Prince Charles Visits Norfolk

27 February 2012, 15:30 | Updated: 27 February 2012, 17:57

Norfolk has had a royal visitor today as Prince Charles was welcomed to the region.

The Prince visited the Market Square, where he was greeted by a 2,000-strong crowd as he visited a chip stall, fruit and veg stall and a fishmonger. One stall holder gave the Prince the stick of Yarmouth rock.

Charles, who had arrived in Norfolk on the Royal Train, then went into Palmers Department Store, to celebrate its 175th anniversary. It is said to be the oldest independent department store in the country.

As he cut the store's birthday cake, he remarked: "That is a serious looking cake.''

Bruce Sturrock, who is a fifth generation member of the Palmer family and company chairman, said: "Thank you Your Royal Highness for making this such a special day and for bestowing such a great honour on our business by coming."

Barry Coleman, the mayor of Great Yarmouth, said: "It is absolutely fantastic to have Prince Charles here today, and you can see from the numbers who came out to see him what an effect the visit has had on the town.''

The Prince also visited students at Great Yarmouth College, and will later be at Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich and a food shop selling local produce in the town of Stalham.