Watch out, sir! Prince Charles ducks for cover as Bald Eagle almost clips him in the face
PRINCE Charles might see himself as an animal lover, but it looks as though not all animals feel the same way about him.
The royal heir had to duck out of the way earlier this afternoon after he was almost hit in the face by a bald eagle, which he was holding at the time.
The Prince was given the opportunity to hold the giant bird, which weighs more than 10lbs, at the end of their tour of the Sandringham Flower Show, which he attended with his wife Camilla.
But things took a turn for the worse when the bird, named Zephyr, flapped her wings almost clipping the heir to the throne with her impressive four foot span.
After a hint of worry made itself visible on the Prince's face, he quickly pulled himself together and found the funny side of the incident.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall had to dodge the intermittent showers as they attended the show at the Queen's Norfolk retreat.
Around 20,000 people attended the annual show, including Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench.
And thousands of well wishers braved the downpours to get a glimpse of the royal couple, taking the time to wish them well with the arrival of their new grandson - with many giving personal gifts in the hope that Charles would pass them on the little Prince George.
Ann Whiting, of Castle Rising, Norfolk presented the couple with a crocheted shawl which she had spent six months making.
Charles was heard saying the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would be "thrilled" by the present.
The Sandringham Women's Institute member said: "I started soon after the announcement that she was pregnant was made.
"I wanted to give them something special but which they could also use.
"He seemed pleased with it and said he would pass it on."
The Sandringham Flower Show takes place every year in Sandringham Park against the backdrop of Sandringham House.
The couple, who arrived and left by horse and cart, viewed competition entries including vegetables, fruit, flowers and floral art.
The profits from each show are donated to local charities and since 1977 the show committee has given more than £500,000 to good causes.