King Charles and Queen Camilla’s ‘great gesture’ in York gives young boy moment he’ll ‘treasure’ forever

King Charles and Queen Camilla had a special moment with a young fan during their visit to York on November 9 and it's got fans feeling emotional!

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s ‘great gesture’ praised by fans, seen here arriving for the Welcoming Ceremony to the City of York
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s ‘great gesture’ during a visit to York gave a young boy a moment he’ll likely “treasure” forever and it won fans’ hearts.  


On November 9 the King and Queen Consort stepped out in York just a day after King Charles revealed his secret tip for the perfect roast potato in Bradford. The royal couple had arrived in the city of York for the unveiling of a touching new statue of Queen Elizabeth II. This was the first statue of the Queen to be installed since she passed away at Balmoral Castle in September and it had been designed to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. During his time in the city, His Majesty and Queen Camilla also undertook a walkabout speaking to the crowd who’d turned out to see them.

It was then that they met young royal fan and York resident, Jason, and King Charles and Queen Camilla’s “great gesture” to give him a moment he’ll likely “treasure” forever has not gone unnoticed or unloved…

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort attend a welcoming ceremony at Micklegate Bar

(Image credit: Photo by James Glossop - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In pictures shared by the City of York Council, the King and Queen Consort can be seen warmly holding hands with Jason. 

“We were very happy to have helped young resident Jason, who is visually impaired, to meet the King and Queen Consort during today’s royal visit,” the caption declared. “Jason said he felt ‘calm, happy and excited’ and got to hold their hands.”

Wearing a vibrant rainbow-toned waterproof jacket, Jason can be seen beaming excitedly, holding hands with King Charles on one side and Queen Camilla on the other in the first sweet snap. In the second of these heart-warming pictures, the Queen Consort stands behind him as they both smile at the camera.

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Fans were left more than a little emotional after seeing Jason’s dreams of meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla come true. Many took to the comments to praise the “beautiful” photos and how “happy” they were to see him enjoy a special moment with the senior royals 

“Omg such cute, beautiful pictures. I'm so happy for little Jason! He and his family will treasure this moment forever”, one fan declared delightedly.

Another person also remarked upon how unforgettable that moment likely was for Jason, writing, “Adorable. He will remember that forever.”

“OMG this is SO cute!!!”, someone else shared as a fourth fan wrote, “Great gesture for that lovely boy.”

Reports have suggested that Jason had written to York Council who had arranged with Buckingham Palace for this adorable meeting.  

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort at the unveiling of the Queen Elizabeth II statue

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Personal interactions like this between royals and fans have become even more regularly seen in recent months. The very same day Kate Middleton gave her poppy away to a little boy in a heart-warming moment in Uxbridge. And who could forget Prince William’s hug with an elderly man in Scotland earlier this year? 

King Charles’ recent visit to unveil the new statue also saw him address the crowds at York Minster cathedral, he said his mother’s effigy would “watch over” the city. 

"The late Queen was always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life. Now her image will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square for centuries to come,” he declared. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!