The invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to visit the Shoalhaven remains open according to Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash, despite the royal couple opting for a trip to the Blue Mountains over Jervis Bay.
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The Shoalhaven's bid to bring Wills, Kate and baby George to the South Coast hung on a connection between the brothers Alexander Berry and David Berry of the Coolangatta Estate and St Andrew's University.
According to Cr Gash, £100,000 was bequeathed to St Andrew's University by David Berry, funds which saved the university from financial disaster and ultimately allowed a future king to study there and meet his future wife.
The message to the royal couple was clear - "Without the Shoalhaven you may never have met".
However, when NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell yesterday announced the royals would be in NSW between April 16 and April 20, the Shoalhaven was sadly missing from the itinerary.
Cr Gash said there were no hard feelings.
"I can understand why they would choose the Blue Mountains with the bushfire devastation they have had," Cr Gash said.
"Naturally we are very disappointed, but I was very proud of our submission.
"It was a very exciting and positive campaign and brought the community together."
Cr Gash said the fact the royal tour was reduced from a month to nine days didn't help.
"I am still proud of the fact that they may never have met if not for the Shoalhaven."
