King Charles rushes to teenager who passed out during rain-soaked visit
The King consoled a teenage cadet who passed out and needed medical attention on their visit to Scotland. Charles and Queen Camilla clutched their umbrellas as they were greeted by hundreds despite pouring rain today to mark the centenary of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial, in Fife.
They unveiled a commemorative stone Cairn containing school badges caps and USBs with children's stories acting as a time capsule. The King also laid a wreath at the war memorial and held a minute's silence. But during the service marking 100 years of Kirkcaldy War Memorial local cadet Robbie McGovern, 13, collapsed and needed medical help.
He was back to full health and as a reward brought to meet the King just before he departed. Charles shook his hand asked: "Did you hit your head?" Robbie replied 'no' but nodded and said "a little bit" when the King asked if he had any 'buzzing' in between his ears. Charles replied: "Don't worry I remember."
The heavens opened as Charles and Camilla arrived but hundreds lined the path in the memorial garden. Charles unveiled the commemorative Cairn to a round of applause. And Sculptor George Sweeney, 69, said afterwards: "They wanted something special to mark the centenary of the memorial gardens. It took me more than four and half months and it's made from local sandstone.
"Because of what it represents I feel very proud and an honour and privilege. I hope the King likes it. I hope it gets royal approval."
Jackson Sergeant, seven, was dressed in a traditional Scottish outfit and waiting with his mum since 5.30am. He said: "I did get wet but it was worth it to meet the King and Queen."
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who yesterday was with Prince William at his Homewards event in Sheffield, turned up to speak to Charles about his Multibank initiative that provides essential goods to low-income families.
Meanwhile, as the Princess of Wales talked about the 'rollercoaster' of cancer recover, her mother-in-law, Queen Camilla, praised the 'invaluable' work of Maggie's cancer care centres. The Queen, 77, was visiting one of its 24 centres nationwide at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, in her role as Maggie's President.
Greeting its inspirational founder and chief executive, Dame Laura Lee, with a warm hug, Her Majesty spoke of how 'brilliant' the centres were for patients and their families. There is something so special about them', she said.
Maggie's Fife was set up in 2006 with the help of £161million Euromillions lottery winner Christine Harkness, who is now an honorary patron. She met the Queen today, who thanked her profusely for her support.
She was also greeted by Sarah Brown, wife of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and journalist Kirsty Wark, also honorary patrons of the charity.
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