King Charles visits Cambridge’s Whittle Laboratory in first engagement since Coronation

King Charles commenced his royal duties today after his Coronation (09/05) with a visit to the Whittle Laboratory, the University of Cambridge’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The purpose of his visit was to conduct the ceremonial ground-breaking for the new Whittle Laboratory and unveil a plaque celebrating the occasion. The new laboratory has been designed to speed up technological developments and lead innovations in the quest towards zero carbon flights by 2035; a challenge proposed by King Charles, as Prince, in 2020.

King Charles leaving the Whittle Laboratory. (Image Credits: Yu Ting Shang)

During his visit, King Charles met with students and staff from the Whittle Laboratory with countless more observing from the streets. Some computer scientists arrived after noticing the police presence in the adjacent William Gates building. Most people seemed to be unaware of the King’s visit.

One student commented that the police presence made him curious, but when he asked the student administration office who was coming, they said the police would not tell them either.

The plaque on the podium before being unveiled. (Image Credits: David McIntosh)

Many students were pleased to see the King, commenting that the wait was shorter than at the Coronation. One student was spotted with a whiteboard stating “not my King”, but was promptly instructed by police to get rid of it.

A large police presence was seen. (Image Credits: LT Stockmann)

This is King Charles’ third visit to the Whittle laboratory, offering his congratulations to everyone there. As a Cambridge graduate, “albeit an arts one”, he expressed his admiration for the “incredible activities which go on here in engineering and so many other fields.” He believes “this country’s great strength lies in its innovatory skills.”

After his short speech, King Charles left with his motorcade whilst some members of the audience shouted, “God save the King” and “long live Britannia.”

Feature Image Credits: Nils André