Royal fever prompts fond memories

As momentum builds for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to visit Albany, long-term residents have recalled past visits by members of the Royal family.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla's tour of the National Anzac Centre next month to mark the centenary of Gallipoli prompted Tony and Alison Smith and Betty Quick to reminisce about giving Queen Elizabeth II a warm welcome in 1977.

Mr and Mrs Smith were among a 3000-strong crowd which gathered at Albany Airport to greet Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip when they visited Albany to mark the 150th anniversary of the first British settlement.

Mrs Smith took 10 Mt Barker Brownies, who joined other scouts, cubs and girl guides to wave and cheer as the Queen and Prince Phillip emerged from a Royal Australian Air Force plane.

"We all stood by the fence and waved," she said.

"Afterwards I took my daughters Harriet and Helen to stand in York Street and everyone waved madly as they went past."

Mr Smith had produced Plantagenet Wines first vintage in 1974 and named the label partly after the English royal house that reigned from 1154 to 1399.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip were served Plantagenet and Forest Hill Rhine Rieslings and Frankland River shiraz at a luncheon during their visit.

Meanwhile, fellow viticulture pioneer Betty Quick was eagerly awaiting her glimpse of the Queen at the Brig Amity.

"It was a very exciting moment," she said.

"Everyone had big smiles all over their faces - we were so pleased to see her.

"She was so petite with a lovely pale blue suit on and a beautiful English rose complexion.

"I could have reached out and touched her."