The King and Queen visit Middlesbrough

The King and Queen began their day with a visit to Middlesbrough’s International Centre where they met families, faith groups and volunteers and staff from local community groups. 

Groups included REPOD Doctors, an initiative that helps doctors and other medical practitioners who have come to the UK as refugees to transition into the NHS.

Their Majesties also joined a knife crime community education workshop with officers from Cleveland Police and young people from The King’s Trust. Middlesbrough Environment City was also represented: a charity dedicated to promoting healthy and sustainable living through community action and events.

Before departing, Their Majesties met children taking part in a Valentine’s Day craft activity, before unveiling a plaque commemorating their visit.

Their Majesties went on to separate engagements, with The King heading to SeAH Wind’s XXXL offshore turbine base factory, the world largest monopile manufacturing facility. There, he saw the construction process in action and met apprentices from from Middlesbrough College and Hartlepool College during National Apprenticeship Week.

At a reception following the visit, His Majesty heard how the region is being enriched through hiring local skilled workers, training young people and reskilling more experienced workers to offer significant employment opportunities in the area. 

Meanwhile, The Queen joined a celebration of the National Literacy Trust’s work in Middlesbrough alongside 750 school children, and led by Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Her Majesty, as Duchess of Cornwall, was one of the first people to visit and shine a spotlight on the work in the town, which began in 2013. On this visit, she was able to see the positive effects the scheme has had, as she presented five 'Star Readers' with their certificates. Her Majesty also met 15 year-old Tom Richardson, who set up “Book Buddies” during the Covid-19 lockdown, while at school in Durham, giving books to children with none at home.

The work in the town became the blueprint for the charity’s approach to tackling low literacy in the community – working with and alongside schools, families and local partners in this mission.  The National Literacy Trust now has an established presence in over 20 areas across the UK.

At a reception after the event, Afterwards, The Queen heard about ‘Early Words Together’, a programme that empowers parents of young children with the tools and confidence needed to create language rich and play-filled homes.

The visit ended with a chance to speak to more members of the local community who had come out to greet Their Majesties, during a brief walkabout.