Isle of Wight County Press editor Lori Little and chief reporter Oliver Dyer spoke to King Charles about the positive role of local media, at a reception at Buckingham Palace
The King and Queen had invited selected representatives of regional media to the special event on Wednesday, March 26.
In a heartfelt message of support, King Charles highlighted the crucial role local journalism plays in society, especially during times of uncertainty.
Lori spoke to the King about the importance of trusted news outlets such as the County Press, and told him the County Press had been serving its community since 1884.
The King asked if readers let the County Press know if they ever get things wrong, to which Lori replied: "Oh yes, straightaway" and explained they were always happy to get direct feedback from their loyal readers.
The King joked that the County Press didn't need a form of 'BBC Verify' in that case!
Read more: County Press gives readers the chance to shape the content of the 140-year old paper
Lori said: "It was an absolute honour and career highlight for Oliver and I to be invited to meet the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace to represent trusted Island media.
"It really put the Isle of Wight on the map, being able to talk to the King about our newspaper and readers.
"It was also a brilliant opportunity to speak to other journalists about how proud we are to work for the country's biggest selling local weekly paper."
Also in attendance at the reception was other Newsquest colleagues, BBC South Today's Sally Taylor, who recently retired after almost four decades, and ITV Meridian's Andrew Pate.
The King said yesterday: "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.
"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.
"You won’t 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.
"I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry.
"But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways."
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