Charles all 'ale and hearty at country show

The Prince of Wales does not normally drink on duty but he was all smiles when offered a glass of pale ale as he toured a country show.

The Duke of Edinburgh is said to have a bottle of beer every day with his lunch, but it was his son Charles who enjoyed an afternoon tipple among the specialist food stalls at the Royal Norfolk Show.

As he walked past the stands in a large marquee displaying everything from English whisky to artisan cheeses, Charles stopped at a beer display.

Jan Vecqueray, deputy manager of the Adnams store in Stamford, Lincolnshire, poured Charles a glass of the brewer's Ghost Ship pale ale and before taking a drink he sniffed the brew.

Charles smiled and said "very good" before taking another sip of drink, dubbed "Ghostly Pale Ale" on its label, with an alcoholic strength of 4.5%.

Ms Vecqueray said: "It was a fantastic honour serving the prince and Ghost Ship is one of our top sellers.

"I think its popularity is down to its citrus and hoppy notes and it's quite refreshing in this weather - as I'm assuming it's still sunny outside."

Charles was joined by Camilla on his tour of the show near Norwich but they spent much of the visit apart visiting different sections of the sprawling site that featured everything from rare breed livestock, to farm machinery, a dog show and country craft displays.