King Charles visited Croydon on Friday, a day before his 78th birthday, drawing large crowds as he celebrated two milestones at Surrey Street Market: the market's 750th birthday and his own. The monarch cut a cake with members of the public during the visit.
Public Reaction to the King's Visit
One member of the public, speaking to The Royal Observer, summed up his impression of the King in two words, calling it “really incredible” that the royal was celebrating with them. He described the encounter as “amazing” for his puppets to meet the King.
“It was really, really cool. I think it's been absolutely amazing for our beautiful puppets Sivaji and Padmini to meet the King. I think he had a really good time meeting them as well. But it's just been quite surreal,” he said.
Surprise Arrival and Community Engagement
The man noted that the public did not know the King was coming until a “couple of hours beforehand”. When they learned of his arrival, they realised it was a “big” occasion. “I think that's really incredible that he's found time to be able to come out here and support,” he told The Royal Observer.
Crowds of stallholders and shoppers gathered to catch a glimpse of the monarch, who also watched performances by a local Bollywood band and dancers and was presented with a birthday cake to cut. During his tour, he was often unable to move a few metres without being surrounded by excited well-wishers eager to shake his hand.
Business Visits and Birthday Celebrations
One business he visited was Oree Mart, a convenience supermarket on Surrey Street co-founded by Amber-Rose Badrudin, a candidate and finalist on The Apprentice. After the tour, the King said his birthday cake was “brilliant” as he cut a generous slice while listening to children and students from Howard Primary School and Shirley High School Performing Arts College chant “happy birthday Your Majesty”.
The visit came after he was also mobbed by screaming teenagers as he visited the BRIT School, also in Croydon.
