King Charles and Queen Camilla make surprise appearance

King Charles stunned locals and tourists in London with an unannounced walkabout as Queen Camilla emerged after illness.

King Charles has surprised locals and tourists in London by going on an impromptu walkabout in the city.

The smiling King appeared in good spirits as he visited a church in London to thank staff, aid workers and volunteers of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

The 76-year-old monarch, who hosted a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night (local time), has a longstanding relationship with the DEC, which brings together fifteen leading British aid charities to raise funds quickly during times of humanitarian crisis overseas.

Queen Camilla, meanwhile, returned to public duties after recovering from illness to join the King’s farewell to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani

King Charles during a visit to the Disasters Emergency Committee in London. Picture: Getty Images

Queen Camilla returned to public duties after recovering from illness to join the King’s farewell to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Picture: AFP

The King’s visit wasn’t publicised ahead of time due to security concerns but when Londoners spotted the royal Bentley they began to congregate outside the church, hoping to get a glimpse of the King.

The King was greeted by cheers, prompting him to wave and go on an impromptu walkabout – much to the delight of those gathered.

King Charles spoke to stunned tourists as he left the event. Picture: AFP

Many of those waiting were tourists, who couldn’t believe their luck that they were able to meet the King.

“Oh my God, you’re kidding me,” Angel Salinas an American tourist could be heard saying according to Express.

King Charles meets Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) staff, aid workers and volunteers. Picture: AFP

“I’m so sorry you’ve been stopped coming along the street,” the King said. “Are you all trying to go somewhere else, are, you. I hope you are not getting too wet.”

“No, thank you so much. No, we’re not,” he said. Other tourists also got a close encounter with the royal, saying: “Thank you, oh, wow. Amazing. That was incredible.”

Mr Salinas said: “That would never happen in the US! What a man, what a guy!”

“We are here for Ariana’s 30th birthday and saw his car so we followed it. We’ve been waiting for an hour but it was absolutely worth it,” Mr Salinas told Express.

King Charles appeared in good health during the event but Queen Camilla stayed away as she continues to recover from pneumonia. Picture: AFP

“I can’t believe he came over and stooped to talk to us. It’s just like in movie! This is the most British thing that could ever happen in the UK. In the US you wouldn’t get near anyone because of the security, but here the King just casually wanders down to say hello. It’s amazing!”

Dutch tourist Beau Kers added: “I told him we were having a good holiday now and he laughed. What a lovely, kind and polite man.”

King Charles was a hit during the unannounced visit. Picture: AFP

Her mother, Diana, added: “I arranged an event with our King Willem last year but I much prefer your King Charles. Such a kind man. This has been wonderful!”

The King and Queen donated to the DEC’s Middle East Humanitarian appeal which launched on the 17th October 2024.

Originally published as King Charles and Queen Camilla make surprise appearance