His Majesty The King Charles III has praised the hard work, generosity and civic pride of the people of Leeds, giving the city’s landmark Leeds 400 celebrations the royal seal of approval.
In a letter marking the occasion, The King offered his congratulations and paid tribute to Leeds’ distinctive history and heritage. He also reflected warmly on personal memories from his most recent visit to the city in 2022.
His Majesty The King Charles III 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 prestigious letter was read aloud by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, during a special service at Leeds Minster. The ceremony was attended by civic dignitaries, former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan and representatives of Leeds United.
Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Stephen Holroyd, who hosted the service said:
“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 400 celebrations have taken place across the city throughout the year, marking four centuries since Leeds received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I on July 13, 1626. The granting of the historic charter transformed the city’s fortunes, laying the foundations for modern-day Leeds by establishing it as a ‘free borough’ and a ‘body corporate and politic’. Alongside celebrating its past, Leeds is also looking to the future through the Leeds Ambitions — four key priorities designed to help the city fulfil its potential.
The four ambitions aim to make Leeds a healthier, growing, thriving and resilient city, with a central mission to reduce poverty and inequality and deliver lasting improvements to people’s lives over the next decade.
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.”
More information about Leeds 400 and the events programme can also be found at Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration | Culture Programmes
