SOUTHEND Airport has unveiled a mural of King Charles III in its airport terminal to commemorate the coronation.

The mural was designed and created by Karl Sims, a renowned local graffiti artist.

Karl took part in the Southend City Jam 2022 – an international street art festival featuring local, national, and international artists.

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His murals already take pride of place along Southend’s seafront, and he painted the “rhino security blocks” along Marine Parade.

A ceremony was held this morning where Southend West MP, Anna Firth, unveiled the mural

This took place on the same day that Southend Airport “officially” restarted flights to Palma de Mallorca with easyJet in a double celebration.

The mural is located in the main terminal, adjacent to check-in, and is available for public viewing on flight days.

John Upton, CEO of Southend Airport said: “I am delighted to welcome Anna Firth to London Southend Airport to unveil this incredible artwork, which will be seen by passengers jetting off holidays to Palma, Faro, Malaga, and Amsterdam this summer.

“This mural not only pays tribute to the King's coronation, but also represents the vibrancy and diversity of the culture that surrounds our airport.

“We are grateful to have such a talented artist in our midst and to be able to share their work with the world.”

Artist Karl Sims added: “It is nerve-wracking when the design goes from imagination into real life as you never quite know how it’ll go, so I’m blown away by the final result and the reaction.

“It is great to have my work seen by both Anna Firth and the Mayor of Southend.

“Fellow Southend City Jam artists will also be able to see the mural on their way to Faro later this month, too.”

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from Essex Therapy Dogs also made a pawsome appearance at the unveiling in a wholesome nod to the new king.

Ms Firth added: “I am so pleased to be able to commemorate an incredibly important moment in our history and I think it is very appropriate that we give King Charles the recognition he deserves.

“These wonderful spaces are lit up and brought to life by artwork and this is the most spectacular one I have seen, thank you Karl.”