Salisbury City Council has invited HM King Charles III to visit the city and will consult residents on how best to commemorate the late Queen. A motion to these effects was put forward by Cllr Paul Sample ahead of last night’s council.

The motion was discussed as Item 15 on the council’s agenda.

“Salisbury City Council resolves to extend an invitation to our new King, His Royal Highness King Charles III and our new Queen Consort, Camilla, to visit our historic City and meet our citizens at the earliest opportunity,” Cllr Sample’s motion read.

“Following the death of our late sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen, and the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, can I also request that Salisbury City Council consult with residents over ways in which the reign of His Majesty King Charles III be commemorated in Salisbury Guildhall, and to consider whether this be by the commissioning of a portrait of His Majesty or some other means.

“It’s been 10 years since we had a visit from the Monarch. Since then Salisbury has had the triple whammy of Novichok, Covid and online shopping. The City has still not picked up again after that, and I think a Royal visit would cheer residents up.”

Although the first paragraph was struck out – an invitation had already been sent to HM the King – the rest of the motion was passed by a majority.

Cllr Sample told the Gazette: “I’m really pleased that the City Council supported my motion. A Royal visit would be very welcome. It cheers up residents and gives a boost to the City centre.”