THERE was a moment of stunned silence when a woman, mid-way through singing a duet for Prince Charles, collapsed on stage.
The prince was attending a traditional Welsh carol service at Trinity Saint David University in Carmarthen yesterday afternoon.
The assembled congregation of dignitaries at the university's chapel froze as Rhiannon Ifans slumped to the floor in front of the prince.
Her singing partner, Trefor Pugh, helped her into the choir stalls and then turned back to the audience and completed the rest of the song on his own.
She was flustered and embarrassed but otherwise OK.
The audience seemed poised to give Mr Pugh a loud round of applause after the song — but clapping is forbidden in the traditional Plygain service.
The prince met with the pair afterwards and warmly shook their hands.
Charles was then delighted by an unexpected performance of Y Mari Lwyd — where a man disguised as a skeletal horse capered around the prince.
John Roberts excellently performed the part of the Mari Llwyd's 'handler' — struggling to contain the skittish creature with its snapping bone jaws.
Charles joined in with the laughter and said he was impressed with the horse's "boggley eyes", adding: "It was fantastic. It was a great treat that I found deeply moving."
Joining the performance were singers from a group from Dinas Mawddwy and musicians from Y Llawer Mwy of Aberystwyth.
Also singing at the carol service were students of the Trinity Saint David University Choir with a stirring solo from Rhodri Jones.
The royal harpist, Hannah Stone, performed for the congregation before the service, which featured a blessing from the Bishop of St Davids, Wyn Evans.
Also in attendance were county council leader Kevin Madge, chairwoman Sian Thomas, chief executive Mark James and Carmarthen mayor Phil Grice.
University vice chancellor Medwyn Hughes said: "I am delighted our royal patron could come and join us.
"His support has been excellent and I hope he enjoyed the day."
