Latoya Grindley, Features Writer

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are accompanied by Morin Seymour (right), executive director of the Kingston Restoration Company, and scores of residents as they tour the inner-city community of Rose Town yesterday, as part of their official visit to the island. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Skipping work to witness the visit of Their Royal Highnesses certainly paid off for Tamara Johnson, a resident of Rose Town in Kingston. Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, toured the community yesterday as part of their visit to the island.

Johnson shook hands with them both and engaged the Prince in a brief conversation, making her the envy of many other onlookers. A blushing Johnson said she was overwhelmed. "I am so happy, you wouldn't even know. I mean I used to see him on TV and I never even know that I would get to shake his hand, much less have a conversation with him," she said. When asked if she knew beforehand that the Prince was going to visit her community, she exclaimed, "Of course I did know! That is why I make sure stay home, this could not miss me".

Although it was brief, she said she will always remember the conversation she had with the Prince.

"He was so nice! He asked me where I live as well as where I go shopping." Obviously still star-struck, she was unable to remember, at the time, the rest of the conversation, but by the looks of it, she held the Prince's attention.

Meet and greet

After leaving the library and greeting the residents who turned out, Their Royal Highnesses made their way to unveil a plaque and plant a tree at the front of the community centre, which the Prince played an instrumental part in funding through his foundation. They took time to meet and greet other eager and excited residents. Duchess Camilla was spotted kissing a resident as she greeted her. Very excited, the woman shouted in a British accent: "Have fun and enjoy yourself!"

It is estimated that more than 400 persons were on hand to see the Prince and Duchess in Rose Town.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com