Sympathy with maybe a sigh of relief as Charles fusses over flood-hit bridal gowns

But Charles could perhaps have been excused an inward sigh of relief that the mud-spattered gown he inspected in Fantasia Bridal, in the village of Lostwithiel, were not destined for his own daughter-in-law-to-be, Kate Middleton, whose wedding to Prince William was announced earlier this week.

Prince William and Miss Middleton are now said to be "very close" to choosing a venue for their wedding. Miss Middleton, 28, was photographed this week leaving Westminster Abbey after a private tour, and it is now believed to be the preferred venue.

A date for the big day has yet to be decided, with the couple thought to favour sometime in March for the exchange of vows.

A summer wedding also remains a possibility.

Prince Charles took time out from wedding planning duties yesterday to visit members of the Cornish community devastated by flooding earlier in the week, meeting regional business leaders to discuss how they can help the region to recover.

A spokeswoman for the Prince said: "Charles wants to lend his support to the people who have been affected and he hopes that, by taking some business leaders down there, they can help."

Workmen were yesterday putting cars that were damaged in the floods onto low-loaders for removal, while also cleaning away the inch-thick mud left by the receding water.

About 100 homes in St Austell, Lostwithiel, St Blazey, Bodmin, Par, Mevagissey and Luxulyan were evacuated by the emergency services following heavy rains and gale-force winds.

Prime Minister David Cameron also made two visits to Cornwall, offering his support to the communities affected.

"I've been incredibly impressed here by the work of the emergency services, and Cornwall Council going door to door helping people out," he said.

"It's incredibly stressful and difficult when you lose your furniture, your possessions, your home. We've got to help people get back into their homes as fast as possible.

"What I've seen is communities coming together with emergency services and doing a good job."