Queen Camilla and King Charles made a royal visit to Middlesbrough during which they engaged in a friendly game of table tennis with local teenagers. The Queen, a known fan of the sport, joined in as part of a day filled with various engagements, entertainment, and activities. Their tour included a celebratory walkabout in Centre Square, marking the King’s first official visit to north-east England since his coronation in 2022 and the town’s first visit by a reigning monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s opening of Pallister Park in 1993.
The Royal Couple’s busy day also included a visit to the International Centre to meet representatives from various charities and organizations, such as the King’s Trust, which supports initiatives against knife crime. Among those introduced to the Royals was Rona Grafton, who celebrated her 100th birthday during the visit. Described as “funny and sarcastic,” Rona received a surprise treat arranged by the local council and Buckingham Palace.
King Charles took a tour of SeAH Wind’s XXXL wind turbine factory on Teesside, donning a hard hat and fluorescent jacket for the occasion. The official business soon turned into a fun game of table tennis, with Queen Camilla impressing local teenagers with her skills. The visit culminated in a lively celebration in Centre Square, featuring performances by local musicians and the Infant Hercules Choir. Despite the festive atmosphere, anti-monarchy protesters were also present to voice their dissent.
The day’s events brought back memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Middlesbrough in May 1993, a time marked by mixed fortunes for the town. From sports to arts and leisure, Middlesbrough saw various developments, including the unveiling of the iconic Bottle of Notes sculpture and the reopening of the Empire Theatre as a bar. As the royal visit came to an end, the town reflected on past achievements and looked ahead to a future filled with possibilities
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