Charles and Camilla visit Cornwall in their first official visit as King and Queen
Their Royal Highness' met with crowds lining the streets in St Ives
Last updated 13th Jul 2023
King Charles and Queen Camilla made their first 'official' visit to Cornwall as King and Queen, visiting charities and members of the public.
During their visit to the Duchy they spent a few hours visiting St Ives where they were met with crowds of thousands of people lining the streets to meet them.
Four year old Maisie gave Queen Camilla some flowers and stood along the harbourside with her parents.
Stuart, Maisie's Dad, said: "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for your children to meet the King and Queen, it was absolutely fantastic. It was Maisie's idea to get some flowers for the King and Queen, she thought it would be a nice idea to get some."
Jessica, Maisie's Mum, added: "It was magical. It was a really good experience to see her give the flowers to the Queen."
Crowds of people gathering waving flags and chanting made the visit to the coastal town, to catch a glimpse of the King and Queen on their trip.
In their visit to the town, King Charles and Camilla also met with people at the Barbara Hepworth Museum, after the Tate Gallery in St Ives celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.
Jane Axten, who met King Charles when the Gallery opened 30 years ago, recalled shaking his hand back then.
She said: "Two of us were presented to Prince Charles as he was then which was very nice, and he spent some time at the Tate. I'll never forget that day, it was marvellous.
"To have royalty come was quite special. He couldn't believe when I said that to him, that it's 30 years and we've just celebrated our anniversary."
Queen Camilla also visited the Women's Centre near Bodmin.
Her Majesty The Queen learnt about the vital work of The Women’s Centre Cornwall – a charity providing specialist support to women and girls living with the impact of abuse - in a visit to Cornwall today.
The royal visit included an introduction to the charity’s services which include one-to-one and peer support, as well as specific services for women facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness and discrimination. The Queen also met with young women who shared some of the poetry and artwork they have created at the centre and joined the charity's volunteer support workers in a tree-planting ceremony.
The Queen Consort has worked to highlight organisations supporting victims of Rape and Sexual Assault for over ten years, undertaking numerous visits to learn more about the issues, meet survivors, and highlight the invaluable contribution made by the people and organisations working in this area.
Claire Davies, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to The Women’s Centre Cornwall. By lending support to the issue of sexual and domestic abuse, Queen Camilla is helping us to further bring to light the realities experienced by too many women and girls. Speaking out about these issues helps reduce the stigmas associated with abuse by allowing women to create connections and know they are not alone.
“We hope the visit will raise awareness about the support we offer. We are here for all women and girls, regardless of age or background, who are living with the impact of any form of sexual or domestic abuse and sexual violence at any time in their lives.”
To take part in the Walk My Walk survey or to find out more about The Women’s Centre Cornwall and the support available, you can visit their website.