The King visits Lancaster

Published 09 June 2025

The King, who is also The Duke of Lancaster, has visited Lancaster to take part in the traditional Ceremony of the Keys and to celebrate Lancashire and its communities.

On arrival in Lancaster, His Majesty took part in the Castle’s short Ceremony of the Keys. The Monarch has taken part in this tradition when visiting the Castle since 1851, when the keys to the Castle were first presented to Queen Victoria.

Inside the Castle grounds, The King met local businesses and viewed displays showcasing their work in the region. Some of the businesses included: Butlers’ Farmhouse Cheeses, which started trading in 1932; Northern Yarn, which produces breed-specific yarns that help to support the British wool industry; Neal Jones Furniture Ltd, previous winners of a King’s Award for Enterprise; and Teleplan Forsberg, which produces technology for navigation equipment.

The King later went on to join a reception celebrating the county. Guests included representatives from Escape 2 Make – a charity that helps young people escape from modern day pressures through creative workshops and activities – St John’s Hospice in the city, the Lancaster Literature Festival and a local World War II Veteran.

In the Castle grounds, The King met 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 – who performed throughout the visit.

Lancaster Castle has stood at the heart of Lancaster for nearly 1,000 years. Originally a Roman site, the present Lancaster Castle was founded in the 11th century.

Over the centuries, it has served as a royal fortress, prison, and court, playing a central role in regional governance and justice and now operating as a heritage attraction, courthouse, and cultural venue. The Duchy of Lancaster has recently undertaken extensive restoration and conservation work to preserve and enhance the site.

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Following on from the Castle visit, The King opened the Whitewell Coronation Woodland Garden. This garden has been created with the help of local volunteers and Lancashire based garden designer Teresa Potter for the community to enjoy.

During the tour of the garden, His Majesty met members of the Bowland Forest Lower Division Parish Council and local volunteers who will be maintaining the garden.