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King Charles III Makes Surprise Front-Row Appearance at Tolu Coker’s London Fashion Week Show
London Fashion Week opened on February 19, 2026, and is scheduled to run through February 23. King Charles III made a surprise appearance at the British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker’s runway autumn/winter show at 180 Studios, marking the first time since 2018 that a senior royal has sat in the front row at London Fashion Week.
Photo: Getty images
The King was seated in the front row next to fashion designer Stella McCartney and Laura Weir, CEO of the British Fashion Council. He wore a gray suit with a single-breasted jacket layered over a long white shirt, paired with matching trousers with folded hems. He completed the look with a patterned bronze tie and black shoes.
Tolu Coker launched her label in 2018 after graduating from Central Saint Martins. She is known for her unisex silhouettes that are rooted in modern storytelling. Coker was recently named a finalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
Photo: Getty images
Coker is also a former beneficiary of The King’s Trust, founded by King Charles III, which provided mentorship and support when she started her brand. For her autumn/winter 2026 collection, she took inspiration from her upbringing on the Mozart Council Estate in West London.
The King’s appearance at the show came hours after he addressed his concerns over his brother Andrew’s arrest, emphasizing that “the law must take its course.”
Photo: Getty images
His attendance reinforced the designer’s rising influence and highlighted London Fashion Week as a platform for displaying diverse talent.
