King Charles tells crowds 'this would gladden my dear mother's heart' as he grants city status to Dunfermline

King Charles III greets members of the public as he arrives at an official council meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline, Fife, to formally mark the conferral of city status on the former town, ahead of a visit to Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary. Picture date: Monday October 3, 2022.
King Charles III greets members of the public as he arrives at an official council meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline, Fife, to formally mark the conferral of city status on the former town, ahead of a visit to Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary. Picture date: Monday October 3, 2022.
Andrew Milligan
Rebecca Hutson

By Rebecca Hutson


Published: 03/10/2022

- 13:32

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 10:37

His Majesty and Queen Consort Camilla granted city status on Dunfermline as part of the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations

2King Charles III paid tribute to his mother on his first public engagement with his wife since the Queen's death.

His Majesty and Queen Consort Camilla granted city status on Dunfermline as part of the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations - telling crowds the event would 'gladden my dear mother's heart, as it certainly gladdens mine'.


Charles and Camilla were welcomed by crowds of well-wishers, including a local pipe band and school children. They were joined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was met with cheers and boos. As Charles arrived wearing a blue tartain kilt there were cries of 'God Save the King'.

His Majesty and his wife attended an official council meeting at the City Chambers where the King formally marked the conferral of city status on Dunfermline and made a short speech. It is their first joint public engagements since royal mourning ended last Tuesday.

King Charles III and the Queen Consort wave as they leave Dunfermline Abbey, after a visit to mark its 950th anniversary, and after attending a meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline, Fife, where the King formally marked the conferral of city status on the former town. Picture date: Monday October 3, 2022.
Andrew Milligan

In the ceremony the King said he was 'delighted' when it was announced the town would become a city. He said he hoped people would feel a 'real sense of pride in this new chapter'.

He said: 'That would, I know, gladden my dear mother's heart, as it certainly gladdens mine. As you celebrate your well-deserved status as Scotland's new City, I can only offer my warmest congratulations, and my heartfelt wishes for the years to come'.

He added: 'I was delighted when, in May this year, it was announced that Dunfermline was one of the eight communities being granted City Status to mark The late Queen's Platinum Jubilee. There could be no more fitting way to mark my beloved mother's extraordinary life of service than by granting this honour to a place made famous by its own long and distinguished history, and by the indispensable role it has played in the life of our country.

King Charles III shakes hands with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as Scottish Secretary Alister Jack (left) looks on, as he arrives at the City Chambers in Dunfermline, Fife, to formally mark the conferral of city status on the former town. Picture date: Monday October 3, 2022.
Andrew Milligan

'Now, of course, we gather to celebrate this great occasion but also to commemorate the life of Her late Majesty, whose deep love for Scotland was one of the foundations of her life'.

After the ceremony they visited Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary, and will meet with representatives from Historic Scotland to learn about the history of the local area and conservation of the site. The Abbey is the burial place of Robert The Bruce and more of Scotland's royalty.

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