THE upcoming royal visit to Dubbo will not only put the city on the map, it will also be a money-spinner for the local economy, monarchist Martin King says.
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The former mayor of Amersham in Buckinghamshire has met a few royals in his time and said visits by the United Kingdom’s first family were always a boost for any economy.
Mr King said businesses in Dubbo should see a benefit from the high numbers of people expected to flock to the city for the planned visit on October 17.
“It brings so much trade because you’re bringing people in from all over the country,” he said.
Mr King said it was during Princess Margaret’s trip to Amersham, when she visited his antique store, that he saw first-hand how a royal visit could boost an economy.
“My antique rooms were busier than Piccadilly Circus during rush hour,” he said.
He predicts business in Dubbo will be exactly the same during next month’s royal visit.
“It’s an absolute coup and everybody will do business, you’ll find hundreds and hundreds of people will come just for that,” Mr King said. “It’ll put everything on the map. If they want the trade, they’ll have the trade.”
“The amount of trade they bring into the country is amazing.”
Mr King was mayor of Amersham from 2007-2009 before his move to Australia in 2013 and he has met a few royals in his time.
Meeting Princess Margaret, Princess Ann and Prince Charles may have been an honour, but it was his meeting with Prince Philip that has stuck in his mind.
Years ago when Mr King was strolling through the botanic gardens in Amersham with his two young children a carriage pulled up alongside and a loud, male’s voice bellowed.
“Oi! Pick that up,” a voice came from the carriage.
Oi! Pick that up.
- Prince Philip bellowed from the carriage
It was none other than Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip who was pointing at litter on the ground just ahead of Mr King and his children.
“I said ‘I didn’t put it there but I will pick it up, and a bit of civility would be nice’,” he replied back to the royal.
Mr King said he had not realised who it was at first, but that bring royal did not mean that you do not need to show manners.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
