Monarch returns to duties with warm welcome after summer break
King Charles III travelled to Birmingham to officially open the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, where the Invictus Games will be staged in 2027. The 76-year-old met with patients, volunteers, and medical staff, looking cheerful as he resumed public engagements following his summer at Balmoral with family.
The Palace shared photographs of the visit on its official Instagram page, noting: “In Birmingham, The King has visited the Oratory of St Philip Neri, which opened in 1909 in memory of St. John Henry Newman.”
Royal commentator Rebecca English also posted on X that the monarch had been shown the hospital’s enclosed “Winter Garden,” a 4,000-square-metre space designed for patients and visitors.
During the day, Charles toured the Birmingham Oratory alongside Daniel Joyce, Newman Archivist and Librarian, examining historic books and artefacts. He was welcomed by the Archbishop of Birmingham and Father Ignatius Harrison, the Provost of the Oratory, who guided him through the church’s history.
Wearing a grey suit and red patterned tie, the King appeared in excellent spirits, sharing light-hearted moments with a group of Fathers and chatting animatedly throughout the visit.
