Families of Dorset Police officers braved rain, hail, and wind to welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to their headquarters.
The Royal couple were at Winfrith on March 10, 2006, to mark the 150th anniversary of policing in Dorset.
Rain clouds gathered as the helicopter carrying Charles and Camilla prepared to land, but the sun managed to peek through as they stepped off the aircraft to be met by the High Sheriff of Dorset, Charlotte Townshend, the Lord Lieutenant, Michael Captain Fulford-Dobson, Chief Constable of Dorset Police Martin Baker and Dorset Police Authority vice-chairman Cllr John Lofts.
The royal couple were taken to greet police staff and their families, before the Duchess was presented with a posy.
The Prince, wearing a grey suit underneath a camel-coloured overcoat, and the Duchess, wearing a duck-egg blue overcoat and matching scarf, were given the opportunity to listen to pre-recorded 999 calls.
A visit by His Royal Highnesses was also paid to the casualty bureau, which assists the public during major incidents by answering calls. Staff at Dorset worked during the Boscastle flood disaster in Cornwall in August 2004.
As he unveiled a commemorative plaque, the Prince paid tribute to the force.
He said: “For myself and my wife it’s a particular pleasure to see you all today because I know how important police forces in the area are as we come down to Dorset quite a lot to visit Poundbury.
“I often think we take so easily for granted the amazing service you all perform.”
The Prince and the Duchess left in separate cars for a tour of Poundbury, the Prince of Wales’s model town near Dorchester.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here