Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall celebrated Chinese New Year with a visit to Chinatown on Thursday. The royal couple were greeted by dancers dressed as Chinese dragons as they took part in the festivities in London. Thrilled by their colourful welcome, Charles and Camilla were in high spirits as they chatted to locals in the heavily decorated street. The duo then headed to the new Chinese Exchange and viewed some artwork.
The royal couple were greeted by dancers dressed as dragons
Joining the couple were Hong Kong-born businessman Sir David Tang and Viscount David Linley, who is Prince Charles's cousin. For the outing, Duchess Camilla sported a cream skirt and matching jacket, which she teamed with black boots. Prince Charles opted for a blue suit and shirt and a cream tie that echoed his wife's outfit. The Prince of Wales and his wife were not the only royals celebrating Chinese New Year. Prince William, who is due to visit China on 1 March, recorded a video message in Mandarin honouring the special occasion.
Prince Charles and Camilla chatted to members of the public during the low-key engagement
State television showed the video of the Duke of Cambridge speaking two sentences in Mandarin, sending warm wishes to the people of China at this special time of year for them. Charles and Camilla's engagement in Chinatown came two days after they made a glamorous red carpet appearance together at the Royal Film Performance and world premiere of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Arriving after the stars of the film, the pair smiled at the crowds as entered the cinema, greeted by a troupe of Indian dancers. The Royal Film Performance, which has previously been attended by the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, is held by the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund to raise money to support the industry's employees and their families in times of hardship.