Royal Attack Raises Questions Over Security
The attack on a car containing the Prince of Wales and the Dutchess of Cornwall during student protests in London has raised questions about royal security. Skip related content
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The car was surrounded by a mob as it drove down Regent Street, with protesters kicking at the doors and shattering a rear window.
Charles and Camilla were visibly shaken but unharmed after the attack on the way to the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.Trouble had spread across the capital after MPs voted to almost triple tuition fees up to a maximum of £9,000.
The Prime Minister condemned the attack, saying the "mob" that attacked the car must be arrested and punished.
He admitted he was "very concerned" about the lapse in royal security but insisted the blame had to be pinned on protesters determined to use violence.
"We want to learn the lessons from that but, above all, we want to make sure the people who behaved in these appalling ways feel the full force of the law," he said.
Up to 20 demonstrators set upon the vehicle, some with bottles, chanting "Off with their heads!" and "Tory scum".
One witness said Charles kept calm, gently pushing his wife towards the floor to get her out of the line of fire.
"Charles got her on the floor and put his hands on her," said Adnan Nazir, a 23-year-old podiatrist who was following the protesters.
Camilla later joked about the incident, saying "First time for everything" while leaving the show.
She and Charles were flanked by their protection officers and uniformed police as they were taken back to Clarence House in a marked police van, rather than their Royal car.
Former royal bodyguard Ken Wharfe told Sky News: "In this scenario what should have happened is the protection officer would be looking for an evacuation possibility.
"Given the poor maneuverability of this car and a crowded street with pedestrians, the only option was to make their way to the London Palladium.
"This vehicle would have had a close protection vehicle and, as I understand it, one or two officers came out and walked alongside the royal car, eventually arriving at the London Palladium.
"To use a firearm in a crowded street is unlikely, you should only draw your firearm if you have a real intention of using it.
"Essentially, although it was the wrong choice of vehicle I think the resulting action was correct."
Scotland Yard chief Sir Paul Stephenson confirmed armed royal protection officers had been guarding the couple when the protestors struck.
"That was a very shocking incident," he said. "The route was thoroughly recced in advance, including up to several minutes beforehand when the route was still clear.
"The unpredictability of thugs and how they moved about the capital meant the protection officers were placed in a very difficult position."
Sir Paul added: "I do think that the officers who were protecting their Royal Highnesses showed very real restraint - some of those officers were armed.
"Their priority was to get that car to the point of safety, which was the venue, and that was achieved, but it was a hugely shocking incident and there will be a full criminal investigation into it."
A Clarence House spokesman said: "Their Royal Highnesses totally understand the difficulties which the police face and are always very grateful to the police for the job they do in often very challenging circumstances."
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