Monarch charms crowds with relaxed appearance at London’s Old Spitalfields Market
King Charles drew warm praise from the public during a surprise visit to Old Spitalfields Market in East London on Thursday, braving the rain to mingle with enthusiastic crowds.
The 75-year-old monarch received a hearty welcome from onlookers and took time to shake hands and exchange words with members of the public.
In a moment that caught many off guard, the King crossed a busy street to enter the bustling market — without traffic being halted — in a move that surprised bystanders. Security remained discreet, allowing the King to engage openly and casually with the crowd.
During his visit, Charles stopped at an antiques stall, where vendor Paul Brimmer offered him a “special discount” on a vintage watch and jokingly remarked, “Oh, but you do not carry cash.”
Brimmer then added with a smile: “You are more handsome in real life than on the telly.”
The visit was part of the King’s engagement with the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Shoreditch, marking the first time the renowned Texas-born event has been held in London.
