Anti-monarchy protestors greet King Charles and Queen Camilla with three-word chant
King Charles and Queen Camilla were met by a group of anti-monarchy demonstrators on their visit to Middlesbrough today.
The royal couple was greeted by the Republic’s large yellow placards reading “Not My King,” with protestors chanting the phrase as they arrived.
Flags with slogans reading “abolish the monarchy” were also seen being held by the crowds who wished to share their views.
Anti-monarchy demonstrators were seen in the Centre Square in the town holding large yellow signs.
But the King and Queen were undeterred by the protestors, ignoring them as they walked past to greet the hundreds of well-wishers who were also gathered.
It’s the first time a monarch has visited the town in the northeast since 1993 and members of the public had been gathering in the town for most of the morning from around 11.20am.
On the Republic group’s X page, earlier today, they shared an image of setting up for the King and Queen’s arrival.
Republic has criticised Teeside University for spending ‘tens of thousands’ of pounds on the visit, despite announcing staff cuts. Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said: “Wherever the royals go they end up costing taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds.”
He added: “Charles’s visit today is just more royal PR, a brief visit that royalists will insist shows they work hard. The university, schools, local council and local police will all face huge bills for this visit.
“This is at a time when local services are facing cuts and local people will see their taxes go up.
However, Middlesbrough Mayor, Chris Cooke, previously said it was “wonderful news” for the town, commenting on their visit. Ahead of the visit, he said: “This is wonderful news for our town and I know people will be very excited to welcome the King and Queen.”
The royal couple participated in a number of engagements, including visiting Middlesbrough’s International Centre to meet representatives of local community groups, voluntary services and police officers working to reduce knife crime in the town – inside the centre Camilla decided to take up an impromptu game of table tennis.
The King also donned a hard hat and fluorescent jacket to tour the SeAH Wind’s XXXL factory on Teesside – the world’s largest offshore wind turbine base factory.
Local musician and mental health campaigner Mike McGrother is leading performances of songs and poetry that celebrate the Middlesbrough area at Centre Square.
The royal trip marks the first time in 32 years that a monarch has visited the town, after Charles’s late mother Queen Elizabeth II opened Pallister Park in 1993.
Meanwhile, it is reported Cleveland Police said officers had imposed a dispersal order to prevent anti-social behaviour and increase public safety, running from 9am until 5pm today.
The order means anyone committing anti-social behaviour can be ordered to leave the area immediately and if they return, can be arrested.
