King Charles III and The Queen Consort headed to Colchester Castle, in High Street, as part of a special trip to celebrate the Roman settlement’s newfound city status.

The monarch was greeted by a Guard of Honour and the city’s British Army Band as thousands of flag-wavering crowds cheered and the National Anthem played.

Before venturing inside the heritage-draped venue, the 74-year-old royal, alongside wife Camilla, spent time outside the castle, ignoring chants from protestors.

While outside, Their Majesties met with charity representatives, volunteers and refugees settled in Colchester who all starred in last year’s city status procession.

King Charles at Colchester Castle (Image: Newsquest)

School children visiting the Castle Museum for educational purposes also interacted with the royals in what was a heart-warming moment they will likely never forget.

Having wrapped up the external items of the strict itinerary The King and The Queen Consort then headed inside what is the largest Norman Keep in Europe.

On their way into the 947-year-old castle they greeted MPs such as Will Quince, Priti Patel and Sir Bernard Jenkin.

The couple spoke then with soldiers from Colchester Garrison and were shown an artefact handling trolley by students from Market Field College.

Impressed by the structure, constructed in 1076 on the Temple of Claudius, Their Majesties then spent time learning about an Ancient Roman Colchester vase.

They then took part in a reception to celebrate Colchester's city status, which featured dignitaries such as Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell.

Representatives from a host of celebrated organisations then entered the royals’ regal orbit, engaging in conversations about the work they do and the impact it has.

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla with Colchester Mayor Tim Young (Image: Newsquest)

Teams from the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative, Firstsite and domestic abuse charity Next Chapter were all present before mayor Tim Young made a speech.

Directly addressing the royals in the room he married the mayoress just ten days ago, he said: “We are very grateful this honour has been bestowed on us.

“Colchester’s residents and everyone associated with our city are delighted you have made this visit and words cannot describe how much it means to us you are here.

King Charles and the Queen Consort listen to Mayor of Colchester Tim Young’s speech pic.twitter.com/HYx96iBRRQ

— George Henry King (@GeorgeHenryKing) March 7, 2023

“On behalf of Colchester Council and its residents thank you for honouring us with your visit and we hope you will remember it fondly.

“We will certainly never forget this memorable and historic occasion.”

King Charles unveils the name of Colchester Zoo's baby rhino (Image: Steve Brading)

After signing the castle’s visitors book the Charles and Camila then met members of Colchester Zoo’s Animal Care Team who spoke about their vital conservation work.

But Charles and Camilla’s most important responsibility came just prior to departing when they were entrusted with revealing the name of the zoo’s new rhino.

With their royal duties at the castle successfully complete, The King and The Queen Consort were then driven away and onto their next destination: Colchester Library.

David King, leader of Colchester Council said: “It has been a great experience for so many here today.

“I had a warm conversation with the King and it was clear the King and the Queen Consort had the same types of conversations with others.

“It was just really great to see them here and in Colchester and great to see them be able to see the quality of this place.

“We know for many people a royal visit is a real spirit-raiser and a great day for us all.”

King Charles' visit was also praised by other dignitaries in the city.

Darius Laws, who is the leader of the Conservative group in Colchester and councillor for Rural North Ward, had long campaigned for Colchester to become a city.

Reflecting on his meeting with King Charles he said: “It was a monumental day and an absolutely historic moment for this amazing place we call our home.

“I even got the chance to shake the King’s hand which I never thought would happen in my lifetime – it was really quite extraordinary.

“I told them city status for Colchester was like bestowing a knighthood upon a town.

They were lovely and clearly enjoyed getting to know Colchester and the people.”

Colchester MP Will Quince said: “I’ve been in the same room as the King before but I have never actually met him so it was amazing to actually meet him.

“He was warm and charming and full of smiles and energy and his presence today truly confirmed Colchester becoming a city.

“It was a great day for the city and there were so many smiles, especially on the faces of young school children who came to meet him. It was a brilliant day for Colchester.”

Colchester High Steward, Sir Bob Russell, was also full of praise when speaking about the royal visit.

He added: “This will go down as one of the greatest days in Colchester’s evolving history. The first time a Mayor of Colchester has welcomed a King.”