The Prince of Wales is set to visit Southend in the days ahead to hand over letters patent that will turn it into England’s newest city.
Prince Charles, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, will head to the Essex coast on March 1st 2022 to oversee a special ceremony.
Southend was named a city last autumn following the death of Southend West MP, Sir David Amess, who had spent many years campaigning for the honour. He died from stab wounds at a constituency surgery in October 2021.
During the royal visit, the Prince of Wales will hand over the letters patent creating Southend a city. Soon afterwards, Lady Amess, widow of Sir David, will become the first person to be given freedom of the new city, an honour she will receive on behalf of her late husband.
Charles and Camilla will then tour the new ”city by the sea”. Their visit will include a trip to the famous pier where they will name a new, eco friendly train named after Sir David. They will also meet members of HM Coastguard and the RNLI.
Southend had already prepared a bid for city status as part of the competition marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Its elevation falls outside of that contest. Dozens of towns across the UK have now entered that race with final decisions due within the coming months.
