Altrincham Today joined local media outlets from across the UK at a special reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.
The event, which sought to shine a spotlight on the work done by local journalists, saw 400 guests from various UK news organisations gather at the Palace, including reporters, editors, technical operators and presenters.
The reception was held in the main ballroom at Buckingham Palace, where the King, Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester mingled with the media and enjoyed Champagne and canapés.
Altrincham Today founder David Prior enjoyed his own conversation with the King, during which he invited the monarch to return to Altrincham - a place the 76-year-old last visited 22 years ago, when he was merely Prince Charles.
The reception comes as Altrincham Today builds on its 10th anniversary last year, having covered more than 5,000 stories about Altrincham since launching in 2014.
The publication - which also has a quarterly print title - reaches millions of readers annually and has amassed close to 100,000 followers across its social media platforms.
In a message shared ahead of the reception, His Majesty praised local journalists for shining "a light in dark corners" and helping to "strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow".
The King acknowledged the challenges facing the industry, noting: "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."
He added that "it is in everyone's interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer."
The monarch, who has been an Honorary Life Member of the London Press Club since 1978, also recalled a speech he made in 2002 marking the tercentenary of Britain's first daily national newspaper, in which he said the press was at the forefront of "defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation".
He went on to say: "Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever - and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands".
The King did acknowledge that journalists "won't always get it right," noting that "a free media is one that will and does make mistakes." However, he remained certain that the industry at its best is "a cornerstone of our democracy".
Over the past 11 years, Altrincham Today has documented Altrincham's incredible transformation from a town once known for its high vacancy rates to one that has received national recognition for its revitalised market and vibrant town centre.
Altrincham Today founder David Prior said: "Last night was a truly memorable occasion and it was wonderful for the King and Queen to recognise the work done by local journalists up and down the country.
"Personally, it was a source of huge pride that Altrincham Today was one of only 15 hyperlocal titles in attendance, especially coming so soon after our 10-year milestone last year.
“I should also say that I was only representing the wider Altrincham Today team, especially Kath Dunham, who play such an important role in making Altrincham Today a quality title and keeping it sustainable.
"Discussing the intricacies of the Altrincham Today business model was not something I thought I'd ever do with the King of England, but it was an unforgettable end to a very special day. Let's hope he accepts my invitation to come back to Altrincham!"
Queen Camilla, who is patron of The Journalists' Charity as well as The Guild of St Bride's, was also present at the reception.
