His Majesty King Charles III visits the Royal Courts of Justice
On 14 December His Majesty King Charles III visited the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) for a historic event which celebrated the relationship between the monarchy and the judiciary. The King was met by Lady Carr, Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales (LCJ), who hosted his visit, as well as many judges and magistrates, and Judicial Office and HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) staff.
The visit recognised the valuable role played by magistrates, members of the public who volunteer to deliver justice, and the extensive outreach activity undertaken by Diversity and Community Relations judges and magistrates (DCRJs and DCRMs). The King spoke with DCRJs and DCRMs about their voluntary activities, which focus on raising awareness of their roles and the rule of law to the public.
The King visited the Main Hall and Costume Gallery where he was greeted by Judicial Office and HMCTS staff, and viewed photographs from The late Queen’s own visits and an exhibition celebrating pioneering women judges.
The King also observed a mock trial that was overseen by Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram CBE and attended by pupils from Ashcroft Technology Academy in Wandsworth. Several of the pupils are participating in Bar Mock Trials, an initiative run by charity Young Citizens, and used the visit as an opportunity to practice for the next round of the competition. In attendance, there were also Bridging the Bar interns who had recently shadowed judges as part of an outreach programme.
Towards the conclusion of the visit, The King attended a reception in the Painted Room where the LCJ delivered a short speech. The event closed with The King unveiling a plaque to mark his visit, which will be erected in the RCJ in the New Year.
Commenting on the event, the LCJ said: “It was a great honour to welcome His Majesty to the Royal Courts of Justice and to do so on behalf of the judiciary of England and Wales. The King reflected upon the deep importance of our independent judiciary to the nation and the rule of law. He was pleased to be able to meet judges from many different areas of the justice system, including those who volunteer as magistrates.”
