Prince Charles visited Bracknell to open Waitrose and Partners' Food Innovation Studio

His Royal Highness, who is a Patron of the retailer, took a tour around the building on Doncastle Road, taste tested a new Christmas mincemeat recipe and unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit.

During the tour, The Prince got to try a newly developed Duchy Organic mincemeat for Christmas and some cider.

Jonathan Moore executive chef for product innovation spoke to The Prince about all of the products they have been trying out.

He said: "It was such an honour, for me, the whole team and partnership.

"He is so passionate about the brand and food and he was so lovely talking to my team about the products they have developed.

"It was fantastic a day, which will go down in our history."

As well as this, a new compostable bag for storing food was showcased ahead of the retailers efforts in reducing plastic consumption.

A speech by the managing director was presented to The Prince at the unveiling of the plaque, thanking his patron for his commitment to the Duchy Organic brand.

Rob Collins, said: "It is such a joy and privilege to welcome you to our campus in Bracknell. "Our association with you your Royal Highness and The Queen is truly precious to us.

"Your foresight in starting the brand nearly 30 years ago is extraordinary and that is proved to be successful to this day."

The Waitrose Duchy Organic range was originally founded by his Royal Highness in 1990 to champion organic farming.

Since then, the sales generated from the brand has generated a contribution of £23.5 million to The Prince of Wales' Charitable Fund for donations to good causes.

Carole Hall, longest serving parter from Crowthorne, said: "To have him come here is fantastic, he was very charming."

The Waitrose and Partners Food Innovation Studio opened at the Bracknell headquarters in July 2018, as part of a commitment to being the best 5 per cent in ensuring products and service to customers.

Over £1.5 million was invested in the studio, to focus on product innovation, design and taste to ensure products are to the best quality.

Rob Collins added: "As pioneers of organic food in supermarkets we were proud to be entrusted with the Duchy Originals brand in 2009 and delighted to announce today that sales over the last 10 years have exceed £1 billion."