The King Thanks Regional News Media For ‘Shining a Light In Dark Corners’

Published on: 27 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 27 Mar, 2025

The King meets one of the local journalists attending the reception at Buckingham Palace.

The King this week recognised the importance of the regional media by inviting representatives of dozens of news organisations – including The Guildford Dragon NEWS – to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

In a message to journalists, the King thanked the local media for shining “a light in dark corners” and “exposing injustice and wrongdoing”.

He said: “You won’t always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes. But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.”

Local reporters, editors, photographers and presenters attended the two-hour event in the Palace ballroom. The King and Queen mingled among the 400 guests, chatting and sharing anecdotes.

The King looked tired during Wednesday’s event and the next day it was reported that he had been forced to cancel engagements after experiencing side effects during his ongoing cancer treatment.

Dragon reporter David Reading outside the Palace

According to reports, the Palace described it as a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction”.

In his message to journalists, the King recognised how commercial pressures and changing technologies had made a significant impact on the regional media industry, noting how many journalists had adapted and brought innovations to their craft.

Reporter David Reading, who represented The Guildford Dragon NEWS, said: “It was clear the King is sincere in his deep respect for the role played by local journalists, at a time when there is cynicism about the motives of some sections of the media.

“To receive this Royal support and recognition is heartening for all of us in the local media.”

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