CHARISMATIC King Charles III will rule with grace and ensure his mum’s wonderful legacy lives on, those who met him on the seafront as he made Southend a city insist.

It was just six months ago when the now King and Queen Consort, Camilla, visited Southend to officially grant city status in memory of the late Southend West MP, Sir David Amess.

The historic day also saw the King and Camilla unveil the new pier trains before taking a short stroll along the iconic seafront.

Those lucky enough to spend time with the heir to the throne that day insist the country is in safe hands following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with many agreeing he will make his mum proud.

Philip Miller MBE, owner of Adventure Island, said: “After meeting with Charles and Camilla recently, we all agreed what a great king Charles will be and a wonderful queen Camilla will make.

“They both had the common touch in making all who met them that day feel relaxed and happy to be in their presence.

“They had real charisma to put it in one word.”

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Recalling his time with the King and Queen Consort, Mr Miller remembered how Camilla enjoyed fish and chips alone, as His Majesty “doesn’t eat lunch”.

Camilla’s lunch of cod and chips was accompanied with tartare sauce and a wally – the local word for a gherkin – when she stopped for a bite to eat.

Carole Mulroney, Southend councillor responsible for tourism and the environment, was another lucky enough to spend time with the now king when he visited in March.

When asked how King Charles would rule, she said: “I think he’ll be like his mum and will just carry on.

“He had a great teacher.”

She added: “I hadn’t met him before, so it was very exciting for me.

“He was very gracious and interested in what’s going on in Southend.”

Basildon historian, Vin Harrop, 84, is another who is hopeful the new King will lead like his mum.

Mr Harrop, from Billericay said: “I think he will be a good king and should do his mum proud. I certainly hope so.

“I do think he will be different as he has a different character.

“I think he will be good for the environment and farming, which will be good for the country.”