YOUNG leaders from across the Bradford district were over the moon to meet and chat to King Charles III inside City Hall.
In the second leg of his visit to the city, The King made a grand entrance to Centenary Square at around 1pm on Tuesday.
King Charles enters City Hall pic.twitter.com/NXqoqoWElL
— Rowan Newman (@RowanN_TandA) November 8, 2022
After wowing crowds and greeting senior figures outside the historic building, the monarch was guided to the banqueting suite.
It was here where His Majesty was interested in the stories of our community stars across several sectors.
The monarch meets the district’s young leaders pic.twitter.com/XstQj5fkiM
— Rowan Newman (@RowanN_TandA) November 8, 2022
Safiyyah Syeed, who is known as the Hijabi Boxer, was super excited to chat with him.
"My 18-year-old self would be screaming right now at this opportunity," she said.
"It was amazing. He is so lovely. He knew a bit about all of us.
"He was so interested in my sport. I was shocked someone important gave us his time today."
Also in the room stood Bradford City CEO Ryan Sparks and Bradford Bulls chairman Nigel Wood.
Brother and sister refugees Yeasin Mohammed, 26, and Jasmin Akter, 21, were pleased to see The King asking about their background.
Katie Mahon from @Bloomin_Buds in conversation with The King pic.twitter.com/6a2B6CvgTg
— Rowan Newman (@RowanN_TandA) November 8, 2022
Yeasin said: "It is a dream come true. We didn't expect to see a King. Soon as he shook my hand, I paused for a second and then had a good chat with him.
"He was asking me where I was from and about my business. He was impressed and said he wanted to do something for refugees like myself and my sister.
"I have done so much in my life but to meet a King, you cannot beat that, a day I will never forget."
Jasmin added: "It shows what type of person he is. He cares about humanity."
It was Bradford Council Chief Executive Kersten England who was ushering His Majesty around the room.
King Charles wants to stay and chat to more young leaders pic.twitter.com/grJ9r8xqBi
— Rowan Newman (@RowanN_TandA) November 8, 2022
Amateur boxer Harris Akbar, who hopes to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics, said: "It was overwhelming at first then he got to know you a bit and it turned into a fun experience. Meeting someone of his stature is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"He started asking me about my diet. He thinks I eat six chickens a day so I had to tell him I swap them with broccoli.
"He was quite down to earth. It was unexpected because I thought he would be a bit more serious.
"Hopefully he can watch me win the Olympics in two years' time."
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