New Zealand police arrest man over ‘plan to attack Charles and Camilla’

Published on 12/11/2012 12:05

A 74-year-old man has been arrested by New Zealand police for allegedly planning to attack the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall during a walkabout.

Officers have described the man as a known anti-royalist and he was detained before Charles and Camilla arrived in the Auckland quayside area to meet hundreds of well-wishers.

When the royal couple arrived they made their way along the crowds shaking hands and a small group of protesters could be seen holding up placards.

One read “Get a Job Royal Bludgers” - New Zealand slang for someone who avoids work.

A statement on the New Zealand Police website said the man from the Mangere suburb of Auckland was arrested at 12.40pm - around 50 minutes before the royal couple arrived.

It added: “He will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow charged with preparing to commit a crime, namely assault.

“Arresting officers had identified the man as a known anti-royalist who was, when arrested, at a royal itinerary venue although neither of the royal visitors was in the vicinity at the time.”

The Prince and Duchess are on a seven-day Diamond Jubilee tour of New Zealand.