now The King’s Trust — received mentorship and business support from the charity when she launched her brand in 2018.

Speaking to CNN backstage, the designer described seeing the monarch at her show as a “full circle moment.” “It was really special to have him on our block and to experience what that is like,” she said.

Her latest collection, titled “Survivor’s Remorse,” explored British identity through the lens of the African diaspora. The runway featured tailored and structured pieces, including cropped double-breasted jackets, sailor hats, and pastel frock coats.

One look combined a blue and pink tartan mini-skirt set with references to her Yoruba heritage and the 1995 film “Clueless.”

Royal appearances at London’s fashion events are rare but not unprecedented. Catherine, Princess of Wales, presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell in May 2025, and the late Queen Elizabeth II attended Richard Quinn’s show in 2018

While the day marked a significant development for the royal family with Andrew’s arrest, King Charles’ presence at London Fashion Week underscored his longstanding support for British design and young creatives through The King’s Trust.