King Charles and Queen Camilla have helped celebrate the UK’s City of Culture for 2025 as they visited Bradford.

The King and Queen spent the day in Bradford where they were able to meet several different local groups and businesses. 

Their Majesties visited Bradford Live, a new 3800-seat venue, to meet with large crowds outside before enjoying a performance from local schoolchildren in the theatre. 

King Charles spent time at Impact Hub Yorkshire to learn about the centre’s work in supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses. 

He also visited Cartwright Hall to tour a new exhibition exploring the works of artist, David Hockney, who was born in Bradford. While at the gallery, he was surprised by a hug from 15-year-old Florence McGrellis. When asked why she hugged The King, she shared, “Because I’m friendly and I’m very helpful, and I’m a hugger.”

Queen Camilla embraced her love of literature and took a ride on the Bradford Stories Bus. The National Literacy Trust converted the bus into a mobile space for literacy events and to inspire children to enjoy reading and writing. 

The Queen then visited the cottage where the Brontë sisters were born in Thornton, West Yorkshire. She officially opened The Brontë Birthplace which is now open to visitors for the first time following an eighteen-month refurbishment project.