Car made Charles and Camilla a target

Two serious questions have been raised over the protection of the royal family after last night's attack on the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Firstly over the vehicle used and secondly over the route that was taken.

The Prince's Rolls-Royce Silver Phantom is old, heavy, has a poor turning circle and has no protective qualities. It is also a ceremonial car, complete with the Prince of Wales's standard on the roof, which makes it a focal point for militant anger.

It left the couple dangerously exposed to angry students, one of whom was able to physically attack the Duchess. Any officer would have been justified in shooting that person if they felt their actions was likely to harm one of the royal couple. Thankfully, in the circumstances common sense prevailed — the firing of a pistol in such a confined space, where there is a major risk of ricochet, is too dangerous to comprehend. The couple should have travelled in the Prince's state-of-the art, armed Bentley, which is faster, more manoeuvrable and would have let the couple continue their journey through the protesting students with no risk of physical harm.

Secondly, the route chosen was dangerous and should have been avoided. It is a route well known to Clarence House. But the difference yesterday was the major public demonstration. The couple's journey coincided with the dispersal of students.

A decision should have been made not to turn left into Regent Street and to take a detour away from the demonstrations. Sadly, it may be that these sort of journeys during which the public are able to cheer members of the royal family travelling in ceremonial cars, will be confined to events like weddings, Royal Ascot and Trooping The Colour.