The monarch and Queen Camilla greeted well-wishers in Middlesbrough despite a small demonstration of republican campaigners waving anti-monarchist flags

King Charles defiantly faced protestors during a royal walkabout – a move which left well-wishers stunned.

During a royal ‘awayday’ in Middlesbrough, the monarch and Queen Camilla packed in four engagements, ending with a traditional walkabout in the town.

Royal fans waved flags and cheered as the King and Queen spent 20 minutes walking up and down, shaking hands with those in the crowd – including those in front of a small demonstration of republican campaigners waving anti-monarchist flags.

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The King’s decision to walk directly up to them and face them head-on, delighted the crowd, including Julie Parker, 65, who said: “I had been waiting here since 11am [three hours] to see him and then that lot [Republic] turned up behind me and started waving their flags.

“Everyone has a right to their opinion but I do think they could have picked a better time and place and we didn’t think the King would come near us.

“But he did! And we got to say hello. He’s a remarkable man, he really is. We have a lot of admiration for him.”

The King also made a centenarian’s day during the walkabout, by giving her a 100th birthday she would never forget, the Mirror reports.

After being introduced to Rona Grafton, who had been waiting patiently to meet him, the King bent down to shake her hand and said: “A very, very happy birthday. Here’s a card from both of us.”

He touched Queen Camilla’s shoulder, and repeated: “From both of us,” as the Queen said: “A very happy birthday.”

Once the King had moved down the line, he got into his waiting State Bentley with the Queen but the vehicle only travelled a few yards down the road when the King asked his driver to stop.

The royal couple then got out again to huge cheers, and insisted on shaking hands right the way down to the end of the street.

“We thought we wouldn’t get the chance and that maybe his car would slow down and he would wave out of the window,” Paul Williams said.

“We couldn’t believe it when they got out. He came up to me and asked me how I was.

“Given everything he has been through I couldn’t believe it. How kind. I asked him how he was feeling and he said he was doing well.”