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Penangites touched by the warmth of Prince Charles, Camilla

GEORGE TOWN: The management committee of the three worship places in George Town were counting their lucky stars to be able to personally welcome the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, during their maiden trip to the island on Tuesday.

They were pleased to have had the opportunity to spend warm moments with the royal couple.

At the Sri Mahamariamman temple, Prince Charles and Camilla were given a rousing welcome as the committee had organised a traditional classical performance, which chairman N. Siva Subramaniam said the prince thoroughly enjoyed.

"I was awestruck by the prince's humbleness.

"He said it the music was nice and unique. We welcomed them with flower garlands.

"He also came in and greeted my wife and our committee members' families. Each one of us felt very lucky to have met him personally.

"The prince and his wife showed us that they are really down to earth and humble," said Siva when met after the visit today.

The royals began their tour of the state today with a visit to the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site where hundreds of Penangites had gathered to catch a glimpse of the heir to the British throne. Some were lucky enough to shake his hand.

Prince Charles and Camilla first visited St George Church at Lebuh Farquhar before proceeding to Masjid Kapitan Keling at Jalan Buckingham.

At the mosque, Prince Charles also planted an olive tree to mark his visit.

The mosque's chairman Datuk Meera Mydin Mastan said he also shared with the royals the mosque's history.

He also praised Camillia for wearing the scarf provided by the committee when entering the historic prayer hall.

"They were very respectful regardless of their royal status, I wished they could stay a bit longer with us today so that they can fully experience the culture of our Indian Muslim community in Penang," said Meera.

Prince Charles later strolled over to nearby Han Jiang Ancestral Temple before leaving to visit other famous sites on the island including the Seven Terraces, Sun Yat Sen Museum and China House at Lebuh Pantai.

At about 3.35pm, the royal duo visited the Royal Malaysian Air Forces base in Butterworth.

Later this evening, the prince and his wife will attend the Sandhurst Alumni reception at Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel before concluding their Penang visit at the Penang Peranakan Museum at Lebuh Church.

The royal couple is expected to depart for India tomorrow morning.

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