King Charles in Leeds: Pictures and crowd reaction from King's visit to Leeds Central Library
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Crowds gathered outside Leeds Central Library to welcome His Majesty to the city. After his visit to the library, he travelled to Leeds Building Society HQ to meet with representative’s from the city’s financial district.
There were road closures and bus diversions in place for the visit. Our reporter, Charles Gray, was among all the action – scroll down for the events as they unfolded.
Live updates and crowd reaction from the city centre as King Charles visits Leeds
Pictures show crowds building as they await King Charles’ arrival
Our reporter Charles Gray is among the action - and said crowds have been steadily building since he arrived at Leeds Central Library at 1pm. Police officers have now moved in front of the large crowds - a sign that King Charles could be close to arriving.
‘I’ve got every confidence in him'
David Bryant is among those in the building growd. He said: “I think it’s fantastic that one of his first visits around the country is in Leeds. I’m actually a Londoner, but I’ve lived here for 30 odd years so I feel like I’m a part of Leeds now.”
On King Charles’ reign, David added: “It’s very early days but there’s been nothing controversial. I was a bit disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to go to Cop2 - I think he would have wanted to. He’s got a really tough act to follow after the queen, but I think he will be a good King. I’ve got every confidence in him.”
He’s arrived!
King Charles has touched down at Leeds Central Library - visiting the city for the first time since he ascended the throne.
Crowds burst into rapturous applause and shout ‘God saves the King'
People burst into applause as King Charles stepped out of his car and made his way to Leeds Central Library.
Shouts of ‘God saves the King’ echoed out from the crowd as His Majesty stepped into the building, off the Headrow.
The King will now unveil a special plaque at the library to mark the 10th anniversary of the Child Friendly Leeds initiative, which for the past decade has worked to make Leeds the best city to grow up in.
As well as having the opportunity to explore the library, The King will also visit Rebellion to Romance, an exhibition at the library by The Jamaica Society Leeds which explores the lives of second-generation West Indians in Leeds coming of age in the 1970s and 80s.
His Majesty will also have the opportunity so see a series of sculptures created as part of The World Reimagined project, which were dotted across Leeds and will be brought together inside Leeds Art Gallery. Leeds joined other cities in the UK in hosting the trail of colourful globes, created by renowned international artists who explore the history and impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Watch as King Charles greets crowds and stops for pictures
Journalist Saloni Mathurs captured this footage as King Charles arrived.
‘Cheer and excitement are what we need'
Helen Womersley rushed over from work to see King Charles. She said: “‘It’s really exciting. I’ve never met a member of the royal family before. It’s a tough time but these bits of cheer and excitement are what we need.
“I’ve heard good things about him and I watched him on the Repair Shop and he seemed really down to earth and genuinely interested in young people.”
Security personnel spotted on the roof nearby
Our reporter on the ground has spotted security personnel in post on the rooftops of Leeds city centre.
King Charles is currently inside Leeds Central Library and will later be visiting local business owners at Leeds Building Society.
