King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived today for a 'Royal Away Day' in Middlesbrough when they met community groups who tried to reduce local knife crime.
The couple walked into the international center of the city to the sound of a group from North East Opera sang 'Welcome', a song that was performed in several languages.
Camilla, 77, wore a blue woolen jacket, while the king, 76, was smart in a suit and overcoat given the 5c cold as they got out of their cars and stepped into the building.
They met those involved in the Junction Foundation and Samen Middlesbrough and Cleveland organizations, as well as officers of the police of Cleveland and young people from the King's Trust who demonstrate a workshop for the education of Messencriminality.
The King and the Queen also spoke with Middlesbrough Environment City Workers who promote a healthy and sustainable life through community action and events.
They were led by Bini Araia, founder of investing in People and Culture (IPC), who operates the International Center and supports refugees and asylum seekers.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive today at the International Center in Middlesbrough
King Charles and Camilla today enter the international center of Middlesbrough to the sound of a group of North East Opera Singing 'Welcome', a song that is being performed in several languages
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive today at the International Center in Middlesbrough
And they spoke with representatives of Repod doctors, an initiative that doctors who have come to the UK as refugees helps to go to the NHS.
Before they leave, the King and the Queen will meet children who participate in a traditional activity to mark Valentine's Day tomorrow – and reveal a plaque to commemorate their visit.
The couple will then attend a series of other assignments, including a party event on the central square of the city, where they are met by local dignitaries.
Local musician Mike Mcgrother will lead performances of songs and poetry that celebrate the area, with his baby Hercules Choir and Band de Wildcats of Kilkenny.
The royal journey marks the first time in 32 years that a monarch has visited the city after Charles' deceased mother Queen Elizabeth II opened Pallister Park in 1993.
The last royal visit to Middlesbrough was when Queen Elizabeth II Pallister Park opened in 1993
The Cleveland police have imposed a dispersion warrant to prevent antisocial behavior until 5 pm today
And it is the first time that Charles has visited the northeast of England since he became King, with his last visit a trip to Auckland Castle in County Durham in April 2022.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said prior to the visit: “This is great news for our city and I know that people will be very enthusiastic to welcome the king and the queen.”
The Cleveland police confirmed that officers had imposed a dispersion warrant to prevent antisocial behavior and to increase public safety, which today runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The order means that anyone who commits antisocial behavior can be ordered to leave the area immediately and if they return, can be arrested.
It includes the areas bound by the A66, Marton Road, Southfield Road, Linthorpe Road, Borough Road, Hartington Road and the B1272 in Middlesbrough.
