LONDON, July 24 (UPI) -- Prince Charles made a long-planned visit to flood-stricken areas Tuesday in northern England before hurrying south to London to meet his new grandson.
Plans for the prince and his wife, Camilla, duchess of Cornwall, had them spending Tuesday in the East Riding of Yorkshire, which was hit hard by flooding last year, and then traveling to Wales for events Wednesday. The return to London was added after news came the former Kate Middleton had given birth to Charles's first grandchild.
Crowds in the villages of Yorkshire were enthusiastic. At a pub in Burton Fleming, a group of elderly singers sang "Grandad, We Love You," for Charles.
In Bugthorpe, Robert Barrett greeted the prince with "Hello, grandad." Geraldine Kynaston in Bridlington Harbor was so enthusiastic she asked the prince if she could hug him and was told to go ahead.
"We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too," Alec Dale told Charles in Bridlington Priory.
"Yes, but just a little bit," Charles responded.
