The whole of the UK is gearing up for a special time this weekend with King Charles III’s coronation. While the ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey in London, all the cities and towns are celebrating. And, Birmingham is joining the fanfare.
King Charles III has visited Birmingham several times over the years when he was still a prince - since the British monarchy often undertakes official visits to cities and towns throughout the UK, as part of their role in representing the country and promoting cultural and economic ties.
From meeting wounded soldiers at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to the Commonwealth Games in 2022 - King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have made several visits to our city. Hopefully, he will visit Birmingham again after the coronation to meet the public.
His last visit was for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 - where he delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony, took a walk of Victoria Square, and interacted with athletes and performers.
A bold Brummie also asked him if he would go for a pint and the King responded in jest asking “where?” The man responded saying: “Anywhere - Albert’s Schloss?”
That’s not the only time the King has shown his lighter side to the public. From playing cricket to hilarious facial expressions - he’s always been a sport.
So, here are 12 photos of King Charles’ visits to Birmingham from 2006 to 2022:
1. King Charles takes a shot
King Charles faces England bowlers Ashley Giles and Sajid Mahmood during a visit to the Prince’s Trust 12 week cricketing programme at Edgbaston, in Birmingham, in central England, 12 September 2006. (Photo credit - DAVID JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
2. King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Royal Centre for Defence Medicine
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla arrive at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak Hospital, in Birmingham, in central England, 03 October 2006. The Royal couple met military and civilian medical staff involved in the care and treatment of British service men and women from across the world. (Photo credit - DAVID JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
3. King Charles meets a wounded soldier
King Charles, Then the Prince of Wales meets Lance Cpl James Taylor from King’s Lynne, who served in the The Royal Engineers and was wounded in Afghanistan, at The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine where Taylor is being treated, at Selly Oak Hospital, June 19, 2009 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Arthur Edwards/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
4. King Charles talks to military and civilian staff during a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, talks to military and civilian staff during a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 9, 2011 in Birmingham, England. The Prince toured the wards and chatted to troops wounded in Afghanistan who are being cared for at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine. (Photo by Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images)