King Charles and Camilla Colchester visit - a look back

Thousands of flag-waving royalists lined the streets in March to enjoy the visit from the King and Queen Consort to celebrate the Colchester’s new city status.

The pair arrived at Colchester Castle, greeted by a Guard of Honour, the city’s British Army Band and cheering crowds.

Arrival - King Charles entering into Castle Park (Image: Steve Brading)

Welcomes - King Charles greets crowds outside Colchester Castle (Image: Steve Brading)

Whilst outside, they spent time greeting well-wishers and visiting schoolchildren, and met with charity representatives, volunteers and refugees who had settled in Colchester.

Entry - King Charles and Queen Consort head into Colchester Castle (Image: Steve Brading)

On their way into the historic castle, the royals greeted MPs including Will Quince, Dame Priti Patel and Sir Bernard Jenkin, as well as speaking with soldiers from Colchester Garrison.

Greetings - the King meeting MPs on his way into the castle (Image: Steve Brading)

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

Smiles - Queen Consort Camilla meets Sir Bob Russell (Image: Steve Brading)

After leaving the Castle, the King met with representatives from Colchester Zoo, before then unveiling a plaque revealing the name of a new baby rhino born a couple of months before.

Unveiled - the King and Queen Consort reveal the baby rhino's name (Image: Newsquest)

The name – Dara – means beautiful in Swahili.

Following the Castle visit, Queen Consort Camilla headed to Colchester Library to meet enthusiastic pupils whilst King Charles met users and volunteers of charities Age UK and Silver Line.

Camilla was greeted by dozens of volunteers and library staff.

Gathering - Camilla pictured in the library with Colchester schoolchildren (Image: Newsquest)

She also spoke to TV star Dermot O’Leary, who attended St Benedict’s College and Colchester Sixth Form College, as well as renowned children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Maddie Earl, the winner of the writing competition run as part of the Essex Year of Reading, read out her winning entry to the Queen Consort and other attendants.

Actors - Queen Consort Camilla meeting Alice in Wonderland cast members from the Mercury Theatre (Image: Newsquest)

The Queen Consort then watched a sketch of Alice in Wonderland, played by actors from the Mercury Theatre, before meeting Braiswick Primary School pupils in the literacy corner.

Colchester Council leader David King, who says he had a “warm conversation” with the King on the day, described the whole event as a “great experience”.

It is certainly a day which will live long in the memory for many.