Hereford was yesterday, Wednesday, January 7, the scene of the first public appearance by the Prince of Wales since sensational allegations against him had made headlines world-wide. And he thanked county well-wishers who shouted their support on his arrival.

The Prince was in the city to open a breast cancer therapy centre and, when he stepped out of his chauffeur-driven car in St Owen Street, it was swiftly apparent that onlookers had been following the news.

Television, radio and newspapers have been splashing the story about the inquest into his former wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, and revelations that she had claimed in a letter he had wanted to kill her.

Then came the news that coroner Michael Burgess had ordered Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens to investigate allegations surrounding the death of Diana in a Paris car crash in 1997.

A large media entourage was outside the Haven Trust centre in Hereford to capture the moment county people welcomed the beleaguered royal.

There were shouts of 'keep your chin up!' from Beverley Terry and 'the country is behind you!' from Richard Moss to which the Prince expressed his gratitude.

He then made a reference to finding it 'difficult' and members of the crowd had mixed opinions as to whether he was being jocular over keeping his chin up or whether he was actually referring to the turmoil in his private life.

The Prince was welcomed by Herefordshire's Lord Lieutenant, Sir Thomas Dunne, and other dignitaries before officially opening the trust building.

It is the first regional centre outside London and provides a range of complementary therapies for breast cancer sufferers.

He was given a conducted tour by the founder, Sara Davenport, and the director of projects, Wendy Smith. He met a number of Haven Trust clients and chatted to them.

When leaving the centre, Prince Charles chatted to his supporters and asked them if they were from Hereford.

Doreen Manson, 63, from Eign Road, was delighted to meet the prince after waiting in the cold from 6.30am and declared 'yes, we are all country bumpkins'.

The royal visitor laughed and immediately responded: "There's nothing better!"