Huge crowds welcome King as he’s handed keys to Lancaster Castle

King Charles has visited Lancaster Castle, his first engagement in Lancashire since he became Monarch.

Large crowds, including school children, gathered around Castle Hill through the morning to see King Charles, who is also The Duke of Lancaster, arrive at around 10:40am, where he was welcomed to the entrance of the castle accompanied by a performance from the British Army Band. He had earlier arrived by Royal train at Lancaster station.

After stopping to wave at the assembled crowds, he was welcomed by dignitaries including Councillor Margaret Pattison, Mayor of Lancaster, the King took part in the ancient tradition of the ‘Ceremony of the Keys’, where he was presented with the keys to the castle outside the John O’Gaunt gateway, by Mrs Pam Barker DL, Constable of the Castle.

The Monarch has taken part in the tradition when visiting the Castle since 1851, when keys were first presented to Queen Victoria.  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took part in the Ceremony of the Keys during her visit to Lancaster Castle in 2015.

His Majesty then headed inside to meet and chat to local businesses showcasing their work, and key local organisations.

His Majesty then joined a reception celebrating the county.  Guests included representatives from Escape 2 Make – a charity that helps young people escape from modern day pressures through creative workshops and activities, St John’s Hospice in the city, and the Lancaster Literature Festival, as well as local World War II Veteran, Richard Brock, who recently celebrated his 101^st birthday.

The King then met a Fijian Choir formed from the First Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment - made up of serving Fijian Kingsmen, veterans and their family members – who also performed throughout the visit. 

His Majesty also toured a couple of small business units at the Castle and met some apprentice stone carvers who have been involved with the restoration of the castle.

At the end of the visit His Majesty unveiled a plaque, carved by local sculptor Alan War at his studio within the Castle.

Before returning to his car, King Charles had time for a crowd walkabout, chatting to well wishers who had turned out to see him, before departing just before 1:30pm.

The crowd also contained a handful of anti-Royalist protesters, including CEO of the campaign group, Republic, Graham Smith, who made their feelings on the monarchy known as the King arrived for his visit.

Lancaster Castle has stood at the heart of Lancaster for nearly 1,000 years.  This historic building formed the backdrop of the first official visit to Lancashire by The King since he became Monarch.

Originally a Roman site, the present Lancaster Castle was founded in the 11th century. Over the centuries, it served as a royal fortress, prison, and court, playing a central role in regional governance and justice and now operating as a heritage attraction, courthouse, and cultural venue.

The Duchy of Lancaster has recently undertaken extensive restoration and conservation work to preserve and enhance the site.