'I hope they let you off at Christmas!': King Charles jokes with Morrisons staff during trip to Bradford
His Majesty also visited an art exhibition about transatlantic slavery on the first day of a two-day visit to Yorkshire.
Tuesday 8 November 2022 22:24, UK
The King visited the headquarters of the supermarket chain Morrisons and an art project about slavery during the first half of his two-day visit to Yorkshire.
The King viewed a number of The World Reimagined globes that have been on display in Leeds since the end of September.
They are part of a national project to explore the history and impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
His Majesty met Fiona Compton, an artist who designed one of the globes, during his packed trip.
She said: "My theme is challenging but the King coming here, and really engaging with my work, it's an important step."
The monarch was also presented with an early birthday card from 10-year old Mason Hicks, the Leeds Children's Mayor.
"You're very clever to know it's my birthday" the King told him.
The King also met Alford Gardner, 96, the last surviving Jamaican World War Two veteran from Leeds.
Part of the Windrush generation, he returned to the UK after the war.
Mr Gardner said: "Never in my wildest dreams I never, never thought I'd ever one day meet the King. It's unforgettable."
The King had started his day with a trip to Morrisons HQ in Bradford, where he prompted cheers by hundreds of staff by wishing them a rather early: "Happy Christmas."
He also joked in an impromptu speech: "I hope they let you off at Christmas".
Visiting the testing kitchens, the King was given tips on how to make the perfect roast potatoes and chatted to chefs about how best to cook roast beef, "fast then slow" he suggested.
He also learned more about the sustainable farming of producers and suppliers. At one point he seemed particularly interested in a conversation about carbon neutral eggs.
This is his latest visit as he continues his country-wide charm offensive as monarch.
Confronting difficult issues like the slave trade is perhaps a sign the monarch, while unable to speak out, can still convene and engage with challenging conversations.
All eyes are on the King, while he continues the with the reality of his new day job, millions are expected to watch the fictional depiction of his life as the latest series of The Crown is released.
But don't expect any royal reaction, Buckingham Palace has made it clear there will be no comment on the show.