Continuing his engagements in Scotland, The King paid a visit to Alloa, where he visited a Scottish charity supporting homeless individuals.
The Gate Charity helps people who do not have a residence or are struggling due to the cost of living crisis. Established in 2011, the charity has become a cornerstone of support in the local community, addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and financial difficulties through its wide range of services.
His Majesty met workers for The Gate Charity. (Royal Family)
Dressed in a red and green tartan kilt and beige tweed blazer, Charles began his visit in the café by speaking to those who work for the charity, which includes 11 members of staff and around 90 volunteers. He took the time to personally thank the volunteers for their dedication, emphasising the vital role they play in making the charity’s work possible.
His Majesty also greeted representatives of local charities and voluntary organisations who have been presented with a Queen’s or King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Representatives included Forth Valley Welcome (a sanctuary for refugees), Homestart Clackmannanshire (a charity helping children & parents going through tough times) and Breathe Easy (which supports those with lung conditions). These organisations not only provide critical assistance to vulnerable groups but also host community events to foster inclusivity and support networks in the area.
King Charles met representatives from local charities. (Royal Family)
The King then headed to the Gate’s food bank area, where he heard about how the food bank operates, as well as the impact it is having on individuals and families in crisis. Charles is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about food banks, having launched the Coronation Food Project to mark his 75th birthday in 2024. The Project seeks to bridge the gap between food waste and food need across the UK and was inspired by Charles’ work in tackling food waste and educating others around food supply and production.
to mark his 75th birthday, Charles expressed his deep concerns about the large amount of food waste across the UK. He highlighted how ‘at every stage of the food production process, millions of tonnes of food are sadly discarded’, calling it a ‘tragedy’.
King Charles visited The Gate Charity. (Royal Family)
In addition to its food bank, The Gate has several ‘food larders’ which provide extra support to people and families. These larders operate on a community pantry model, allowing individuals to choose their food with dignity and control. Following a refurbishment, The Gate also runs cooking classes for its clients, teaching essential skills to prepare nutritious meals on a budget. Recently, the charity has been trialling a new initiative to cook surplus food stocks, creating pre-prepared, wholesome meals that can be distributed to families facing immediate food insecurity.
During the visit, His Majesty commended the charity’s innovative approach and its commitment to empowering individuals, expressing his admiration for their efforts to provide not just immediate relief but also long-term support.
The King’s visit highlighted the importance of local charities and community-led initiatives in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
