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:
9. King Charles at Victoria Square
Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales reacts as he speaks with a performer during a visit to the Commonwealth Games ‘Festival Site’ at Victoria Square on the eve of the Commonwealth Games, on July 28, 2022, in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall - Pool/Getty Images) | Getty Images
10. King Charles at Athletes Vilage
Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales reacts as he walks through a metal detector as he arrives for a visit to the Athletes Village at The University of Birmingham in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022, on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) | POOL/AFP via Getty Images
11. King Charles drives in an Aston Martin with Queen Consort Camilla
King Charles(L) drives with Queen Consort Camilla in an Aston Martin sports car into the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games, at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
12. King Charles at Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales makes a speech during the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium on July 28, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) | Getty Images