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Soldier was lifelong Manchester United fan

Drummer Lee Rigby. Credit: MOD

Drummer Lee Rigby was a life-long Manchester United fan.

He had also stood outside the Royal Palaces as part of his battalion's public duties commitment.

The Rt Revd Mark Davies, The Bishop of Middleton, said; "The nation has been shocked by Lee's death. But the greatest burden is carried by those he knew and loved. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family, friends and those he served with."

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Show goes on for royals after helicopter drama

The Prince of Wales greets school children as he and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the Hay Festival. Credit: PA Wire

Despite the unscheduled stop the royal couple transferred to cars and continued on to the market town of Hay-on-Wye by road.

They finally arrived close to three hours late but emerged looking relaxed and smiling to be greeted by a crowd of several hundred well-wishers.

Royal helicopter forced to make emergency landing

The royal helicopter, carrying the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, was forced to make an emergency landing. Credit: VI Images/Press Association Images

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall had a "hairy experience" when their royal helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing after it developed a technical fault.

Charles and Camilla were flying to Wales for a day-long tour to Hay and its popular annual festival of literature.

But minutes after boarding their flight they were urgently diverted to Denham Aerodrome, in Buckinghamshire.

A spokesman for the royal couple said: "The pilot carried out a controlled emergency landing after diverting to the airport."

"It was quite a hairy experience," a source close to the palace added.

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Soldier brutally murdered was 'a loving father'

Drummer Rigby was a loving father, with a very bubbly character.

He was an excellent Drummer, loved his job and was a highly popular member of the Platoon.

He had served in Afghanistan as an FSG Operator and was very diligent in his work.

He was always around when needed and will be sorely missed by all members of the Second Fusiliers Corps of Drums.

Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.

– Sergeant Barry Ward, Drum Major Second Fusiliers

Woolwich soldier known to comrades as 'Riggers'

Riggers is what every battalion needs. He was one of the Battalion’s great characters always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood with his fellow Fusiliers.

He was an excellent drummer and well respected within the Drums platoon.

He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums.

He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again.

My thoughts are with his family and they will always be part of the Fusilier family.

Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.

– Warrant Officer Class 1 Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major Second Fusiliers
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