London - (Rotters): Prince Charles was reported to be heading to the Lake District this morning to shore up a much needed PR coup.
Clarence House sources said today HRH's presence in the Whitehaven area could restore morale and boost public confidence following Wednesday's shotgun massacre.
"Comforting the community at times of crisis is what Charles does best," royal flunkies commented.
"We're talking healing hands, divine fright of kings and what-have-you."
Not everyone is delighted with the prospect, however, including Cumbria police.
The prospect of this House of Windsore scion turning up for an opportunistic gawp has, frankly, dismayed locals.
His last foray into the national compassion stakes included a classicly pointless Lake District visit following the October 2008 and November 2009 floods.
"The last thing Cumbrians need right now is this gratuitous royal PR stunt, thank you very much," a Whitehave Taxi Rank Association spokesman told reporters today.
Derrick Bird was 52.
