WEST Somerset Free Press reporter Tony James was this week given a private audience with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Tony and his partner Viv Merson were invited to a Buckingham Palace reception held for figures from the UK’s regional media.

But unbeknown to the couple, King Charles had requested a pre-reception personal meeting with Tony, aged 89, who last year made national and international news headlines as the UK’s oldest working journalist.

In conversation with the King, Tony lamented the ‘destruction’ of traditional printed newspapers by digital news on websites which generally produced less income for media companies.

Also among the 400 guests from a wide range of media organisations across the country was Scott Wood, managing director of Free Press owner Tindle Newspapers.

Guests were able to tell the King and Queen about their work bringing news to audiences across the UK and the crucial role local journalism plays in building trust and fostering community cohesion.

The reception was held to demonstrate their Majesties’ support for local journalism.

King Charles said: “I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.

“The press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of defining, describing, and celebrating the more profound values of our nation.

“You will not 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.

“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share.

“It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing.

“Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.”