THE King, as Prince Charles, is widely recognised as one of Cumbria’s greatest champions, celebrating the county’s remarkable people and places.

Time and time again he has highlighted needs and celebrated successes as he visited the county. His contribution to life in the county is immense.

As Prince of Wales, the new monarch made no secret of his love of the county and its landscapes - making near annual visits to spend time in some of his favourite places.

The King has already taken local issues to the national stage and was thanked for his high-profile work with a Special Recognition Award by the Cumbrian farming community at the inaugural Cumbria Farmer Awards organised by Newsquest Cumbria last year.

In a video message to the audience at the Greenhill Hotel, near Wigton, the then Prince of Wales said how much he looked forward to his annual visits to the Lakes and how he revelled in stretching his legs on the fells after a busy day of engagements across Cumberland.

He also highlighted how he was patron of two organisations based in Cumbria – the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association and the Foundation for Common Land.

Julia Aglionby, executive director of the Foundation for Common Land, said: “As we reflect back on the unstinting 70 years of service of Queen Elizabeth, whose wisdom touched so many, we also face forward to the new era as King Charles pledges his service to our nation.

“In Cumbria over 20 years we have developed a special relationship with our new King. As Prince of Wales, since 2001 the King made almost annual visits to Cumbria.

"His stays with Joe and Hazel Relph developed an abiding love for Borrowdale and the communities, farmers and commoners who live and work in the Lakes.”

In March 2018 the then Prince of Wales visited the Lake District to unveil its official UNESCO World Heritage Plaque at the National Trust’s Crow Park in Keswick.

Tiffany Hunt, chair of Lake District National Park Authority, said: “He has long been a great supporter of farming and traditional land use in the Lake District, which was a key part in it being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017.

“We in Cumbria perhaps now should look forward and rise to our collective duty to progress initiatives he has supported so passionately.”