The Queen caused a stir in a branch of Waitrose this week, when she was seen browsing the aisles during a visit to Poundbury, Dorset with Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. The monarch took a short tour of the supermarket, taking particular interest in the dairy produce on offer, as she chatted to marketing director Rupert Thomas. She also paused to admire the bright collection of flowers that greeted her at the entrance.
The Queen stopped by the local branch of Waitrose during a visit to Poundbury this week
While the Queen perused the shop, her husband Philip made his way over to the onsite cafe where he chatted to staff about the food on display.
The royals were then all presented with huge hampers filled with local produce, pies, and even extra dog biscuits for the Queen’s beloved corgis.
The royals were each presented with hampers laden with local produce
Thursday's visit was held to honour the anniversary of the opening of the Poundbury estate – an experimental Dorset village designed by Charles, which focuses on creating an integrated community of shops, businesses and private and social housing.
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a 10ft statue of Charles' beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother, to whom the development is dedicated. The bronze statue, designed by sculptor Philip Jackson, stands in the development's main Queen Mother Square, where it is surrounded by buildings named after her race horses.
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a 10ft statue depicting the Queen Mother
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Prince Charles said: "It is with immense pride and in loving memory of my darling grandmother that I invite your Majesty to unveil the statue of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and thus to declare open her square."
The Duchess of Cornwall poured a half pint for her husband during a visit to a pub named in her honour
Before they left Poundbury, the royals visitors also stopped by a local pub, The Duchess of Cornwall, where its namesake got behind the bar and poured a half pint for her husband, as Prince Philip studied the drinks available on tap.