King Charles III will visit Preston on Monday 16 November, in his first royal visit to the city centre.

The King will be welcomed as a guest of honour at a reception at The Harris, the city’s museum, art gallery and library. He will then appear on the Flag Market to meet and greet the people of Preston.

He will be joined by council representatives, charities, community groups and faith representatives to celebrate “the City of Preston, its people and organisations that contribute so much to its diverse, thriving heritage and community”.

“A very special occasion for the city”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP, said: “I am delighted that His Majesty The King will be visiting Preston. This is a very special occasion for the city and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate its people and the many organisations that contribute so much to community life.”

She added: “I am also looking forward to seeing members of the public welcoming The King in the Flag Market and helping to make it a memorable day for Preston.”

Preston City Council chief executive Adrian Phillips said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity of welcoming His Majesty King Charles III to the proud City of Preston and we are inviting as many people to come and join us on the day to show how fantastic the City of Preston and its people are.”

Road closures and police preparations

A number of road closures will be in place during Monday 16 November, with details and timings to be announced.

Preparations are already under way in the city centre. Lancashire Police have carried out extensive searches across the Flag Market and surrounding streets during Monday and Tuesday ahead of the visit, including looking down drains and removing manhole covers. The force confirmed the searches were in relation to the King’s visit.

A Lancashire connection

The King is the current Duke of Lancaster and takes a keen interest in the Duchy estate, making several visits to the county each year. His tour of Lancashire earlier in 2026 took in Clitheroe Auction Mart, the 700-year-old Samlesbury Hall and the Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses campus at Inglewhite, where he officially opened the family firm’s new cheese campus.

The Flag Market, where the King will meet the public, hosted Preston’s Remembrance Sunday service on 8 November, when crowds gathered at the city’s war memorial. The city will come together there again on Wednesday 11 November to mark Armistice Day.

The King has visited Lancashire in recent months, including a trip to Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in Inglewhite and a visit to Samlesbury Hall, but the 16 November trip will be his first royal visit to Preston itself. Blog Preston announced the visit, and Blog Preston also reported the police preparations on the Flag Market.