Royal Watch News

Prince Edward grounded by fog

Jan 24, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Prince Edward

Britain's Prince Edward was forced to cancel his planned visit to Leicester due to the fog.

The Earl of Wessex was due to visit the Midlands city to officially open De Montfort University's £8 million Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee leisure centre but a forecast of freezing fog meant the engagement was postponed amid fears his helicopter would not be able to fly safely.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said 'adverse weather conditions' in Surrey - where the earl's helicopter was due to take off - suspended the visit.

The spokesman added to the Leicester Mercury: 'Sadly, the engagements today had to be postponed due to the fact he was down to be flying to the region.

'He would have been departing from Surrey. It must have been adverse weather conditions at the departure point in Surrey.

'All people involved in the programme have been contacted and it is hoped it can be rearranged for later in 2013.'

Edward was due to open the leisure centre, unveiling a plaque and watching sports sessions and demonstrations and the university is worried the plaque will go to waste.

Professor Dominic Shellard said: 'The only cost we are thinking about, which we don't want to waste, is the plaque. It says '23rd of January 2013.'

'We are going to ask the palace if we can just reuse it. I'm sure he's not going to be fussed.

'People are disappointed. Obviously there is not the level of anticipation as for the queen, but people were excited.'

â??