King Charles III has visited Stevenage today, for an Advent service and Christmas reception at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre.
His Majesty landed by helicopter in Shephalbury Park and was greeted on arrival by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, councillors and the Bishop of St Albans, Bishop Alan Smith.
The King was welcomed by the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos.
His Majesty attended the Advent service in the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St George, before meeting with young volunteers from the church's ministries and members of the congregation.
Suggested reading
Four groups of church ministries highlighted how the key themes of their work align with the Coronation pledge 'to serve'.
Archbishop Angaelos gave a speech and His Majesty unveiled a plaque, signed the visitors' book and planted a tree to commemorate the visit.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here