King Charles makes maiden visit to iconic Malaysia-owned Battersea Power Station in London [BTTV]

KUALA LUMPUR: Britain's King Charles III visited the Battersea Power Station on Thursday, marking his first time visiting the iconic London landmark.

He was there to experience the festive offering and meet with business owners that took part in the Power Station's series of Christmas markets this year.

In a statement on its website, Battersea Power Station said King Charles was greeted by Battersea Project Holding Company chairman Tan Seri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Battersea Power Station Development Company chief executive officer (CEO) Donagh O'Sullivan and Malaysian High Commissioner Datuk Zakri Jaafar, among others.

"We were honoured to welcome His Majesty to Battersea Power Station to witness the transformational restoration of the Grade II listed building and to meet with members of the local community, small business owners and workers for whom the neighbourhood has become their town centre.

"Creating a sense of community at Battersea Power Station has always been a key focus for the shareholders and it was particularly special to see so many members of the local community gather today to celebrate this historical moment for Battersea Power Station at such a festive time of year," said Shahril.

During the visit, the king visited the Curated Makers Christmas Market inside the Power Station and met with its founder Megan Jones.

Jones started Curated Makers after taking part in The King's Trust's Enterprise programme, a free course which helps young people fulfil their dreams of starting their own business.

The Curated Makers Christmas Market will be open at Battersea Power Station until Dec 22, 2024.

The King also met with members of the local community including schoolchildren from Chesterton Primary School, members of Battersea based youth groups from Carney's Community, Elays Network, Devas Youth Club, apprentices who have been recruited through the Battersea Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE) and a Battersea Power Station Alumna, Rita Kelly, who used to work at the Power Station in the 1950s and officially opened the building to the public in October 2022.

As part of the visit, King Charles unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit to Battersea Power Station.

The King also toured Apple's UK headquarters, where he met with Apple CEO Tim Cook and various community groups supported by the company.

Under the custodianship of its Malaysian shareholders Sime Darby Property Bhd, S P Setia Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Battersea Power Station was restored to its former glory for the public to enjoy.

In 2019, Permodalan Nasional Bhd and EPF became the long-term owners of the Power Station, securing the future of the landmark for many generations.

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