King launches Space Agency project on final day in Bermuda

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. King launches Space Agency project on final day in Bermuda 21 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Maia Davies PA Media The King unveiled a plaque to officially launch the new UK Space Agency (UKSA) observatory on Cooper's Island King Charles has visited a new UK Space Agency observatory and launched a project to track space debris on the final day of his royal visit to Bermuda. After opening a new coast guard station later in the day, the King donned his sunglasses as he climbed up the boarding steps for his flight home - and bid the British overseas territory farewell. The King, who arrived in the capital city Hamilton on Thursday, was waved off by dignitaries and a guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

It followed his four-day state visit to the US - seen as the biggest diplomatic moment of his reign so far. PA Media King Charles III boarded the plane at LF Wade International Airport in St George's on Saturday The King learned about Project Nova at the observatory on Cooper's Island, which will oversee the installation of a network of telescopes across five sites to help track material in space, such as old satellites and rocket stages. He then opened a new Great Bay Coast Guard Station in St David's, where he awarded operational medals to members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and viewed new technology used to protect the island's waters and marine environment.

The Details

Later at LF Wade International Airport, a small group of dignitaries including Premier David Burt gathered as the King drew the visit to a close. The monarch walked a short stretch of red carpet and spoke to leading figures including the commissioner of police Darrin Simons and leader of the opposition Ben Smith. Shortly before boarding the plane, the King posed for a photo with assembled officials including police and security personnel.

It followed the first full day of his visit on Friday, which included a boat trip with the coastguard, a cake-cutting event and a visit to the National Museum of Bermuda. He also viewed artefacts from the transatlantic slave trade and visited a conservation initiative. PA Media The King viewed new technology being used by the Royal Bermuda Regiment, including unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles Bermuda welcomes King Charles with boats, dancing and cake-cutting King gets ovation for Congress speech warning of volatile world The trip marked King Charles's first visit to a British overseas territory since taking the throne.

"I am told to my amazement it is also the first time in Bermuda's 400-year history that the islands have received a reigning King," he told guests at a garden party on Friday evening. "I am terribly sorry it has taken so long. " "I need hardly say that Bermuda, like all the overseas territories, is a most cherished and important member of the British family," the King said during the gathering at Government House.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.