Crowds drown out protesters as the King and Queen Consort visit the new city of Colchester

A crowd of people chanted “God Save the King” to drown out the noise of a handful of protesters at a royal visit on Tuesday.

The King and Queen Consort were met by shouts and boos from protesters branding yellow “not my King” signs during an engagement in Colchester to celebrate its city status.

It marks the latest in a series of demonstrations by the anti-monarchy group Republic, including in Milton Keynes in February.

As Charles and Camilla exited their car on Tuesday, a protester said through a megaphone: "Answer your critics Charles, come over and talk to your critics."

The protester also said "why are you wasting our money?" and "don't you believe in democracy Charles?"

The King waved to the gathered crowds before going through a gate into Colchester Castle's grounds but did not appear to acknowledge the demonstrators who were standing on the far side of the road behind a police presence.

However, a few members of the gathered crowd outside the castle drowned out their shouts by chanting “God Save the King” while Charles walked past them.

Inside the castle grounds a small girl handed the King a picture she had drawn with the title “Best King”.

Charles met local organisations which represent the city's heritage and communities. He was shown a historic vase and an artefact trolley by youngsters.

Tim Young, the mayor of Colchester, told the King during a reception: "Words cannot describe how much it means to us that you are here."

Outside the castle, Charles attempted to stifle his laughter when revealing the name of Colchester Zoo's newest addition, a baby white rhino Dara, by pulling a cord to draw back a curtain over an easel.

A town crier then rang a bell and boomed: "Oyez, oyez, oyez! I officially proclaim Colchester Zoo's newest addition as baby Dara."

The King told zoo staff: "I do hope it grows into a substantial animal."

He then departed by car as a band played God Save The King.

The latest protest comes after about 20 Republican demonstrators turned up to his visit at Milton Keynes in February to celebrate its new city status.

The protesters included Graham Smith, who has been campaigning against the Royal family for more than a decade as the head of anti-monarchy group Republic.

They held up a caricature of the King with the words “not fit for purpose” printed underneath, but similarly to Tuesday, they were drowned out by loud supporters.

The Royal couple faced more demonstrators on Tuesday when they visited the city’s library in the afternoon.

They ignored the small group, led by conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, as they met hundreds of well-wishers.

Those who had waited patiently for a glimpse of the monarch and his wife argued with the protesters as they tried to drown them out.

Linda Cameron, from Colchester, said: “There were only a few of them but they had a megaphone and were trying to make as much noise as possible.

“They came to try and make a point but people were doing everything they could to drown them out. It was lovely to catch a glimpse of the royals.”

Local Wendy Connelly, 70, added: “I think he has done a wonderful job of going out and meeting so many people.

“It was fantastic that they made the effort to come here. We were very pleased to see them and just tried to ignore those guys over there.”