An unusual encounter on the sidelines: King Charles III (77) visited the English soccer club Grimsby Town FC at Blundell Park on Thursday. At the stadium, he met the club mascot named Mighty Mariner. The mascot, which depicts an older man with white hair and a white beard wearing a white cap, presented him with a personalized jersey. "HM King Charles" can be read on it. Below that is the number three.
The King also met members of the charitable organization Our Future. This organization works in Grimsby to strengthen communities and promote local leadership, among other things, as the Royal Household announced on Instagram. The Palace published several images from the visit.
Charles visits social facilities
Before the stadium visit, Charles was also a guest at several social projects in Grimsby. At the youth center Horizon Youth Zone, he learned about recreational and educational opportunities for young people. There he chatted with students, scouts and cadets and was shown the climbing wall, the sports hall and the kitchen.
The monarch then stopped at The Care Hub, a social facility that supports people in difficult life situations - for example with a housing program, a crisis center and long-term care. On site, Charles spoke with staff and people who use the facility's services.
King Charles also took time for royal fans. As the "Daily Mail" reports, he shook hands for 15 minutes in Grimsby's city center despite the rain and spoke with some of the approximately 500 people. As he was about to get in the car, another group called him over and Charles briefly joined them.
Full schedule on Saturday?
Charles' next appointments are already scheduled for Saturday. In London, he is expected at "Trooping the Colour", the annual military parade for his birthday. In the afternoon, he may have to travel on immediately. According to "Hello", the funeral of Lady Pamela Hicks (1929-2026), a cousin of Prince Philip (1921-2021), will take place then. She passed away at the age of 97 on June 5. It is still unclear whether Charles will attend the funeral service.
