Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

Nine-year-old mayor helps King celebrate 74th birthday

King Charles walking into Leeds Art Gallery
By Poppy Doherty
The King visited Yorkshire over a 2-day span, the first visit to Leeds since being announced as King.

King Charles started his Royal expedition around Yorkshire, visiting Bradford, Leeds and finally York.

As the King celebrates his 74th birthday today, he was presented with a birthday card by newly elected child mayor of Leeds, Mason Hicks, aged 10. Mason was elected at the start of October and has been in the role for just over a month.

On his journey in Leeds the King was taken to Leeds art gallery and library mid-afternoon. He was shown a few of the World Reimagined Globes, which illustrate the history of the slave trade through artistic work. The King was also given a tour amongst the Jamaican society Leeds.

You haven't added a credit to your images yet! Mason Hicks, child mayor of Leeds. Photo taken by Poppy Doherty.

The mayor of Leeds was one of many to meet the King on his travels, he said:

“He is really down to earth, joking, friendly… I was in Poland yesterday, and in Krakow they have a Jewish centre and he raised money for this, which is amazing.”

Mason Hicks, aged 10, met the King inside the Leeds art gallery and library, he said:

” It was very fun (to meet the king), he’s 73 now but on Monday he will be 74.”

The King received many warm welcomes by bystanders who had been waiting hours for his arrival. Gina Scofield was the first person in the crowd to be greeted by the King, she said:

“It was absolutely amazing… he walked up straight towards me and shook my hand… I’m so glad I came this is a moment in history, he’s come to Leeds as the King, its jaw dropping.”

After the Kings short trip to Leeds, his next destination was York to uncover a statue of his late mother.

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