His Majesty The King offered his 'heartfelt congratulations' to 'industrial, creative and cultural jewel of England'
Sebastian McCormick
13:29, 14 Jul 2026
King Charles III
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King Charles III(Image: Leeds City Council)
King Charles III has sent a letter to the city of Leeds as it marks its 400th anniversary.
Leeds was granted its first Royal Charter by King Charles I on July 13, 1626, making this year the 400th anniversary of the city. Events took place across the weekend to celebrate, and now King Charles III has sent a letter to the city, expressing his "heartfelt congratulations" to the city.
The letter was read out by HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Prof Adeeba Malik CBE at a service at Leeds Minster on Sunday, which was attended by people from across the city, including former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan and representatives from Leeds United.
His Majesty The King wrote: "On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Leeds receiving its Royal Charter, The Queen and I extend our most heartfelt congratulations to you all.
"For more than four centuries Leeds has served as an industrial, creative and cultural jewel of England. From the oldest working railway to the filming of the first motion picture, Loiners have long strived for a prosperous future through shared resilience and enterprise.
"I am heartened to see that this tireless work continues today through the collaboration of your famous city’s many businesses, universities and hubs of art, research and hospitality.
"I remember fondly my most recent visit to Leeds, when I was fortunate to meet so many clever, hard-working and generous people in whose hands, I know, the future of Leeds, and indeed this great Nation, will continue to shine brightly. I was deeply touched by the warmth of the welcome and the optimism and civic pride of the local people.
"I know that this special occasion will be marked with the typical joviality of spirit for which old Leodis is known! My warmest wishes are with you all as you celebrate this important anniversary."
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd responded to the letter, saying: "It’s an absolute honour for the city to have received this prestigious letter from His Majesty The King and for the city’s celebrations to have been recognised in this way.
"It’s particularly heart-warming for The King to have acknowledged the civic pride of the people of Leeds, because it’s that love of the city and its special heritage which has really been at the heart of Leeds 400.
"On behalf of the city I’d like to thank His Majesty for his kind correspondence and to offer my own congratulations to Leeds for marking this occasion like only Leeds can."
Leeds' first Royal Charter incorporated the region as a "free borough", which laid the foundations for the city of Leeds, which was granted city status in 1893.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: "Leeds 400 has brought the city together in a truly unique way, giving people all across Leeds and in our communities a chance to showcase what they love most about this vibrant and unique place.
"For those celebrations to have received royal recognition is testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of everyone who has been so determined to put Leeds and its remarkable story in the spotlight during this very special year."
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