Thousands thronged City Hall and packed Church Street from rooftops to the roadside in eager anticipation of King Charles III while, on the grounds, a selection of the island’s artists and artisans readied to meet the monarch.

Some were first-timers, while others came with memories of past encounters with royalty.

Otto Trott, painting a study of city hall among a group of plein air artists, recalled Queen Elizabeth II, the King’s mother, visiting the same place for an art exhibition in 1994.

“She spoke to my wife, not me — you don’t speak unless spoken to,” he said.

He glimpsed Charles during his 1970 visit, when the prince called on the Sixth Form Centre where Mr Trott was studying art, during a time when Bermuda’s turbulent political climate was less welcoming of royalty.

Mr Trott said he ducked out to avoid potential trouble, and as a result only saw Prince Charles returning his car.

Now, ahead of his big moment with the King, the artist had a mission in mind.

“If he speaks to me, I will recommend the knighthood for Clyde Best,” he said of the island’s famed footballer.

Larry Mills, a stonemason and expert in traditional Bermudian architecture, remembered serving lunch to the Queen as a young man at Warwick Camp.

“I have a picture of it somewhere,” he added.

Working alongside him at the stone cutting display was Akilah Swan, chairwoman of the island’s historic building advisory committee.

Ms Swan chose the British term “gobsmacked” at their opportunity to “share what makes Bermuda special” with a monarch known for his love of traditional architecture.

The two got their wish. Hamilton erupted in cheers as the King arrived, accompanied by his entourage, and joined dignitaries.

Mr Mills, Ms Swan and the King spoke at length on topics including the preparation of lime for house building.

“He has a foundation that deals with traditional crafts, and was very interested in the fact that I had thatched the roof at Carter House,” Mr Mills said of the replica traditional farmhouse.

Ed Christopher, the Hamilton town crier, got to ring in another royal’s arrival from the steps in the same spot where he heralded the Queen for her 1994 visit — right after he had started out on the job.

Reflecting on the life turning a full circle, Mr Christopher joked afterwards: “I hope this doesn’t mean I’m going to retire.”

The King showed his flair for working a crowd with cheering onlookers, many of them schoolchildren.

Veronica Chameau and Janet Debragga, presenting crafts, brought along a present for the King: a doll woven of corn husk and banana leaf representing “our cultures in St David’s coming together”, Ms Debragga said.

The doll was packed in a cedar box that her husband José “whipped up” on short notice.

Ms Chameau recalled a much younger Charles from 1970, when she worked at Fort St Catherine in St George’s.

She said: “I just saw him pass by, but I’m hoping to get a word today.”

The King granted her wish — and, in return, left with the pair’s handiwork.

King Charles’ interest in cedar was evident as he viewed carvings in Bermuda’s beloved traditional wood on display by Darius and Jerry-Dee Richardson.

Mrs Richardson told The Royal Gazette of her excitement and pride at showcasing the cedar-working legacy of her retired father, Jeremy Johnson.

“It’s an honour to be able to carry on just a little bit of what he used to do,” she said.

The King lingered at their display, taking time to smell the distinctive aroma of the wood.

Eugene O’Connor, 92, the lifelong master of Bermuda traditional kites, had his handiwork ready on display.

Mr O’Connor said: “If he wants it, all he has to do is give it to a kid and let him fly it.”

He was accompanied by his granddaughter, Patrina O’Connor, who said afterwards that the King reminisced about “enjoying kite-flying as a child” — and recommended the film The Kite Runner.

She added: “Mr grandfather deserves a moment like this — he has accomplished so much in his life.”

Among the painters was Jahbarri Wilson, also at work on a study of City Hall.

“I don’t know what’s going through my mind,” Mr Wilson said. “I’m here to just enjoy painting. I don’t know how to put it in words; that’s why I am an artist.”

King Charles, who took interest in his creation, set off shortly after 2pm with a final wave to an ecstatic crowd ahead of his next engagement.

Afterwards, Mr Wilson said: “He told me I must have had a great art teacher, and that I could do the same as a teacher, to inspire the next generation.

“I told him, yes — that’s the game.”