King Charles to unveil statue of late Queen on visit to York
The King will arrive in the city as monarch for the first time later
Last updated 9th Nov 2022
King Charles III is making his first visit to York as monarch, where he'll unveil a statue of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The King and Queen Consort Camilla will arrive at Micklegate Bar, where the sovereign traditionally enters the city.
The royal couple will take part in a short ceremony, which hasn't been performed since 2012, when the Queen and Prince Philip came to York to attend the Maundy Service.
Charles and Camilla will then move to York Minster where he will unveil a statue of his late mother.
The King will meet York Minster stonemason Richard Bossons, who designed and carved the statue of the Queen.
"Poignant" moment for both the King and York
The sculpture of the Queen was initially commissioned as part of her platinum jubilee celebrations, with the final design chosen by Her late Majesty.
But since her passing, Mr. Bossons said the sculpture has "developed that added layer of poignancy".
The statue will be the first of Queen Elizabeth to be unveiled since her death, and will sit on the Minster's iconic façade.
It'll eventually overlook York's first new public square in 200 years, which is being designed as part of a development plan for the city.
Alex McCallion, the Minster's director of works and precinct, said "that statue will look down over that square for at least 300 years. It's going to be quite a historic day".
King wishes Morrisons staff "happy Christmas" on first day of royal tour
The King was cheered by Morrisons workers after he wished them an early "happy Christmas" at the beginning of a two-day tour of Yorkshire.
Charles toured the Bradford HQ of the supermarket giant as hundreds of staff watched from balconies and stairwells.
As he arrived, he chatted to people who worked at stores around the region, telling them: "Thank-you for your wonderful efforts.
"I hope they let you off at Christmas."
Later, in a short speech, he told the staff: "It's a great joy to see you all today.
"I had no idea quite how many of you worked here at Morrisons."
After discussing his tour and work he had heard about in the community, the King said: "I can only thank you for all that, wish you every possible success in the future and, eventually, a really happy Christmas ahead."