King Charles made a historic visit to Kent on Thursday—his first to the county since becoming monarch in 2022—shining a spotlight on the region’s coastline, community spirit, and devoted volunteers.
To commemorate the occasion, the royal family shared a series of photos on their official Instagram account, offering followers a glimpse into the 76-year-old King’s warm welcome at the Kent coast. The Palace accompanied the images with a heartfelt statement celebrating the visit and those who made it memorable.
“Turning to the coast, our volunteers proudly welcomed King Charles III to @rnli_walmer Lifeboat Station today, marking His Majesty’s first official engagement since becoming our Patron last year,” the statement read.
The King was received by Denis Brophy MBE, Walmer’s volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, who has served with the RNLI since 1967. He introduced His Majesty to other dedicated members of the lifeboat station, including Launch Authority and Mechanic Tony Evans, and Helm Andy Howland.
A special moment came as the King met Walmer Boathouse Manager Les Coe, a former Head Launcher and Crew member, who was recognised for an extraordinary 70 years of service to the RNLI.
The visit marked a significant milestone in King Charles’s reign and further underscored his commitment to community, heritage, and those who serve quietly and bravely along Britain’s shores.
