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Prince Charles joins actors on stage for Shakespeare celebrations

The Prince of Wales has taken 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 has played host to a series of events throughout the day in celebration of the Bard's life and works.

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Barack Obama tours Shakespeare's Globe theatre

US President Barack Obama has visited Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London, as celebrations marking 400 years since the playwright's death take place up and down the country.

President Obama visited the Globe Theatre

Accompanied by Patrick Spottiswoode, director of Globe Education, the president was given an early-morning tour of the Southwark playhouse - a reconstruction of the 1599 Globe theatre where many of Shakespeare's greatest works were performed.

He was also treated to a brief performance of scenes from Hamlet by a company of 16, featuring folk music from the era.

The President was taken on a tour of the theatre

Clapping loudly as the performance ended, Mr Obama was invited to join the actors on stage.

"Let me shake hands with everyone. That was wonderful," he said.

"I don't want it to stop."

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Prince Charles joins actors on stage for Shakespeare celebrations

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