Thousands of people have welcomed King Charles to Barrow.
The visit marked the formal celebration of Barrow’s port being granted royal status in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to the UK’s nuclear submarine building programme and national security.
It was also a moment to honour the people of Barrow, whose skills, commitment, and community spirit have made this achievement possible.
The King was greeted by cheering crowds before joining civic leaders, sea cadets, schoolchildren, and members of the local community at Barrow Town Hall to mark this historic moment.
The day’s celebrations included a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, alongside free street entertainment ranging from stilt walkers and a drumming band to traditional games and children’s activities.
Families filled the courtyard and surrounding streets, taking part in a programme designed to showcase the pride and spirit of Barrow.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott said: “Today marks a truly historic moment for Barrow. It has been a great honour to welcome His Majesty and to celebrate the granting of Royal Port status.
“As we reflect on this special occasion, we also look to the future. This recognition not only celebrates Barrow’s proud heritage, but also reinforces its role at the forefront of innovation, industry, and community spirit.
“This honour is a tribute to the dedication of Barrow’s shipbuilders, port teams, and the wider community. I want to thank the people of Barrow for the warmth of their welcome and the pride they have shown. It has been inspiring to see the whole town come together to share in this milestone.”
Barrow mayor Fred Chatfield said: “This has been a fantastic day for Barrow. The King’s visit will be remembered for generations to come.
“The royal status for our port reflects the hard work, commitment and talent of our community, and today’s celebrations have shown just how much this means to the people of our town.”
King Charles also visited BAE Systems in Barrow to welcome the country’s newest attack submarine into the Royal Navy.
During the ceremony, HMS Agamemnon – named after a mythical ancient Greek king – became the sixth of the seven Astute class boats that will be commissioned into service.
The nuclear-powered vessel, which weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97 metres long, will now complete her test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials.
Earlier in the day, Defence Secretary John Healey cut the first steel to officially start construction of the last of four Dreadnought submarines, HMS King George VI, which BAE Systems is building in partnership with the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise to carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
The Dreadnought submarines, due to enter service from the early 2030s, are the replacement for the Vanguard-class submarines, which currently deliver the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) for the Royal Navy.
The critical role underpins the nation’s defence as the ultimate security guarantee and sees at least one of the boats deployed in an unknown location at sea every minute of every day.
Steve Timms, managing director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “It’s a privilege to host these ceremonies at our shipyard.
“Cutting steel on the fourth Dreadnought submarine demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made on the programme, whilst the sixth Astute class boat, HMS Agamemnon, joins the long and distinguished list of Barrow-built vessels to be commissioned into the Royal Navy.
“The enduring partnership between our Barrow shipyard and the navy dates back to the Victorian age and our role as the UK’s home of submarine design and build is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said: “The commissioning of the sixth Astute class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, and the steel cut for the fourth Dreadnought-class submarine, HMS King George VI, mark significant milestones in the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding our nation.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional workforce at Barrow, whose dedication, skill, and innovation continue to drive forward these vital programmes, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of global maritime defence.”
The King is also visiting Barrow Town Hall to bestow Royal Port status on the town in honour of its 120-year history as the home of UK submarine construction.
