Angry demonstrators jostle Princess Anne

Press, 8 March 1978, Page 9

Angry demonstrators jostle Princess Anne

NZPA-Reuter London It was supposed to be a fun charity event, a spoof debate on “A woman’s place is in the harem,” with Princess Anne listening in. But the Queen’s only daughter ran straight into trouble last night outside the debating hall, the Cambridge University Union Society. An estimated 70 to 100 men and women protesting the “sexist” debate jostled her from all sides while her single bodyguard and four local constables tried to clear her way into the hall. “You think it’s wit, we think it’s —,” they chanted. One youth pushed her with his shoulder as she

i passed. Witnesses said the princess looked pale and i shaken. f The demonstrators waved ; banners to protest the “sex- • ist” tone of the debate and because it was sponsored by ; Barclay’s Bank, a frequent ) Left-wing target for its ins vestments in South Africa. 3 The debate, featuring guest speakers, was staged ) to raise money for the Save ? the Children Fund, of which 1 Princess Anne is honorary r president. r A female demonstrator > told reporters afterward, “The motion of the debate ; was an insult to all women and we didn’t mind if we inr suited the princess to make 3lour point.”