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Huge crowd greets Prince

6/ 1/2003

PRINCE Charles was greeted by one of the biggest ever crowds of well wishers in almost 30 years as he arrived in Ashton.

Almost 3,000 fans lined the market to watch his arrival at the town hall on Thursday (November 14, 2002).

And the Prince rewarded the enthusiastic crowds, many of whom had spent three hours waiting in rain and blustery weather for a glimpse of the royal, with an impromptu walkabout.

During the unscheduled ten minute chat with Tamesiders he was handed cards, balloons, presents and a mini birthday cake.

According to one royal aide the turnout was one of the biggest he'd seen in 28 years.

The Prince arrived in Ashton in the royal car and was greeted by Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Pauline Harrison at the newly installed crown pole, which was unveiled last week to mark the Queen's jubilee.

As he made his way up the red carpet on the town hall steps he was met by council leader Roy Oldham and Ashton MP David Heyes.

Cllr Oldham said: "We are proud to welcome the Prince and representatives from the regiment."

After the museum tour the Prince returned to the waiting crowds for a second round of handshakes with the fans.

As the hour and ten minute visit came to an end he was whisked off to the King George playing fields where a helicopter was waiting to take him back to London in time for a party thrown by the Queen at the Ritz to thank family and friends for their help during her jubilee year, which he attended with Camilla Parker Bowles.