It’s not long until King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be visiting Middlesbrough together for the first time since King Charles III became the monarch.
If you’re eagerly anticipating their Royal arrival, we’ve compiled a few pointers of what you need to know ahead of the big day.
Our friends over at Teesside Archives have kindly uncovered some nostalgic photographs from previous Royal visits to the town over the years – can you spot yourself or someone you know?
The Royal arrival – Thursday 13 February , 1 – 3pm
The King and Queen are visiting Middlesbrough to carry out a number of engagements before making their way by royal escort to Centre Square for a public celebration event (what3words location is ///music.broke.drill.). The event will start from 1pm and will last approximately two hours.
A number of the town’s vibrant community groups have been working hard behind the scenes to give the monarchs a warm Middlesbrough welcome. The general public can head along to the square to be part of this exciting moment in the town’s history.
What else is happening?
What’s a celebration without a party atmosphere? A favourite on the Teesside music scene and a champion of local history as well as being an active mental health campaigner, Mike McGrother of the Wildcats of Kilkenny fame, will lead a rendition of songs and poetry that celebrate the local area.
He’ll be joined on stage by his highly acclaimed Infant Hercules Choir. The community choir is made up of father and sons from Teesside who sing about the area’s history, industrial past and hopes for the future.
Expect three rousing parts to their performance: Erimus, The Infant Hercules and The Infinite Hercules. BBC Tees will also broadcast live from the event.
Food fit for a King (and Queen!)
This is an incredible opportunity for Middlesbrough and also a chance to support local!
If you’re heading along for the celebration, then it’s royal flush in terms of options for a fancy coffee, a healthy smoothie or a spot of brunch or lunch before the celebrations.
If you’re sticking around afterwards, you’re spoilt for choice with early bird menus in the town’s many restaurants, or grab a seat at the bar for a regal cocktail in one of the trendy hangouts along Baker and Bedford Street, Albert Road and Linthorpe Road.
Royal afternoon tea
Transport, parking and road closures
The town centre and all road routes leading into it are expected to be busy on Thursday (13 February). MIMA car park will be closed, as will spaces on Dunning Street, Elm Street and Pine Street. Parking will remain open as usual for shopping centre car parks and you can see a list of council car parks here.
There’ll also be some disruption to some bus services as Albert Road will be closed opposite Centre Square. Abingdon Road will also be closed between Borough Road and Grange Road.
Visit Middlesbrough Council’s information page for further details, including safety and accessibility information.
A royal blast from the past
Thanks to Teesside Archives we’ve created a gallery of previous royal visits to Middlesbrough since the 1970s.
Were you there when the late Queen Elizabeth II opened Pallister Park in 1993? Or maybe you spotted a spritely Prince Charles visiting a local school in 1996. Or you may even have played a part in the late Queen’s visit to Prissick Base during the Silver Jubilee Tour in 1977. See if you can spot yourself in the gallery below.
