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.
