Prince takes Ballet role

Prince takes Ballet role

The prince - at the Moulin Rouge premiere - enjoys the contemporary and classical arts

Prince Charles has been made president of the Royal Ballet in London, the UK's leading ballet company and school.

The prince is taking on the role previously held by his late aunt, Princess Margaret, the ballet announced on Thursday.

The Royal Ballet, housed in the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, boasts two internationally acclaimed companies and a prestigious dance school.

The prince is well-known for his broad love of the arts, enjoying contemporary movies, rock concerts and stage shows as much as classical entertainment.

The Royal Ballet also announced that Lady Anya Sainsbury had become a member of its board.

Lady Sainsbury is a former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet who starred in most of the company's great classical roles in the 1950s.

Meanwhile, the Royal Opera House said the leading British composer Judith Weir was joining its governing members.

Weir has spent many years working predominantly in opera and music theatre.

Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell was also a pupil at the school

She has written three operas, A Night at the Chinese Opera, The Vanishing Bridegroom and Blond Eckbert.

Princess Margaret held her position at the Royal Ballet for 46 years.

Last week, she was praised for her "dedication, enthusiasm and support" at a ceremony in her honour.

The Queen unveiled a plaque in memory of her sister, at a ceremony for the Royal Ballet School's new £18m premises in London's Covent Garden.

The building has been built next to the Royal Opera House.

Dame Ninette de Valois founded the Royal Ballet School and the two Royal Ballet companies.

The school has produced many now-famous dancers, including the current Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell.