King Charles and Queen Camilla were given adorable Valentine’s Day cards from young fans today as they enjoyed a ‘royal away day’ in Middlesbrough.
The couple were visiting the town’s International Centre this afternoon as they met children taking part in a craft activity to mark Valentine’s Day tomorrow.
One of the cards said: ‘Welcome King Charles you are the best King ever! I love you so, so much. You are welcomed to Middlesbrough xxx. Love you, from Ruth.’
Another said: ‘To Queen Camilla. I hope you enjoyed your time here. From Hiyab.’
The visit also saw Camilla take part in a game of table tennis with children, and the couple met community groups trying to reduce local knife crime.
The couple walked into the town’s International Centre to the sound of a group from North East Opera singing ‘Welcome’, a song performed in multiple languages.
Camilla, 77, wore a blue wool coat while the King, 76, was smart in a suit and overcoat given the 5C chill outside as they stepped out of their car and into the building.
They met those involved in The Junction Foundation and Together Middlesbrough and Cleveland organisations, as well as officers from Cleveland Police and young people from The King’s Trust demonstrating a knife crime education workshop.
Queen Camilla plays table tennis while visiting the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
One of the Valentine’s Day cards made for King Charles for his visit to Middlesbrough today
Charles waves to the crowd during a visit to the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
One of the Valentine’s Day cards made for Queen Camilla for her visit to Middlesbrough today
Queen Camilla poses for a selfie during a visit to Middlesbrough’s International Centre today
King Charles gestures while meeting members of the public in Middlesbrough today
The King and Queen also spoke to Middlesbrough Environment City charity workers who promote healthy and sustainable living through community action and events.
They were guided by Bini Araia, founder of Investing in People and Culture (IPC), which operates the International Centre and supports refugees and asylum seekers.
And they spoke to representatives from Repod Doctors, an initiative helping medical practitioners who have come to the UK as refugees to transition into the NHS .
Inside the centre Camilla took an impromptu detour and decided to play a game of table tennis. She said she played a bit ‘in my youth’.
Her Majesty teamed up with Alesha Hussain, 15, a young carer who is supported by The Junction.
Camilla meets children taking part in a craft activity to mark Valentine’s Day tomorrow
King Charles personally presents Rona Grafton with her centenary birthday card today
Queen Camilla interacts with the crowd during a visit to Middlesbrough this afternoon
King Charles gestures while meeting members of the public in Middlesbrough today
Queen Camilla plays table tennis while visiting the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
Queen Camilla interacts with the crowd during a visit to Middlesbrough this afternoon
Camilla meets children taking part in a craft activity to mark Valentine’s Day tomorrow
Queen Camilla interacts with the crowd during a visit to Middlesbrough this afternoon
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
King Charles and Camilla walk into Middlesbrough’s International Centre today to the sound of a group from North East Opera singing ‘Welcome’, a song performed in multiple languages
Queen Camilla plays table tennis while visiting the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
Anti-monarchy protestors out in force in Middlesbrough town centre this afternoon
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
She said afterwards: ‘She was actually good. I was impressed. It’s my 15th birthday today so what an amazing way to celebrate it. I don’t think there’s many people who have done this.’
The King meanwhile chatted at length with community leaders.
The couple will later attend a series of other engagements including a celebration event in the town’s Central Square, where they will be met by local dignitaries.
Local musician Mike McGrother will lead performances of songs and poetry that celebrate the area, with his Infant Hercules Choir and band The Wildcats of Kilkenny.
The royal trip marks the first time in 32 years that a monarch has visited the town, after Charles’s late mother Queen Elizabeth II opened Pallister Park in 1993.
Anti-monarchy protestors out in force in Middlesbrough town centre this afternoon
Queen Camilla interacts with a member of the crowd in Middlesbrough this afternoon
Queen Camilla plays table tennis while visiting the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
Camilla meets children taking part in a craft activity to mark Valentine’s Day tomorrow
Camilla waves to the crowd during a visit to the International Centre in Middlesbrough today
Anti-monarchy protestors out in force in Middlesbrough town centre this afternoon
Queen Camilla interacts with a member of the crowd in Middlesbrough this afternoon
Anti-monarchy protestors out in force in Middlesbrough town centre this afternoon
1993 — The last royal visit to Middlesbrough was when Queen Elizabeth II opened Pallister Park
Cleveland Police imposed a dispersal order to prevent anti-social behaviour until 5pm today
And it is the first time Charles has visited the North East of England since becoming King, with his last visit a trip to Auckland Castle in County Durham in April 2022.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said ahead of the visit: ‘This is wonderful news for our town and I know people will be very excited to welcome the King and Queen.’
Cleveland Police confirmed officers had imposed a dispersal order to prevent anti-social behaviour and increase public safety, running from 9am until 5pm today.
The order means anyone committing anti-social behaviour can be ordered to leave the area immediately and if they return, can be arrested.
It covers the areas bound by the A66, Marton Road, Southfield Road, Linthorpe Road, Borough Road, Hartington Road and the B1272 in Middlesbrough.
