Charles and Camilla's Canadian tour marred by bloody anti-monarchist riot

By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 11:21 AM on 11th November 2009

Anti-monarchy protesters yesterday hijacked the Prince of Wales' Canadian tour and clashed with riot police in a night of violence.

An extreme group of Quebec nationalists staged a sit-in street protest last night after fighting broke out with officers sent to clear them away.

One man was left bleeding from the head and another was dragged from the crowd and arrested in the worst violence seen during a royal protest in many years.

More than 100 protesters had staged their demonstration outside the regimental hall of The Black Watch of Canada in Montreal where Charles was due to present new regimental colours.

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Anti-monarchy protesters demonstrate outside the The Black Watch barracks in Montreal

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A bloodied protester during clashes between riot police and an extreme group of Quebec nationalists

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Prince Charles, Prince of Wales presents the Black Watch regiment with their Colours as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall looks on at the Black Watch Barracks in Montreal

The prince and the Duchess of Cornwall's arrival was delayed by 40 minutes until the police had cleared the streets - something the prince later jokingly referred to as 'a little local disturbance'.

The province of Quebec with its French heritage is known for its anti-monarchist views with many people wanting an end to the Queen as Canada's head of state.

Julien Gaudeau, a spokesman for the militant nationalist group Reseau de Resistance du Quebec which organised the protest, said: 'The Prince is important as a symbol of power given by the blood.

'We don't want this kind of symbol in Quebec, more than 80% of the population in Quebec is opposed to the monarchy.

'In every other province, despite the numbers being low (in the polls) they are still pro-monarchy, the only one that isn't is Quebec, that's just one more reason for us to separate.'

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Riot police attempt to break up the anti-royal protest outside the Blackwatch Barracks just before the visit of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall

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Riot Police break up the anti-royal protest outside the barracks prior to the visit of Prince Charles

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A protester is arrested after clashing with police during the anti-monarchy demonstrations

Passionate: The protesters were calling for an end to the monarchy's status in Canada

Waving the provincial flag of Quebec and anti-royal placards the protesters chanted 'majesty go home' and the famous independence call, 'the Quebecois in Quebec.'

Some of the group wore balaclavas or hid their faces behind scarves and before the police arrived they threw eggs at soldiers leaving their regimental hall.

Soon a Canadian riot unit had been called and they formed a line at one end of the street and walked towards the protesters pushing them back.

But the confrontation soon escalated into ugly scuffles with the demonstrators being hit by the officer's shields and batons.

After the sit-down protest the group were eventually pushed down a side road and the prince and duchess were able to arrive by the front entrance.

Charles is Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment and was dressed in a uniform appropriate to his rank complete with beret, kilt and sporran.

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Protesters shout 'Majesty Go Home' against the royal couple. Prince Charles and Camilla attend a ceremony at the Black Watch Regiment last night

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On a lighter note: The Prince and Duchess had earlier visited the headquarters of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil in Montreal

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The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles meet performers at Cirque De Soleil's Headquarters in Montreal

The heir to the throne praised the efforts of his regiment over the decades but at the start of his speech apologised for being late.

He told the audience of senior military officials and friends and family of the regiment: 'First of all I just wanted to say how very sorry my wife and I are to have kept you all waiting so long - I hear there's a little local disturbance.'

A Clarence House spokesman accompanying Charles on the trip said: 'Their royal highnesses have been made to feel very welcome throughout their visit to Canada, including meeting many well wishers here in Montreal.

Later today Charles and Camilla will attend a Remembrance Day Service at Canada's National War Memorial in Ottawa.

In the evening the royal couple will be guests of honour at a state dinner hosted by the Governor General Michaelle Jean at her official residence.

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