A courier bearing a top-secret message from Buckingham Palace made his way to the Civic Centre.

Under a veil of secrecy, the visit had been meticulously arranged, with only a select few individuals in Southampton privy to the specific details.

A blackout on any news coverage was enforced, and a tight security perimeter was established to deter any curious onlookers from gaining access.

In the bleak winter month of December 1940, Southampton found itself facing a period of great adversity after enduring continuous attacks from enemy bombers that ravaged significant portions of the town, reducing it to rubble.

During those dark days, a courier bearing a message from Buckingham Palace made his way to the Civic Centre. The communication was a special request from King George VI, expressing his desire to personally visit the town.

(Image: Echo)

His Royal Highness' intention was to witness first hand how the residents of the city were coping with the aftermath of the devastation around them.

Away from prying eyes, preparations were meticulously made for the anticipated royal arrival, with concerns looming over the safety of the King should any sensitive details be exposed and potentially reach the Nazi regime.

Only a select few officials who were scheduled to meet with the King were informed about the royal visit in Southampton on Thursday, December 5, 1940. The rest of the town remained completely unaware of the upcoming occasion until the royal party arrived at the Civic Centre.

(Image: Echo)

Able to publish information about the event the following day, The Daily Echo covered the occasion with a featured front-page story headlined: "King Inspires People of Southampton.’’ The article informed on how the King appeared in the distinguished attire of the Royal Navy as he convened with delegates from various emergency groups that played a pivotal role in the rescue efforts during the peak of bombing in the town.

“Though shorn of pomp and pageantry by the grimness of war, his visit was yet noble; the intimate meeting of a King with his people,’’ said the Daily Echo.

“The King walked among the men and women who have passed through the testing fire of war from the sky and come through unbroken. He moved among them, encouragingly, understandingly. The people of Southampton read into the King’s presence hope for the future, brave days ahead, rebuilding, courage to meet all that lies ahead with determination to win through.’’ It was the King's fourth trip to Southampton. His previous visits as the Duke of York were marked by laying the foundation stone of the Civic Centre on July 1, 1930, and returning two years later on November 8 with the Queen to inaugurate the completed structure.

“In the summer of 1939, on returning from their triumphal tour of Canada and the United States their Majesties were given a wonderful ‘Welcome Home’ by the townspeople of Southampton,’’ said the Daily Echo.

(Image: Echo)

At the fire station's command centre in 1940, the monarch engaged in conversation with individuals, receiving a cup of tea from the facility and taking a brief moment to enjoy a cigarette.

Upon arriving at the docks, the King was greeted by Mr RP Biddle, the port's marine manager, and the mayor, Councillor W Lewis.

During a tour of the port to inspect areas affected by air raids, the King inquired into the whereabouts of the berth he and the Queen had used upon their return from Canada the previous year.

(Image: Echo)

Regrettably, he was informed that the dockside building where they had disembarked had been entirely destroyed.

"His Majesty crossed the River Itchen by floating bridge, the crew of which are proud to have ferried the Royal passenger,’’ said the Daily Echo.

“The other bridge crowded with workers on their way home to lunch, reached the Woolston bank almost simultaneously and there was a rush up the slipway to get a glimpse of His Majesty. The King’s car and its escort moved off the bridge and up the Portsmouth Road."