King Charles at St Giles' Church, Wrexham for city status service

The King and The Queen Consort arrived at the High Street Gates where crowds had gathered to get a glimpse of His Royal Highness. 

Their Majesties arrived fresh from their first engagement, where they met Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds at the Racecourse Stadium. 

The King and The Queen Consort also got an insight into the redevelopment of the club from the Strategic Advisor to the Board, Shaun Harvey.

Their Majesties were also in Wrexham to commemorate the achievement of gaining city status. 

Wrexham was one of eight places across the UK to gain city status as part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.  

READ MORE: King Charles III visits Wrexham to celebrate city status

Large crowds gathered along the high street in Wrexham in an attempt to get a glimpse of the new King, with cheers greeting Their Majesties on arrival at St Giles’.

The King and Queen consort went out to thank those in attendance, with those lining Church Street desperate for a handshake. 

On their arrival at St Giles', the Royal pair were greeted by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd, Mr Lloyd Fitzhugh, as well as First Minister Mark Drakeford. 

They were then welcomed to the church by the Wardens of St Giles’. 

PICS: King Charles III outside St Giles Church, Wrexham.

The service began with Mayor of Wrexham Cllr Brian Cameron offering a warm welcome to Their Majesties, before Chief Executive Ian Bancroft and Cllr Mark Pritchard gave speeches to the crowd inside the church. 

The pair discussed what Wrexham had to offer and the pride in gaining city status. 

They also made reference to the “Hollywood glamour” of Wrexham AFC, which brought a smile to King Charles’ face. 

During the service, His Majesty The King formally marked the conferral of City status on Wrexham, with a short speech.

His Royal Highness said: "Boneddigion a boneddigesau, 

“Mr Mayor, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Ladies and Gentlemen,

“My wife and I are absolutely delighted to be with you in Wrexham today to celebrate your becoming a city.

"As you know, city status was granted to eight different communities in order to celebrate my late mother’s Platinum Jubilee.   

“As we now mark this historic occasion, we also look back, with mingled sadness and pride, at that extraordinary reign, during which, as you know, my mother’s great love for Wales was always apparent.  

“It is thoroughly fitting that we should celebrate the creation of Wales’s newest city in the setting of this magnificent church, which truly deserves its designation as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

“Of course, as no fewer than six of the seven Wonders are in North East Wales, we cannot help but think that whoever wrote that famous anonymous rhyme – Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple, Snowdon’s mountain without its people, Overton yew trees, St. Winifred’s Well, Llangollen’s Bridge and Gresford’s bells – must have been from this part of the world! 

“A little earlier today, I had the opportunity to see one of the other wonders of Wrexham, namely the football club, which is busy putting Wrexham on the map as never before.   And, of course, this comes after the Welsh national team has brought unprecedented international recognition to Wales through qualifying for the World Cup.

“The motto of Welsh football – Gor-au Chwar-ae, Cyd Chwar-ae – sums up the spirit of community, and of joint endeavour, which is so important to Wales, and which, over the years, I have come to know and value more than I can possibly say. 

“So, ladies and gentlemen, as you celebrate your new-found status for this very special part of the world, nothing could give me greater pleasure than to say llongyfarchiadau and to wish you every possible success for the future.”

Their Majesties then went on to view the church’s treasures including the First Edition King James Bible and a rare early 14th Century chalice which is still in use, with Reverend Jason Bray offering an insight into the church labelled “Remarkable” by His Royal Highness. 

During the last part of the Royal visit, The King and Queen Consort met with church representatives and local community groups. 

They met with Wrexham foodbank, where the Queen Consort was delighted to hear of the recent surge in donations to the organisation. 

READ MORE: Foodbank 'touched' after Rob McElhenney vow sees donations flood in from across pond

CEO of Moneypenny Joanna Swash discussed King Charles’ last visit to Wrexham where he got a tour of the company.

The King and Queen Consort also met with representatives from the police force, NHS, military and Glyndwr University. 

The service was finished with King Charles signing the document to Mark the city status, before being cheered out of the church by those in attendance.