Chutney for Charles and Camilla
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MELBOURNE, Australia -- Prince Charles has picked up a treat for bride-to-be Camilla Parker Bowles during his trip to Australia -- a free jar of chutney.
The heir to the British throne was given the organic produce while touring a farmers' market in Melbourne on Thursday.
Stallholder Nick McKirdy, 32, told the prince: "Take one home for you and Camilla."
The prince passed on the chili chutney, picking a milder variety instead, saying: "It's not going to blow my head off, is it? Are you sure you can spare it?"
The special recipe was concocted by McKirdy's grandmother and was handed to the prince's advisers for safe keeping ahead of his reunion with Parker Bowles in about a week's time.
Charles was given the biggest greeting yet on his tour of Australia as he wandered from stall to stall in the sunshine, the UK's Press Association reported.
Around 300 people turned out to catch a glimpse of the heir to the throne, 10 times the number that met him at the airport in Alice Springs on Wednesday.
He was also congratulated on his engagement by an olive oil stallholder and given a bottle of the extra virgin oil.
The prince, who earlier also picked up packets of organic muesli, said as he raised the bottle: "You're very kind. I'll toast you with this."
Later, there was a demonstration by republicans during a visit to Coburg North primary school.
Around 15 protesters sang songs and held banners reading "Monarchy slavery."
At one stage, Charles went to speak to members of the public nearby.
Local police formed a ring around him to keep the demonstrators in check.
The primary school was participating in a Go For Life scheme, in which pupils are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles, and are given fruit and water in the mornings.
Charles also launched Melbourne Cares, a scheme based on his own Business In The Community initiative, Seeing Is Believing, which encourages business leaders to do voluntary work in deprived communities.
Charting the growth of his own project, Charles -- perhaps appealing to Aussie humor -- told guests: "Gradually, as the actress said to the bishop, it all got too big for me."
The remark prompted a roar of laughter from the crowd.
Charles went on to tell delegates at the seminar that he believed Melbourne Cares would make a huge difference to the city, saying it was wonderful to be able to endorse such an innovative project.
