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Royal Tour 2014: Two men searched after allegedly harassing well-wishers waiting for Kate and William in New South Wales

The incident happened as the royal couple arrived in the Australian town of Winmalee

Antonia Molloy
Thursday 17 April 2014 11:19 EDT
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As they continue their Royal Tour, the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Winmalee, New South Wales, was preceded by a slight commotion - on account of a minor incident involving two men who were allegedly bothering waiting well-wishers.

A spokeswoman for New South Wales Police said: “At 1210 today (Thursday) police stopped and spoke to two men aged 37 and 21 who were allegedly harassing members of the crowd who were gathered at the corner of Single Ridge Road and Vista Road, Winmalee.

"The pair were moved on from the area prior to the motorcade coming past."

Witnesses said the two men got to within yards of the royal couple before being stopped, the London Evening Standard reported.

New South Wales police later confirmed the two men were searched as the Cambridges headed to an engagement at a Girl Guides hall.

One of the men was detained and the other later released, the newspaper reported.

The incident happened on the royal couple’s first full day in Australia as they visited the Blue Mountains, which was the site of a devastating forest fire in October last year.

On Buena Vista Road, where half the homes were lost, a 400-strong crowd gathered to meet the Cambridges. Survivors of the bush inferno spoke to William and Kate about their experiences.

Fran Elston, 58, who lost part of her property said: "I think the visit has boosted the morale of the street, especially as it is the six month anniversary of when the fires happened.

"A lot of these people are still struggling. It's going to be a struggle for a long time. It is still quite sad. It's like there was a death in the family."

Later the couple chatted with about 200 members of the emergency services, charities and others affected by the natural disaster.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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