SHAKING hands with Prince Charles or Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was a crowning moment for the Tasmanians who braved inclement weather during yesterday's royal visit.
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Thousands of people lined the streets of Richmond and Hobart to catch a glimpse of the royal couple during their whirlwind six-hour visit of the state, as part of a jubilee tour.
Those lucky enough to shake hands, snap a photo or exchange pleasantries with royalty were delighted.
In fact, the couple stopped to meet so many the trip ran up to an hour behind schedule.
Rhona Puclin and her 91-year-old mother Audrey Johnson turned up at 9.30am to snag a prime spot in Richmond's main street.
Ms Puclin said her mother was determined to shake hands with Prince Charles - that wish was granted three hours later.
``It was worthwhile waiting,'' she said.
Flag waving was the order of the day. Others brought along bouquets, made crowns and wore the Union Jack in inventive ways.
Louisa Harding, of Dodges Ferry, said her four-year-old daughter Tilly had practised her curtsey in anticipation. It paid off when the royals beckoned her over to say hello.
``She thinks she will be a princess when she grows up,'' Ms Harding said.
The trip, which required detailed planning and a large police presence, is expected to cost the state $100,000 - or more than $16,000 an hour.
Prince Charles also visited a sheep stud farm, while Camilla met women working in agriculture at a function that showcased iconic Tasmanian produce.
There was an official reception on Hobart's waterfront for more than 600 people with an emphasis on community workers and volunteers.
Premier Lara Giddings said the visit not only gave Tasmanians a chance to meet royalty, but also to demonstrate what made the state so special.
``In terms of marketing and getting us on the map it's well worthwhile and of course if you ask the people on the street here if it's been worthwhile I'm sure you would get a resounding `yes'.''
Many of those who turned out for the event, in spite of rain, had English connections. Richmond's Brian Barnard brought along flags he found in a garage in England in 1978, which he believes were designed for the coronation of King Edward VII.
Dozens of interstate and international media covered the event. In true Tasmanian style, a photographer with London'sThe Sun newspaper managed to run into an English couple, honeymooning at Richmond, who live ``just a spit down the road from me''.
Clarence House requested no gifts, but the government presented the royal couple with a small token to remember Tasmania: for Camilla, a hand-crafted brooch by Janine Combes; and for Prince Charles, a Tasmanian Tiger tie.