King sends special message to mark city’s 400th birthday

Leeds’ 400th birthday celebrations have been given the royal seal of approval.

The King has penned a letter to the city to hail the hard work, generosity and civic pride to mark the 400th milestone since Leeds was issued with its Royal Charter.

In a letter to the city to recognise the occasion, The King offered his congratulations before praising the unique history and heritage of Leeds and recalling some warm, personal memories of his most recent visit in 2022.

His Majesty 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 out by HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Prof Adeeba Malik CBE during a service at Leeds Minster yesterday attended by civic dignitaries, former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan and representatives from 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.”

Celebrations for Leeds 400 have taken place across the city throughout the year, and mark 400 years since Leeds was awarded its first Royal Charter by King Charles I on July 13, 1626.

The granting of the prestigious charter changed the course of the city’s history, laying the foundations of modern-day Leeds by incorporating it as a “free borough” and a “body corporate and politic.”

Coun 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.”