King Charles shocks Imperial College students by dropping into campus unannounced

King Charles appeared in good spirits today as he stepped out in a dapper grey suit to visit Imperial College in London. The 76-year-old monarch wrapped up in a long navy jacket to brace the cold while making a surprise visit to the Injury Studies Centre at the university on Wednesday. The King sported a sophisticated long black double breasted coat with a neat white pocket square. Once inside the Injury Centre, the monarch slipped out of his outwear, revealing a lightly checkered grey suit and crisp white shirt.

He playfully paired the stylish suit with a turquoise tie with what appeared to be little castles printed on the front. Known for his sprawling collection of motif-printed ties, Charles has previously worn everything from dinosaurs to zebras, owls and cats, around his neck. Charles's arrival came just days before the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - with the aim of the visit to highlight the UK's support to all the injured service personnel in the country.

He said he was 'full of admiration' for the surgeons working at a rehabilitation site for injured soldiers and civilians in Ukraine as he learned about how the UK is supporting rehabilitation efforts in the wartorn country. During the engagement, he was reunited with David Henson MBE, a British Paralympian who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2011, who the King first met ahead of the inaugural Invictus Games held in London in September 2014.

King Charles appeared in good spirits today as he stepped out in a dapper grey suit to meet university students in London (pictured). The 76-year-old monarch wrapped up in a long navy jacket to brace the cold while making a surprise visit to the Injury Studies Centre at the university on Wednesday (pictured speaking to Anthony Bull the director of the centre, right). Prince Harry, 40, founded the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans and last week attended the first winter sporting event in Vancouver, Canada.

The Duke of Sussex also had a link to the Centre, as he opened its forerunner, the Centre for Blast Injury Studies, in 2013. Upon arrival at Imperial's White City campus, the King was taken to the laboratory space where Shehan Hettiaratchy Imperial's Major Trauma Director, and Anthony Bull Director and Associate Director of the Centre for Injury Studies explained the Centre's armoured protection research.

Charles was then shown some samples of combat boots that they are currently developing, which absorb energy before it comes to the foot, to avoid severe heel injuries that result in amputation. Taking a keen interest in the new designs, the King asked: 'The existing ones are pretty good though? You're just improving it?'. 'Yes, that's right,' Mr Bull said. He then viewed a demonstration of a machine simulating the creation of combat injuries to see how adequate protection can limit injuries before speaking to a Ukrainian surgeon via video link.

Hnat Herych, who is head of surgery at Unbroken - a rehabilitation site in Lviv, built to provide a variety of services for injured Ukrainians - told him that the centre has been treating a large number of wounded soldiers on the front lines as well as injured civilians. Charles's arrival came just days before the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - with the aim of the visit to highlight the UK's support to all the injured service personnel in the country.

Upon arriving at the White City Campus, the King was greeted by swatches of smiling students who hurried catch a glimpse at the royal. Announcing a new partnership between Unbroken and Imperial, the doctor said that since receiving British support, they have been able to establish a centre for constructive surgery to help 'restore bodies shattered by the war'. He said: 'I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the UK's unwavering support of Ukraine.

'In these turbulent times, Britain has not only remained our steadfast ally but has also demonstrated true global leadership in defending Ukraine and standing up for freedom. 'The commitment of Your Majesty and the British people is invaluable to us and we are certainly hope for your continued support in these critical times.'. In response, the King spoke of his admiration for their work and the collaboration between the two countries.

'I am so glad that Imperial College is able to have this obviously very effective relationship with Unbroken,' he told Mr Herych. 'I'm only hoping I'm not causing a terrible disruption to your normal working activities there; I know how busy and committed you all are. 'I hope you can give my kindest thoughts and wishes to all your team... I'm full of admiration for what they try to do there.'. The Centre for Injury Studies at Imperial College London is part of the Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre.