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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lauren Gilmour & Ryan Carroll

King Charles officially reopens Burrell Collection in Glasgow as monarch greeted with cheers from children

King Charles was greeted by cheering children as he officially reopened the Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

The newly refurbished museum was originally opened by his mother Queen Elizabeth II nearly 40 years ago on October 21, 1983. Charles was dressed in Royal Stewart Hunting Tartan on his first official engagement in Glasgow as monarch.

The King looked delighted as he was presented with an autumnal wreath by local nursery children when he arrived at the Burrell Collection, which is situated in Pollok Park. He was taken on a guided tour by Jane Rowlands, senior museums manager at Glasgow Life, and spoke to curators as he toured the exhibits.

The museum closed to the public in October 2016 and reopened in March this year following a £68.25 million project that increased its gallery space by 35%. The King was shown a statue of The Luohan which portrays a Buddhist monk.

The moment was particularly poignant as both his late mother and grandmother have previously been photographed beside it. Following a viewing of the museum's collection of stained-glass windows and elaborate tapestries, the King was escorted into a bright open foyer where he met with volunteers and those involved with the museum's refurbishment.

The King was shown a statue of The Luohan which portrays a Buddhist monk (Getty Images)

The King was then invited to unveil a plaque by the chair of Glasgow Life, Annette Christie, who called it a "momentous occasion" for Glasgow.

She added: "Thirty-nine years ago, her late majesty Queen Elizabeth opened the original building. Today it is my great honour to invite His Majesty King Charles to unveil the plaque of our official reopening and refurbishment of the Burrell Collection."

Charles unveiled the plaque which read: "The Burrell Collection opened 13 October 2022 by His Majesty the King."

King Charles unveils the plaque at the Burrell Collection (Getty Images)

He met with local dignitaries during his visit, including faith leaders. He left the museum to music from Notre Dame Academy pupils, and was sent on his way by local school children who waved flags and chanted "Charles".

He greeted members of the public before leaving. The Burrell Collection, which was opened by the Queen in 1983, was gifted to the city of Glasgow by Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance in 1944.

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