Australia put on an amazing show of both power and hospitality today, as Prince Charles enjoyed an afternoon at Bondi Beach.
Security was tight, as the menacing 100ft Nemesis police boat patrolled the shore — normally reserved for surfers — and wetsuit-clad specialist policemen patrolled the waves on a jet boat and two powerful jet skis.
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Four mounted police patrolled the sand on horseback, and dozens of police guarded the Prince’s route.
Prince Charles met a selection of emergency service personnel at the famous Icebergs, and watched as a spectacular show of lightning came down from the heavens.
Torrential rain followed, which meant most of the crowd waiting for Prince Charles on the beach dispersed, and those left gained a fantastic view as he watched a team of youngsters play NRL on the sand.
Most of the police stood at attention at their posts, despite being drenched, fully aware of their important duties.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles continued to be a true gentleman, greeting as many of his royal fans as he could with a smile and a handshake.
“He had a smile for everyone — he really didn’t seem rushed,” says Sally Schenider, 42, who’d travelled from Botany.
Draped on the Bondi sidewalk was the sign “Say g’day to Betty for me” — a playful reference to his mother Queen Elizabeth, and a string of plastic Union Jacks.
Earlier in the day, he visited the Museum of Contemporary Art, perched on the shore of Sydney Harbour, where a massive P&O cruise liner moored alongside hung out a huge but cheeky banner reading, ‘Royal suite available’.
Inside, he met fashion designers and representatives of the nation’s wool industry.
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Bondi must have a special place in the Prince’s heart — back in 1977 he managed to visit incognito for a morning dip, at least until he was spotted by some local surfers.
Today, whether he likes it or not, the Prince must come with an entourage fit for a King.
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