Memories of Prince's last visit

The Prince of Wales' forthcoming visit to Australia gives me memories of the last visit Prince Charles made in 2005, when I was assigned by a Sydney journal to have a photo session with him at Government House.

I arrived late due to being misdirected by the police and, after rushing in the hot sun, I caught up with the Prince just as he was leaving.

"Gee, you look hot," he observed.

"Yes I've been running," I gasped, but then added "You're going to get hot in that jacket".

"Don't worry," he replied, "this comes off as soon as I get onto that boat," he said, pointing to the waiting craft at the Man O' War steps.

After taking about a dozen photos as he was greeted by other visitors, I enquired from the staff as to where the Prince was heading for and was told, Cabarita.

"Why Cabarita?" I asked.

"He wants to inspect a new housing development there," I was advised.

Upon reflection, I thought this was typical of Prince Charles, with his interest in good architecture, and he has worked tirelessly through the Prince Trust to provide housing for homeless people in the UK.

Prince Charles has housed hundreds of thousands of young people and provided employment for many more with real jobs which, British Governments, to their shame have neglected.

The Prince has often stated how much he loves Australia and this will be his 14th visit since 1966, but this time he will be accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, who will be seeing us for the first time.

They will be in Sydney for one day only (November 9), so let's hope that many people and young children from the Central Coast will make a day of it and show the Royal Couple typical Aussie hospitality, with flags and signs with friendly messages, which the media will very likely take up.

Letter, Oct 2012

Don Parkes, Woy Woy