Prince Charles joins actors on stage for Shakespeare celebrations

The Prince of Wales took to the stage as Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, rounding off a day of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death.

Charles, who is patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company, made a surprise appearance in a star-studded televised gala in Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Stratford played host to a series of events throughout Satrurday in celebration of the Bard's life and works.

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Shakespeare400: our special live programme in full

Just one of Shakespeare's phrases that we still use today Credit: ITV News Central

ITV News Central were out in Stratford-Upon-Avon for a special live programme previewing the huge Shakespeare400 celebrations.

Click below to watch our special live programme presented by Matt Teale, featuring special guests including TV personality Al Murray, teacher and artist "Sonnet Man" from New York, the Royal Shakespeare Company's big plans, Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall, Holy Trinity Church, and a New Orleans jazz band !

Shakespeare400: the Bard's global appeal

Celebrations to mark Shakespeare400 continue throughout the year Credit: ITV News Central

Celebrations continue throughout the year to mark Shakespeare400. Here the Chief Executive of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-Upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born, talks about his place in global culture.

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Video: Shakespeare Parade on Saturday

We thought we would take a look back at the Shakespeare parade in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday.

The parade began on a rather sombre note before ending on a more upbeat level with a performance from the New Orleans jazz band.

It ended at the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.

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Prince Charles takes to the stage at Shakespeare gala

Prince Charles has made his acting debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing on stage in Stratford with a host of British acting talent to round off a day of celebration marking 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare.

The Prince, who has been the patron of the RSC for 25 years, asked "might I have a word" as he walked on stage to deliver the famous line "To be or not to be, that is the question".

The line, from Shakespeare's Hamlet, brought laughs and applause from a packed audience at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

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Prince Charles arrives in Stratford for Shakespeare celebrations

Prince Charles has arrived in Stratford-upon-Avon this afternoon to join in the celebrations that have been organised to mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death.

During his visit to the bard's hometown the Prince of Wales will be shown around Shakespeare's family home and visit an exhibition, before being joined by the Duchess of Cornwall for a 'Shakespeare Live' theatre performance.

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