Anti-Royal protest

Press, 29 October 1981, Page 8

Anti-Royal protest

NZPA Bangor Prince Charles moved quickly to protect his frightened wife yesterday as jeering demonstrators clashed with the police only metres from the royal couple’s walkabout in Bangor. Wales. There were ugly scenes as the anti-Royalist demonstrators among the crowd of 10,000 let off stink bombs, waved placards saying “Go home Diana,” “Go home English Prince,” and rushed crash barriers.

As the chanting protesters began to shake metal barricades alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Charles swiftly moved near his wife and directed her to the other side of the pathway, away from the milling mass. As the barriers began to give way under the pressure, the Royal bodyguards and police encircled the couple. Other policemen moved in to try to force the crowds back and at least four people were lifted bodily away by uniformed and plain-clothes officers.

Despite the danger, the Royal couple would not be hurried away and both continued receiving bouquets and exchanging words with well wishers as if nothing had happened. An embarrassing moment occurred later at a gathering in Llandudno.

The Royal couple were presented with small silver bowls and the Princess promptly turned hers over and looked for the hallmark. A ripple of laughter spread round the hall and the Princess, losing her composure for the first time on the tour, blushed hotly.