It was a cold April morning at the Dique del Oeste in Palma. A small crowd had gathered to welcome Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to Palma who in 1993 commanded a Royal Navy minesweeper. I had arrived at the Palma dock at about 6a.m. in the morning and the long wait had started. Andrew could be seen on the bridge of the Royal Navy minesweeper as it came into Palma on that April day in 1993.
Even though a crowd had gathered with Union flags, not a wave from the King's brother. In fact, as soon as his minesweeper had come alongside he disappeared. I waited and waited for him to acknowledge the crowd, to come ashore or even to be seen on deck. But nothing. He disappeared. It was a very long wait. By 9p.m. I rang the Bulletin news-desk and I was told to come home. No sign of the Prince in 12 hours.
To say that I was disappointed would be a major under-statement. I don't know what I expected but it wasn't this. The next day we got a tip that he would be playing golf at the Santa Ponsa golf course. Back to the Dique del Oeste again. But this time the wait was short. At midday Andrew finally left his ship. Not a word as he passed me to board a car and head to Santa Ponsa.
A few hours later and he was in the club-house at Santa Ponsa golf course having a drink. I boldly walked into the club-house and ordered a coffee and I sat close to where Andrew and his group were sitting. He was the only one talking and his friends didn't appear to be too interested in what he was saying!
Interestingly enough a British charity football team, led by Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards was playing in Magalluf. I thought that Andrew might offer his support but nothing. He played golf and went back to his ship.
He left the following day and I remember wishing him "Good Riddance".