Haringey Olympic Torch Relay: Prince Charles and Camilla make surprise return to Tottenham

by Stephen Moore Thursday, July 26, 2012
3:02 PM

Prince Charles and Camilla chose to enjoy the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay in the heart of Tottenham yesterday.

Prince Charles meets Jay Kamiraz at the end of his Olympic Torch Relay run. Picture: Christopher White

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall drew a huge cheer from the crowd as they made a surprise return visit to the area in their chauffeur-driven car.

The couple arrived at the Mencap centre in High Road, Tottenham, yesterday afternoon ahead of the relay, to learn about the work a number his charities are doing in partnership with local people and other bodies to help rebuild and regenerate the area.

After the tour Charles and Camilla met torchbearer Jay Kamiraz, a Prince’s Trust young entrepreneur who has built up his life from homeless teenager to boss of a successful arts management business.

Mr Kamiraz had no idea who he was about to meet as he jogged along the High Road to pass the Flame to Paralympian Scott Moorhouse, 23, who will compete in the javelin.

Jay Kamiraz meets Prince Charles at the end of his Olympic Torch Relay run. Picture: Christopher White

He shook hands with the royal couple, turned and acknowledged the crowds and the “kiss” moment, when the flame was handed over, took place as the spectators cheered.

Mr Kamiraz said afterwards: “I was saying to my friends it would be so lucky if I could meet the royals, and this is fantastic.”

He added: “I was attacked back in 1997, I was left fighting for my life and I later became homeless. Despite all that, the Prince’s Trust helped me turn my life around.”

It marked the third time Charles has visited Tottenham since last August’s riots.

Olympic Torchbearer Scott Moorhouse, left, kisses Cammilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as Prince Charles looks on. Picture: PA/Yui Mok

The royal couple saw a boxing and football class being carried out at the Mencap centre.

Chaz Syed, 21, a sociology undergraduate from Tottenham, put one of her boxing students through his paces for the special guests, then chatted to the heir to the throne.

She said after meeting Charles: “He said: ‘Your nose looks pretty good for someone who does boxing.’

“I said: ‘It’s been ripped open,’ and he said: ‘It’s been put together pretty well’.”