CHARLES GETS TASTE OF COMPETITION FOR HIS DUCHY FOOD RANGE

Following a morning in Belfast city centre, the prince travelled to Co Down to Finnebrogue Artisan’s base.

Charles was officially welcomed to Downpatrick by Lord Lieutenant of Co Down David Lindsay and Finnebrogue chairman Denis Lynn.

During a boardroom meeting the prince heard how Finnebrogue launched the first nitrate-free bacon in 2017 before he got sight – and smell – of freshly cooked sausages and bacon from the company’s range.

“The last time we met was 11 years ago in Belfast,” Mr Lynn told the prince.

“We were a small artisan business, our turnover was about £3 million. Eleven years and two days later we are still a small artisan business doing exactly the same thing, but we have just got a bit bigger.

“Thank you so much for coming, I have really appreciated it, I have really had a great time talking to you about your understanding of the environment. I think we are really together on this.”

As the visit drew to a close, Mr Lynn presented the Charles with a hamper full of Finnebrogue products, joking it was ”better” than the prince’s own Duchy range, to which Charles chuckled, telling the other guests present: “he’s longing to say that”.