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Coronations and Royal Connections
3rd May 2023
A historical event and royal celebration is here! Saturday 6th May 2023 will see the crowning of Britain’s 62nd monarch with the coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort. This also means another Bank Holiday to enjoy on Monday 8th May!
Did you know the new King visited Leeds just a few months ago? King Charles III came to Leeds on November 8th as part of a wider Yorkshire trip, to explore cultural institutions in the city including Leeds Central Library and Leeds Art Gallery; his visit shone a light on the city of Leeds and all it has to offer in the arts and cultural space. After arriving at historic Leeds Central Library in the afternoon, The King unveiled a special plaque to mark the 10th anniversary of the Child Friendly Leeds initiative, which was launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.
The Princess of Wales chats with the owner of Ada Proctor florists, Neil Ashcroft, a stallholder of 30 years – credit Leeds City Council
This wasn’t the only recent Royal visit to Leeds. In January this year, the Princess of Wales visited Kirkgate Market as part of the launch of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s ‘Shaping Us’ campaign. During her visit, The Princess of Wales enjoyed a market tour and spoke to traders and members of the public about early childhood.
Image taken on June 2, 1911 shows a heavily illuminated tramcar, created to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.
The photograph was most likely taken at Kirkstall Tram Works. Credit Leeds Libraries and Information Service.
How will you be celebrating? An illuminated tram, a giant crown and roasting a whole sheep are just a few of the unusual ways Leeds celebrated Coronations of the past, these historic images have revealed. Today, why not celebrate at one of these Leeds’ events?
Or, if you plan to curl up on the sofa with a suitably royal film like The King’s Speech, keep an eye peeled for a familiar Leeds landmark. The opening scene of the 2010 hit was filmed at Elland Road! Just one of many times Leeds appears on the silver screen.
Explore more royal connections here.