Rock and role for Prince on day at seaside

The Prince visited the Market Square, Great Yarmouth, 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.”

The Prince then remarked on the importance of family businesses, saying: “It is an enormous pleasure to visit this brilliant store.

“You probably won’t be surprised to know that I think family businesses are a rather wonderful thing. There is such loyalty from the community to this store.”

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 later visited Great Yarmouth College, Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich and a food shop selling local produce in the town of Stalham.