Pictures of Charles' first visit to Lancaster as King

Charles arrived at Lancaster Castle shortly before 11am and was greeted by crowds of well-wishers, some of whom had been waiting since 5am, waving Union flags.

His visit is part of the ancient ceremony of keys, which took place outside the John O’Gaunt gate, and dates to 1851.

The King was presented with the keys to the castle (Image: Temilade Adelaja/PA Wire) Once inside the grounds of the castle, which was a prison until 2011, the King met local charity representatives and business owners who were showcasing their work.

Expressing his love for cheese, he spoke to Gillian Hale, from Butlers’ Farmhouse Cheeses.

King tried the cheeses from Butlers’ Farmhouse Cheeses. (Image: Temilade Adelaja/PA Wire) Whilst he did not try any of the cheeses on the display, he was promised a goody bag by the owners.

Gillian said: “We’re going to send some to him later in a goody bag. He was so gracious.”

The King was also gifted a necktie and some gloves for the Queen from Northern Yarn.

The King tried scarves from Northern Yarn (Image: PA) Business owner Kate Makin said: “He was really interested in the regenerative farming and the local wools we use.”

Additionally, refugees who represented Lancaster-based charity Global Link spoke to the King, who told them that “the NHS wouldn’t manage without people like you”.

He spoke to Ahmad, who was an officer in the British Army and assisted in the evacuation of Kabul when the Taliban took over.

Within his tour of Lancaster Castle, the King met stone masons behind recent developments and also spoke to Alan Ward, the stone sculpture manager at the historic site.

After his time in the castle, he spoke to the crowds who lined the streets in their thousands.

Crowds lined the street to meet the King (Image: Lancaster City Council) Charles met Richard Brock, who served in the D-Day landings and remembered him from a visit to Normandy last year.

Mr Brock, who served with the East Lancashire Regiment, said: “He just told me I was amazing for my age.”

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Additionally, the King took time to speak to Joan, 103, who had been presented with an MBE by the King in 2001 for her voluntary service.

A Fijian choir formed from the First Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment – made up of serving Fijian Kingsmen, veterans and their family members – performed for the King, who told them he was sad not to have been able to visit the country last year.

The King met a Fijian choir during his visit (Image: PA)

He said: “They wouldn’t let me go, I was desperate to go there.”

Before the King left, he unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit, made by sculptor Alan Ward, who has a studio in the castle.

Later on Monday, Charles visited the newly created Whitewell Coronation Woodland Garden in the Forest of Bowland.

He spoke to volunteers and added the final two stones to a dry stone wall in the garden.

Turner Robinson, 78, who built the rest of the wall, said: “I think he did a good job, he put them in the right way up.

“It’s been a different kind of day and something I never thought would happen.”

Volunteer Eileen Joy, 80, who spoke to the King as she was planting in the garden, said: “It’s been quite an honour.”

The King spoke to Toby and Lindsay Barnett, from Treeco Arboriculture, about the work they had done in the garden.

Mr Barnett said: “He discussed which trees were his favourite. In this area, he said his favourite is a sycamore.”

Mrs Barnett added: “He was a real gentleman. His visit is a nice reward at the end of all the hard work.”

Anti-monarchy protesters were also awaiting his arrival and could be heard chanting “Not my king” as he left his vehicle.

The group had a yellow banner which said “Abolish the Monarchy” and held signs saying “Not my King” and “Ditch the Duchies”.