Charles and Diana Visit Bunbury 1983

On 8 April 1983, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Diana, visited Bunbury (reference). Charles gave a speech at J E Hands Memorial Oval in front of a crowd including 12 000 children from schools within the area (reference). The crowd of children were arranged so all could get an uninterrupted view of the royal couple riding in the open car (reference). During Charles’ speech, a gust of wind blew his notes to the ground, and in reaction, he muttered, “Oh God, my bloody bit of paper”, according to The Canberra Times (reference). 

The Bunbury community gifted them with a large felt toy kangaroo for Prince William and a large framed photograph of a Western Australian salmon gum with an explanatory letter from geologist Bernard Bischoff for Charles and Diana (reference). 

Later that day, a Mayoral garden party was held with Charles and Diana and 200 other guests (reference). Charles was also reported to have gone swimming at the beach before breakfast (reference).