In March 1991 the then Prince of Wales, and of course now King Charles II, went on a walkabout in Belfast despite a security leak which had him the talk of the town.
Police marksmen were on surrounding rooftops as part of a major security operation for what was supposed to have been a hush-hush visit.
No official advance information had been given.
But it appeared security had been breached, enabling many people to find out on the Wednesday night.
It was being talked about in pubs and even taxi drivers seemed to know.
One well-wisher said she came along on the strength of being told the previous evening that Prince Charles was to spend a day in the province.
Unruffled, the Royal visitor braved continuous rain, smiled, and chatted to onlookers.
When a girl collecting for a pre-school playgroup thrust her collection tin in the Royal visitor’s direction he relieved an aide of a £10 note and happily obliged.
The Prince started his busy day with a visit to the High Street and St George’s Church which was celebrating its 175th anniversary.
Police and troops sealed off roads, searched nearby shops and carparks for what was the first walkabout in years by such a senior member of the Royal Family.