King appears as surprise guest at sold-out Shakespeare play

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The RSC's co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey called the visit from the King "a tremendous honour". The production is directed by Sir Richard Eyre and stars Sir Kenneth Branagh as Prospero. Harvey, who sat next to the King, said he seemed like a "true enthusiast of the theatre" and was "laughing away" during the performance.

"I think he genuinely enjoyed it," she added. Jeff Spicer via Getty ImagesThe King sits among audience members in the auditorium of the Royal Shakespeare TheatreAfter the performance, the King, who is a patron of the RSC, greeted the cast backstage and was seen chatting with Sir Kenneth and Sir Richard. The RSC's production of The Tempest marks Sir Kenneth's return to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for the first time in more than 30 years, and is Sir Richard's debut with the company.

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