King Charles beamed on Thursday as he met the Mighty Mariner, the mascot of Grimsby Town Football Club, during a visit to the region. The monarch traveled to Blundell Park, home of one of England's oldest professional football clubs, where he joined members of the Our Future collective—a group of local people, organizations, and institutions working together to shape Grimsby's future.
Royal Engagement at Blundell Park
At the club, Charles heard about five ambitious ideas for the town, including housing, community leadership, and urban greening. He was surprised by the Mighty Mariner, who presented him with a customised team shirt reading 'HM King Charles 3' on the back.
Head coach David Artell said: "There are lots of good people here who are trying to put Grimsby on the map, and it's fantastic to see the King coming to recognise the efforts of everyone involved."
Ticket office manager Francine Orr laughed with Charles when he met staff. She recalled: "We were briefed on what to say and how to bow. I had it in my brain all morning, then he shakes my hand and I said 'All right darling, oh no, I'm so sorry Your Majesty.' He went 'That's OK,' laughed, and said 'I like being called darling.'"
Walkabout in the Rain
Upon arrival in Grimsby, hundreds braved the rain to greet the King. Charles told well-wishers, "I'm so sorry you got so wet," as he conducted an impromptu walkabout in the pouring rain.
At the Horizon Youth Zone, Charles chatted with teenagers about boxing, rock climbing, scout badges, and cooking. He toured the facility's climbing wall, sports hall, and training kitchen, where he watched teenagers make pizza muffins. When a girl mentioned missing maths lessons, he joked, "I have my uses." In the sports hall, he said, "I'm sorry we can't stop and play some badminton," before finishing at the boxing gym, where he spoke with youngsters training.
Visit to The CARE Hub
Charles's second stop was The CARE Hub, a community care and housing organization providing a safe, nurturing environment. The centre features a homely atmosphere designed by specialists. Charles met staff and beneficiaries, including 26-year-old Liam Atkinson.
After his marriage broke down and he developed health problems, Atkinson lost his house and job within a year. The CARE Hub helped him get back on his feet, and he now has a flat for himself and his three-year-old son. He said: "They changed my life. All the staff are absolutely amazing. The help and support is absolutely unbelievable." About meeting the King, he added: "He's so down to earth. So kind. So considerate. He seemed to care, which is amazing."
