King Charles III visited Deal and Walmer in Kent, where he will tour the historic Walmer Castle and meet representatives from the Confederation of Cinque Ports.
The monarch's itinerary included visiting the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, currently held by Sir George Zambellas.
During his visit to Walmer Castle, the King observed restoration works carried out by English Heritage to preserve the building for future generations. He met senior representatives from the 14 coastal towns that comprise the Cinque Ports confederation.
The visit also included stops at community gardens, Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station, and Deal beach, where His Majesty participated in various community activities and met local volunteers.
King Charles III visited Deal and Walmer in Kent, where he will tour the historic Walmer Castle and meet representatives from the Confederation of Cinque Ports.
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The Cinque Ports confederation originated as a medieval trading and defensive alliance of ports along the south-east coast of England and continues today as a ceremonial organisation.
Walmer Castle has served as the official residence of the Lord Warden for nearly 300 years.
The prestigious role has been held by former Prime Ministers and Royal Family members, including Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who served as Lord Warden from 1978 to 2002. The castle was her official residence during her tenure.
His Majesty visited the Queen Mother's Garden, which was replanted in 1997 to mark her 95th birthday.
Following a tour of the gardens, the King planted a tree to commemorate his visit to the historic site.
The historic walled garden at Deal Castle, known as the Captain's Garden, has been transformed by volunteers and local charity groups into a wildlife-friendly green space for residents and visitors.
His Majesty met volunteer gardeners who have helped revitalise the community space.
Walmer Castle has served as the official residence of the Lord Warden for nearly 300 years.
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Several organisations that use the garden will be present during the royal visit. These include Deal Area Foodbank and Pantry, a charity established by local residents to provide emergency food supplies and long-term support to those in need.
The King also met Deal Pirates, a community group that brings people together to support local events and causes, from creating planters for Deal Station to constructing fencing at a local school.
Representatives from Leaps and Bounds, which runs arts and crafts workshops for adults with learning disabilities, will share how creativity helps build confidence.
Sandown Young Carers, a group for children aged 7 to 11 who care for family members, will also be present. The group meets weekly at the Captain's Garden for activities including frog spotting and gardening.
This visit to Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station marked His Majesty's first official station visit since becoming Patron of the charity in May 2024.
His Majesty visited the Queen Mother's Garden, which was replanted in 1997 to mark her 95th birthday.
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The King met operational volunteers from both seagoing and shore crews representing various RNLI stations within the Cinque Ports area.
Volunteers from the Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station's shop were also present to discuss their work supporting the local lifeboat service. The station arranged a demonstration of their D-class lifeboat launch for the royal visit.
His Majesty had the opportunity to hear directly from volunteers about their vital work supporting local lifeboat stations and maritime safety along the Kent coast.
On Deal beach, His Majesty met volunteers participating in a coastal clean-up organised by Deal With It, a local environmental group.
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His Majesty had the opportunity to meet members of the public before departing Deal.
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The volunteers were joined by cadets from Kent Wing Royal Air Force, Deal Army Cadets, Deal, Sandwich and Walmer District Scouts, and Dover and Deal Sea & Royal Marines Cadets, who regularly support beach cleaning activities in the area.
Deal With It's community beach cleans began in 2007, working in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society and groups like Surfers Against Sewage, of which His Majesty is Patron.
The group runs beach cleans throughout the year, contributing approximately 1,000 hours of volunteer time to preserve the three-mile beachfront.
The organisation works closely with community partners, including Dover District Council and Deal Town Council, whilst supporting other organisations and individuals who conduct beach cleaning activities year-round.
His Majesty had the opportunity to meet members of the public before departing Deal.