Although King Charles, 77, doesn’t have to worry about weighted hems or secure fascinators like his wife, Queen Camilla, he still has his own fashion mishaps to worry about.
Prior to his accession to the throne, the then-Prince of Wales joined his wife at Royal Ascot in June 2021, when it reopened following a year of closure amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Adhering to the dress code, he wore a grey suit, a lavender striped shirt and a patterned purple tie. Following the suggested safety rules, he was spotted trying to put on his black face mask – with much difficulty.
With the loops secured around his ears, Charles visibly struggled to pull the mask into place, with the then-Duchess of Cornwall watching as he tried to prevent the material from obscuring his eyesight.
Meanwhile, Camilla wore a pom-pom-studded cream mask, which completed her matching coat-dress, pearls and ecru fascinator. In a sweet moment, Charles ensured Camilla didn’t suffer the same mishap, as he was spotted helping her secure her mask – a moment that he later chose for their 2021 Christmas Card.
© Getty Images
© GettyKing Charles’ rare fashion comments
King Charles rarely discusses his fashion, but he made an exception while hosting the inaugural London Collections: Men reception at St James’s Palace in 2012.
Addressing praise for his timeless style, he joked: “It has taken me 64 years to be considered a fashion icon… I have veered from being the best-dressed man in the world to being the worst-dressed man in the world. Meanwhile, I have gone on like a stopped clock, and my time comes around every 25 years.”
He reiterated to British Vogue in 2020 that his main concerns are colour combinations and sustainability.
© Getty ImagesHe told then-editor-in-chief Edward Enninful he would much rather invest in repairing used clothing than buy new fast fashion.
“I’m one of those people who’d get shoes – or any item of clothing – repaired if I can, rather than throw it away,” he said.
“And that’s why I think, from an economic point of view, there are huge opportunities for people to set up small businesses involved with repair, maintenance and reuse.”