The King braved torrential rain in Grimsby on Thursday, delighting hundreds of well-wishers with an impromptu walkabout and quipping, "I’m so sorry you got so wet".
Emerging from a community hub, Charles was met by approximately 500 people. Despite the downpour, he ventured towards the crowds, shielded only by an umbrella and wearing a light grey suit without a coat.
For around 15 minutes, he shook hands and engaged in conversations, predominantly about the inclement weather.
As he prepared to depart, shouts from another section of the public prompted him to extend his visit, drawing cheers as he made his way to greet them once more.
Earlier in the day, during his tour of community projects, the King had chatted with teenagers about diverse topics including boxing, rock climbing, scout badges, and cooking.
His arrival at the Horizon Youth Zone was met with cheers from around 100 well-wishers who had braved the rain.
Inside Horizon, the King toured the state-of-the-art facility chatting to local school children, cadets from the various armed services and scouts.
They showed him the centre’s climbing wall, sports hall and training kitchen, where he watched teenagers make pizza muffin as he asked them about how they felt about missing school for the day.
“I have my uses,” he joked, as one girl said they had missed their maths lessons.
As he toured the sports hall, the King said “I’m sorry we can’t stop and play some badminton” and he asked a group of youngsters about Grimsby Town’s famous victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in August.
He finished his visit to the centre in the boxing gym where he chatted to youngsters being put through their paces.
The Horizon Youth Zone opened in February for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
The centre offers activities ranging from sports to cooking, creative and performing arts, media and employability support.
It is part of a community initiative in Grimsby which has seen a range of projects develop from a grassroots approach to finding out what people want to regenerate their towns and areas.
The Grimsby Together initiative is seen as a flagship approach which is inspiring other towns across the UK.
The King’s second stop in Grimsby was at The CARE Hub, which is a community care and housing organisation designed to provide support to local people by providing a safe and nurturing environment.
The centre has been developed by specialist designers who have created a homely atmosphere which feels like a cosy sitting room.
Charles met staff and people who have benefited from the hub, including a one-to-one meeting with Liam Atkinson, 26.
After the meeting, Mr Atkinson explained how he came to The CARE Hub after his marriage broke down and he developed health problems.
He said he lost his house and his job in the space of a year but the project got him back on his feet, and he now has a flat for himself and his three-year-old son.
Mr Atkinson said: “They changed my life. All the staff here are absolutely amazing.
“The help and support is absolutely unbelievable.”
Asked about his meeting with the King, he said: “He’s so down to earth. He’s so kind. So considerate.
“He seemed to care, which is amazing.”
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