Prince Edward faced up to an impromptu Stop Stansted Expansion protest when he visited Bridge End Gardens, Saffron Walden, on Wednesday.

A campaign poster was firmly held by Mrs Charles Goldie, wife of the chairman of the Friends of Bridge End Gardens, as she stood beside her husband in the official line-up to welcome the Prince.

Protest - the poster is displayed during the prince's visit

Mrs Goldie, who borrowed the poster from a group of anti-expansion campaigners, shook hands with the prince when he was welcomed to the garden project.

She later refused to speak to the media about her unexpected protest, saying it was independent of her husband.

After touring the walled garden, Mr Goldie, accompanied by his wife, presented six more Friends to the Prince before they briefly entered the maze.

Lord Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, then escorted the prince to his chartered helicopter.

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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