St Austell Welcomes Their Majesties The King and Queen

St Austell proudly welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Tuesday 24th March 2026, with crowds lining the streets despite cold and blustery conditions.

Residents and visitors gathered around Holy Trinity Church and the Market House from early in the day, with St Austell Band providing entertainment and helping to build a warm and celebratory atmosphere ahead of the royal arrival.

Just before 1:45pm, The King and Queen arrived in the town following their visit to the Eden Project, where they had been celebrating its 25th anniversary. During their time there, Their Majesties joined a Big Lunch event, meeting local volunteers and supporters who have contributed to the success of the project.

In St Austell, Their Majesties were welcomed into Holy Trinity Church, where they met with a range of local community groups and charities, including St Austell Town Council’s library staff. A highlight of the visit saw school children performing for The Queen, adding a joyful and memorable moment to the occasion.

The King and Queen were then greeted by the Mayor of St Austell, Councillor Colin Hamilton, before being escorted to the Market House. Here, they met with further community representatives, including members of St Austell Town Council and the Market House Directors, who shared their vision for future improvements within the town’s historic quarter.

During his visit to the Market House, The King was given a brief tour by Director Paul Jennings and Director Sandra Hayward. Overhead, shanty group The Stuns'ls performed from the balcony, creating a lively and distinctly Cornish welcome.

The King also took time to meet traders from the businesses based within the Market House and even marked the occasion by pulling a pint at a temporary bar set up by St Austell Brewery as part of their anniversary celebrations.

Before departing, Their Majesties spent time meeting members of the public during a short walkabout, shaking hands and speaking with well-wishers, including school children waving flags from the crowd.

The visit was a proud and memorable day for St Austell, showcasing the strength of its community, the vibrancy of its town centre, and the exciting plans for its future.