Royal picnic was a day of disappointments

The Editor,

I write regarding the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Dubbo last Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

My husband and I went to Dubbo for our first royal encounter, anticipating the highlight of our lives. I have been a Royal supporter for the majority of my life – I’ve watched weddings and news items with interest, and we were really brimming with excitement for the day ahead.

We made our way to Victoria Park and the Cenotaph was well barricaded off and many people already around it – it seemed the logical area – good walking area for the guests and excellent viewing for the crowd.

There was great excitement in the crowd around us – there was the Vietnam vet accompanied by his large companion dog, who had been driving and presenting talks in the surrounding district; and the elderly woman, who had had two previous royal encounters, with her young granddaughter were both very excited and brought flowers for the Royals.

(We also met) a family from Bathurst – parents with two daughters and a six-month-old grandson who was very smartly dressed to be introduced to the Royals.

We waited, discussed the impending excitement and the possibility of rain.

The rain came first and we all became wet. Standing for three hours was a trial in itself and the rain only added to the discomfort. The young girl was becoming uneasy but Grandma kept her spirits high by constantly talking about the impending excitement.

At last red and blue lights heralded the arrival of the celebrities. We again waited in the rain while the official ceremony was carried out (which we couldn’t hear). Finally the rain stopped and Prince Harry and Meghan appeared, walked to the cenotaph, stood and showed respect and then – disappeared – and then reappeared on the other side of the road near the Council building.

The crowd was numb: ‘Did that just happen?’ ‘Where have they gone?’ Then feelings were expressed: ‘What a kick in the guts, I’m gutted and devastated, so near yet so far.’

I have heard it said that the visit raised farmers’ spirits. I can assure you there are two farmers at this household whose mental health and emotional wellbeing has dropped considerably, and we remain feeling much worse than previously and wish we hadn’t gone.

Coming home and watching the joy on other people’s faces during the day’s ceremonies and impromptu acts only added to our distress – why did we miss out.

It is very difficult to fathom how a day that promised so much excitement could turn into one that provided such disappointment and emptiness. We are still unable to read papers or watch news on the tour activities, without tearing up, as it brings back our sad memories and frustrations.

Many people left Dubbo that day expressing very negative thoughts and opinions of Dubbo Regional Council and Dubbo in general. The mother of that six-month-old baby, through tears, said, “Mummy will write in your baby book how we drove six hours, stayed in a motel, stood out in the rain, got very wet, and almost saw Harry and Meghan”. She was devastated, as were the rest of the crowd.

If the cenotaph was not a viewing area, why was it barricaded as it was? Why was there no signage to inform that it was not a viewing area, and why when so many people congregated there didn’t an official move us elsewhere?

If it was a viewing area, WHY were 1000+ people left disgruntled, angry, disappointed and deprived by no walk through by the Royals?

So near yet so far. I think it will take a long time for people in that crowd to recover from the day and disappointment.

Ann Chad

Dubbo

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Editor’s note: Whilst last week’s royal visit created a lot of goodwill for our region globally, we are aware that many who attended the Picnic in the Park had similar experiences to this writer. We welcome your feedback – good and bad – about the event. Email feedback@dubbophotonews.com.au or write to 89 Wingewarra St, Dubbo 2830.