KING Charles III will fittingly visit Colchester Castle during his special trip to the city tomorrow… before unveiling the name of a baby rhino.

The monarch, who assumed the throne following the death of Her Majesty the Queen last September, will visit Colchester next Tuesday.

Joined by Queen Consort and wife Camilla, His Royal Highness is making the trip in celebration of Colchester being awarded city status.

After arriving in the area, the King will head to the historic Colchester Castle where he will be greeted by a Guard of Honour and the city’s British Army Band.

Outside the venue, in the surrounding park, the country’s figurehead and the Queen Consort will meet charity representatives, volunteers and refugees.

Gazette:

Their Majesties will also hear from schoolchildren on educational visits before being shown the artefact handling trolley by students from Market Field College.

King Charles and Camilla will also meet representatives from Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative, Firstsite, and domestic abuse charity Next Chapter.

Following a reception to celebrate Colchester’s city status, the royal couple will reveal the chosen name for Colchester Zoo’s newest addition, a baby white rhino.

Speaking previously Tim Young, Mayor of Colchester, said: “Their Majesties’ first visit will be a proud moment for Colchester and I know residents will share our delight.

“It will certainly be one of the highest honours of my time as Mayor.”

After soaking up the city’s rich heritage and history, Charles and Camilla will then head to Colchester Library to enjoy afternoon tea with Age UK volunteers and users.

During their visit they will learn about the library’s impact in the community through the Essex Year of Reading and engage with Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter.

Gazette:

Her Majesty will then be joined in the library’s Literacy Corner by children, broadcaster and author Dermot O’Leary, and author Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

They will also meet staff from The Silver Line, a helpline providing elderly residents with around-the-clock support.

Marking the end of proceedings Their Majesties will slice through a special cake and the Queen Consort will be presented with a very special Colchester Library card.

Royalist and excited Colchester resident Dilly Maldon said: “This is really exciting news. I am looking forward to the visit.”

As a result of the royal visit some roads and car parks in Colchester will be closed to accomodate the King's arrival and departure.

High Street, Head Street, Culver Street West, Sir Issacs Walk, North Hill and East Hill will all be out of action from 7am until 2pm.

Motorists and cyclists will be unable to use the roads during the specified timeframe but emergency vehicles and pedestrians will still be permitted access.

There will also be an impact on bus services and the taxi ranks in High Street and Head Street will be temporarily relocated to North Hill.

Drivers should also be aware there are some changes to car park opening hours and some restrictions on parking elsewhere.

Two car parks are also set for closure.

Napier Road South Car Park will be closed on March 6 and 7 and Sheepen Road Car Park will be closed on March 7.

However, all other council-owned car parks will be open.