With the coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla as King and Queen Consort taking place today, Saturday May 6, we’re taking a look at the royal couple’s visits to East Devon in past years.

Camilla was in the area in July 2019, when she toured the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth on her 72nd birthday.

Exmouth Journal: Duchess of Cornwall during a vist to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. Picture: The Donkey Sanctuary

The Duchess of Cornwall was welcomed to the site by children from Sidmouth Primary School, and unveiled a plaque commemorating the charity’s 50th anniversary. She also officially named a young foal, Sweet Pea, and was presented with a Donkey Sanctuary themed Monopoly game and a framed picture of the foal as birthday presents.

Exmouth Journal: Three year old Jacob Leney sings happy birthday to Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall. Picture: The Donkey Sanctuary

It was part of a three-day visit to Devon and Cornwall by the royal couple. Charles had another engagement in the area and did not accompany his wife to Sidmouth.

Exmouth Journal:

In 2013 Camilla officially opened the Devon County Show at Westpoint, and spent several hours strolling around the showground and meeting representatives of the local agriculture industry.

Exmouth Journal: Prince Charles unveils the Geoneedle at Orcombe Point. Picture: Simon Horn

Charles’s last visit to East Devon was in October 2002 when he officially unveiled the GeoNeedle at Orcombe Point, at the start of the Jurassic Coast. The 96-mile stretch of coastline had been designated a World Heritage Site the previous year.

Exmouth Journal: HRH Prince Charles visits Exmouth in 1977. Ref exe Prince Charles visit Nost 1977-21. Picture: Exmouth Journal archives

Charles also visited Exmouth back in May 1977, when he met a group of local schoolchildren.