King Charles visits Preston - timings, road closures, viewing areas, parking restrictions and drone ban

Everything you need to know ahead of His Majesty’s visit to the city next week...

King Charles will visit Preston for the first time as monarch on Monday, with a trip to The Harris, a meet-and-greet at the Flag Market and even a stop at the famous Spud Bros van on his itinerary.

The King, who turns 78 just two days before the visit, is expected to arrive in the city during the mid-morning.

The Duke of Lancaster's visit is expected to attract crowds, with Preston City Council issuing advice for people planning to come into the city to catch a glimpse of the monarch.

King Charles and Queen Camilla meet members of the public after attending the ceremonial opening of the Senedd (Alastair Grant/PA)placeholder image
King Charles and Queen Camilla meet members of the public after attending the ceremonial opening of the Senedd (Alastair Grant/PA)

Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker JP said she was "delighted" to be welcoming the King to Preston and hoped it would be a ‘memorable day’ for the city.

The council has confirmed a number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in place during the visit, as well a drone ban covering much of the city and parts of Penwortham and Walton-le-Dale.

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What time will King Charles arrive in Preston?

The King is expected to arrive in Preston during the mid-morning on Monday.

However, Preston City Council has said an exact arrival time cannot be confirmed.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to arrive in Preston during the mid-morning on Monday.placeholder image
King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to arrive in Preston during the mid-morning on Monday. | Aaron Chown/PA Wire

Which roads will be closed?

A number of roads around Preston city centre will be closed to traffic between 8am and 1pm.

The affected roads are:

  • Cheapside
  • Market Street
  • Earl Street
  • Birley Street
  • Harris Street
  • Birley Street/Jacson Street

Where will parking restrictions be in place?

Parking restrictions will be in place on the following roads on Monday morning:

  • Jacson Street
  • Birley Street
  • Lord Street

Drivers are being warned that vehicles left in these areas may be towed away.

Public viewing area mapplaceholder image
Public viewing area map | Preston City Council

Where can people watch King Charles?

Members of the public are being encouraged to gather at the Flag Market to see the King.

The council has also published a map showing designated public viewing areas around the city centre.

Drone ban in force

Lancashire Police have announced a temporary no-fly zone covering Preston city centre during the King's visit.

Lancashire Police have announced a temporary restricted airspace zone covering Preston city centre during the King's visit. The ban will apply between 10am and midday on Mondayplaceholder image
Lancashire Police have announced a temporary restricted airspace zone covering Preston city centre during the King's visit. The ban will apply between 10am and midday on Monday | Lancashire Police

The ban will apply between 10am and midday on Monday, and the restricted area will cover 1.5 nautical miles (2.78km).

Lancashire Police have warned it will be an offence under Section 239 of the Air Navigation Order for anyone to pilot a drone within the restricted airspace without prior approval from Lancashire Police's counter-drone unit.

The force said the measures are being put in place ahead of the King's visit to ensure the event can take place safely.

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