Royal ladies who lunch take tea and have treat in store for pets

On their first official engagement as a trio, the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, perused the stands at upmarket department store Fortnum & Mason.

While Kate and Camilla appeared to delight in the confectionery, all three seemed equally thrilled to be presented with wicker hampers, stuffed full of luxurious items, including “hearty treats for happy hounds”.

In colour-coordinated outfits, all wore shades of blue.

Kate stepped out in a coat dress by Italian designer Missoni and smiled broadly as she was greeted by cheering crowds on arrival at the London store.

She burst into giggles when she saw the delicacies in her hamper included a gift for Lupo, her cocker spaniel.

Fortnum’s managing director Beverley Aspinall said: “Of course they all have dogs and we do want to think about what our customers like.”

On a tour of the shop floor Kate confessed: “I love chocolate, I think all girls like chocolate.”

Camilla appeared to share her sweet tooth, pointing at violet creams. She hinted she would pop back later for a box of them.