A THREAT to Prince Charles's life and the promise of demonstrations did nothing to spoil the celebrations at the opening of Stoke Mandeville's new spinal centre on Wednesday. And there was an added bonus for hundreds of people who turned out to watch the ceremony because Prince Charles brought his Princess with him. The decision by Princess Diana to come was taken only two hours before the opening, a move which sent officials racing to florists for bouquets. But as the royal couple flew in by helicopter there was no hint of the last-minute rush -- just and awed silence -- broken by the click of hundreds of cameras.

As Prince Charles unveiled the plaque and talked of the marvellous achievement and spirit of the people concerned, security men shuffled nervously around, eyes fixed on the crowd. After a tour and lunch it was time for the moment Diana had undoubtedly been waiting for, the children's ward.

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