King Charles has offered a rare glimpse into his personal relationships during an impromptu speech at a St James's Palace reception.
The monarch made unexpected comments about his cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, whilst addressing guests at The Power Of Drawing exhibition.
Charles welcomed distinguished artists and creative figures for a special celebration marking the Royal Drawing School's 25th anniversary, where he serves as a founding patron.
Speaking at the event celebrating his drawing school's legacy, Charles departed from prepared remarks to share intimate memories.
King Charles reflected on his cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, who he shares a passion for art with.
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His spontaneous tribute revealed the significant role Lady Sarah played in inspiring one of his most cherished cultural initiatives.
The 61-year-old Lady Sarah, daughter of the late Princess Margaret, attended the exhibition showcasing works by renowned artists including David Hockney and Tracey Emin.
The King's affectionate recollections centred on visits from his "very special cousin" when she was just 18 years old, alongside artist and Royal Drawing School co-founder Catherine Goodman.
"I can't resist saying a few very small words because, above all, I wanted to pay a very special tribute to darling Catherine," Charles began.
The King reminisced about his youth alongside Lady Sarah.
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"It all goes back really to when my very special cousin, Sarah (Chatto), and Catherine were young 18-year-old students at Camberwell School of Art and used to come bouncing into my room," Charles told the gathering.
He added: "I remember that was where it all started." The monarch co-founded the drawing school with artist Catherine Goodman in 2000.
Lady Sarah has established herself as an accomplished artist, exhibiting her work at The Redfern Gallery since 1995.
Her eldest son, Samuel, has followed her creative path, working as a sculptor.
Lady Sarah Chatto joined Prince William at Royal Ascot.
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The royal cousin maintains a visible presence at major events, including last week's Royal Ascot and recent receptions.
She and Charles are believed to share a particularly close bond, united by their mutual passion for landscape painting.
This artistic connection has evidently endured since those formative visits to Charles's room decades ago.
Charles also praised Goodman's dedication whilst explaining how the drawing school evolved from those early encounters.
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Tracey Emin was among some guests who wore crocs to the reception.
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"So when I needed somebody to start the life drawing classes at my original old Institute of Architecture in Regent's Park, I thought Catherine is the ideal person," he said.
The King expressed pride in the school's achievements over the years. "Imagine, just perhaps, how proud I am of all these students over all these years," he remarked.
The exhibition features 50 works celebrating drawing as a universal expression. Contributors include David Hockney's charcoal pieces and filmmaker Tim Burton's rare watercolour.
Artist Tracey Emin, who contributed a 2024 piece, noted: "King Charles has always loved and appreciated art and he's an artist himself."
Even with her kind words, the King appeared visibly surprised and amused when he discovered the artist and Grayson Perry had arrived wearing Crocs.
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