King Charles told dozens of well-wishers “I’m so sorry you got so wet” as he thrilled crowds with an impromptu walkabout in the pouring rain.
Charles was greeted by around 500 people as he left a community hub in a wet Grimsby town centre on Thursday. He headed over to the crowds, covered by a brolly but with no coat over his light grey suit, and spent around 15 minutes shaking hands and chatting – mainly about the weather.
As he was about to get into his car to leave, there were shouts for him to go over to another section of the public behind the green barriers, who cheered when he decided to head to them for another chat.
Visit to Horizon Youth Zone
When he arrived earlier for his visit, Charles chatted to teenagers about boxing, rock climbing, scout badges, and cooking as he began a tour of community projects. The King was greeted with cheers as he arrived at the Horizon Youth Zone on Tuesday, and he waved at the 100 or so well-wishers who braved the rain outside.
Inside Horizon, the King toured the state-of-the-art facility, chatting to local school children, cadets from the various armed services, and scouts. They showed him the centre’s climbing wall, sports hall, and training kitchen, where he watched teenagers make pizza muffins as he asked them about how they felt about missing school for the day.
“I have my uses,” he joked, as one girl said they had missed their maths lessons. As he toured the sports hall, the King said, “I’m sorry we can’t stop and play some badminton,” and he asked a group of youngsters about Grimsby Town’s famous victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in August. He finished his visit to the centre in the boxing gym, where he chatted to youngsters being put through their paces.
The Horizon Youth Zone opened in February for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. The centre offers activities ranging from sports to cooking, creative and performing arts, media, and employability support. It is part of a community initiative in Grimsby which has seen a range of projects develop from a grassroots approach to finding out what people want to regenerate their towns and areas. The Grimsby Together initiative is seen as a flagship approach which is inspiring other towns across the UK.
Visit to The CARE Hub
The King’s second stop in Grimsby was at The CARE Hub, a community care and housing organisation designed to provide support to local people by providing a safe and nurturing environment. The centre has been developed by specialist designers who have created a homely atmosphere which feels like a cosy sitting room.
Charles met staff and people who have benefited from the hub, including a one-to-one meeting with Liam Atkinson, 26. After the meeting, Mr Atkinson explained how he came to The CARE Hub after his marriage broke down and he developed health problems. He said he lost his house and his job in the space of a year, but the project got him back on his feet, and he now has a flat for himself and his three-year-old son.
Mr Atkinson said: “They changed my life. All the staff here are absolutely amazing. The help and support is absolutely unbelievable.” Asked about his meeting with the King, he said: “He’s so down to earth. He’s so kind. So considerate. He seemed to care, which is amazing.”
