Originally published October 30, 1985
THE Prince and Princess of Wales captivated Mildura when they visited the city in October 1985.
Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana were given a warm Mildura welcome by an estimated 10,000 people along Deakin Avenue and in the city centre.
The one hour and fifty minute royal dash tour was carried out with military precision, thanks to months of behind the scenes planning.
About 2500 people were at the Seventh Street end of Deakin Avenue to see Prince Charles throw the switch to activate the fountain in the Prince and Princess of Wales Fountain Plaza.
The enthusiasm of eager newspaper photographers from around the globe backfired when the fluky breeze whipped water from the fountain to give them an unexpected shower, much to the amusement of the royal couple.
About 5000 school children lined Deakin Avenue to see the royal cavalcade move from Mildura Airport into the city.
An estimated 1000 people were at the Mildura Arts Centre where the Prince and Princess, escorted by Mildura Mayor Jim Kane and Town Clerk Damian Goss, watched dancers and then inspected murals prepared by district school children.
It was noticeable throughout the visit that the royal bodyguards allowed the couple free rein to mingle with the public.
At the fountain plaza they shook hands with more than 100 people as they moved to and from their car.
Two chartered aircraft carrying 74 media personnel arrived in Mildura ahead of the royal plane and then departed for Echuca while the Prince and Princess said their farewells.
They then moved on to Echuca for the ceremonial recommissioning of the paddle steamer Adelaide.
At the ceremony Prince Charles said he was delighted it had been possible to renovate the Adelaide, because “it is a marvellous thing to keep some of these old and rather romantic objects from the past”.
It was the first visit to Mildura by a member of the Royal Family since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip toured in 1954 and the earlier tour of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, in 1934.
