Retro - Security blunder as Prince Charles pays ‘surprise’ visit to Northern Ireland in March 1991 from smile games Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 2:5
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✓ Published: 25-Apr-2024

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In March 1991 the then Prince of Wales, and of course now King Charles II, went on a walkabout in Belfast despite a security leak which had him the talk of the town.<br/>Police marksmen were on surrounding rooftops as part of a major security operation for what was supposed to have been a hush-hush visit.<br/>No official advance information had been given.<br/>But it appeared security had been breached, enabling many people to find out on the Wednesday night.<br/>It was being talked about in pubs and even taxi drivers seemed to know.<br/>One well-wisher said she came along on the strength of being told the previous evening that Prince Charles was to spend a day in the province.<br/>Unruffled, the Royal visitor braved continuous rain, smiled, and chatted to onlookers.<br/>When a girl collecting for a pre-school playgroup thrust her collection tin in the Royal visitor’s direction he relieved an aide of a £10 note and happily obliged.<br/>The Prince started his busy day with a visit to the High Street and St George’s Church which was celebrating its 175th anniversary.<br/>Police and troops sealed off roads, searched nearby shops and carparks for what was the first walkabout in years by such a senior member of the Royal Family.