King hosts celebrity guests at Buckingham Palace garden party to champion creative industries
King Charles has hosted a swathe of celebrity guests at a Buckingham Palace garden party - with one asking whether he is a fan of reality TV show Love Island.
The show’s host Maya Jama tried to recruit a new fan when she asked the King if he watches during the garden party celebrating the creative industries.
Charles laughed and made jokes with guests as he joined the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Duchess of Gloucester in the palace garden on Wednesday.
Jama, 29, introduced herself as a TV host and said: "I host Love Island. I don't know if you've watched it? It's a reality dating show."
Laughing, the King quipped in response: "There's one born every minute."
Jama, whose boyfriend is popular rapper Stormzy, looked glamorous in a checked blue dress and a striking and matching wide-brimmed hat.
When asked about her future plans, she told him: "I'm just about to go to Spain to film some young people snog someone."
Other celebrity attendees included documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, Hollywood director Sir Ridley Scott and artist Tracey Emin.
Theroux, 53, told the PA news agency he was "very flattered" to have been invited and was in such disbelief that he felt it "must have been a mistake".
He said: "It's illustrious company. It's a beautiful day in a spectacular garden.
"I couldn't tell if (Charles) was a fan, but I would love to say he is."
Sir Ridley, who has directed Hollywood blockbusters including Gladiator and Alien, said he was "incredibly honoured" to have been invited.
“It was a real honour to meet the King. He is an inspiration to us all,” said the South Shields-born Hollywood legend, who was at the palace with his daughter actress, photographer and filmmaker Jordan Scott, 46.
He at the St Paul’s service earlier in the day, and said it was like a film, perfectly choreographed.
Sir Ridley was made a Knight Grand Cross by the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle last week.
Approximately 4,000 representatives from the world of culture, art, heritage, film, TV, radio and fashion were in attendance.
The King was also introduced to TV’s star married couple Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, “It was an honour to meet him,” Tess said. “He said he liked my dress.”
The King seemed to put his health concerns behind him today and looked in the pink – literally.
He was sporting a pink waistcoat to match Queen Camilla’s pink outfit, chatted to celebrities and media industry stars at a palace for the special DCMS garden party.
Natty dresser Charles wore his favoured grey morning suit, and usually wears a grey waistcoat too.
But this time he wore pink to match his wife’s pale pink fringed coatdress by Anna Valentine.
Among the stars she chatted to were Sir Lenny Henry and TV’s Alex West. “We chatted about the 500 words project and hats mainly,” said Sir Lenny.
Tracey Emin on the King said, “We spoke about health and painting.
“He asked me if I was recovering - which I am and it was lovely to see the Queen too. I complimented them on their pinks - she said it was unintentional!’
Arlene Philips was introduced to the Queen. She said, “She remembered me from when we last met. It was at a concert after I’d just been let go from Strictly and she said how much she missed me which was very kind.
“She asked me what I’ve been doing lately and I explained I was doing the choreography for Guys and Dolls. She said she had taken the grandchildren to see it and they loved it.’
Charles and Camilla stood at the top of the garden steps to observe the national anthem before the crowd applauded. They then greeted groups of attendees separately.
The King has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February but has returned to public duties including conducting his first investiture ceremony for five months at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.