The King and Queen Consort were met by shouts and boos from protesters with a yellow “not my King” banner as they visited Colchester to celebrate its city status.
As Charles and Camilla got out of a car, a protester said through a megaphone: “Answer your critics Charles.
“Come over and talk to your critics.”
The protester also said “why are you wasting our money?”, and “don’t you believe in democracy Charles?”.
The protestors, a small minority, were joined by conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn.
- READ MORE: King Charles in Colchester for royal visit
The King waved to gathered crowds before going through a gate into Colchester Castle’s grounds, but did not appear to acknowledge the protesters who were stood on the far side of the road behind a police presence.
Colchester was awarded city status during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, and officially became a city in November.
Charles and Camilla travelled there on Tuesday and, after entering the castle’s grounds, were met by a guard of honour and schoolchildren waving Union flags.
One schoolgirl handed the King a drawing of him, with the words “best King” written above the image.
Inside the castle Charles met local organisations which represent the city’s heritage and communities, was shown a historic vase, and an artefact trolley by youngsters.
The mayor of Colchester, Tim Young, told the King during a reception: “Words cannot describe how much it means to us that you are here.”
He said that he was pleased that the Letters Patent which officially recognise Colchester as a city have been placed in the chapel of the castle, “especially as this is the very room where the mayoress and I had our wedding just 10 days ago – in this very room, in this very suit”.
“This will always certainly be a very special place for us,” said Mr Young.
Outside the castle, Charles revealed the name of Colchester Zoo’s newest addition, baby white rhino Dara, by pulling a cord to draw back material which had covered the name on an easel.
A town crier then rang a bell and boomed, as Charles chuckled: “Oyez, oyez, oyez! I officially proclaim Colchester Zoo’s newest addition as baby Dara.”
The King told zoo staff: “I do hope it grows into a substantial animal.”
He then departed by car as a band played God Save The King.
Andy Moore, conservation education manager at Colchester Zoo, said the name Dara means beautiful one in Swahili.
“It was all a secret and a surprise so his majesty revealed it for us,” he said.
“And then the town crier obviously then – probably people in Wivenhoe and further away could hear.
“It was really great.”
Rebecca Moore, zoo director, said the team at the zoo chose the name which was revealed by the King.
“It’s a fitting birthday present for the zoo – it’s the 60th anniversary this year,” she said.
Charles and Camilla visited Colchester Library, where they joined Age UK for an afternoon tea with local volunteers, service users and The Silver Line staff to hear about the support provided by the charity across the region.
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