Prince Charles and Camilla visit the Purleigh Bell in support of Pub is the Hub

The royals met staff at the pub which has opened a cinema in an adjoining barn after receiving funding from organisation of which Prince Charles is patron.

The pair met locals, poured pints behind the bar as well as tasted them and then visited the inhouse cinema.

The couple also played a game of darts. For the record, Charles got 36 from three darts but was trounced by his other half, who scored 47 on two throws.

Licensees Kirsten and Julian Webb have been at the pub for four years.  

Kirsten and Julian were caught up in the media frenzy of TV and newspaper interviews with the local news keen to file their stories.

Kirsten said: “It has been an honour to have them both here today. His Royal Highness was particularly interested and knowledgeable about our food suppliers and was very chatty with everyone here. They were charming and lovely and I don’t know how we are ever going to top this!”

 Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub, John Longden OBE added: “HRH The Prince of Wales has been a huge champion of Pub is The Hub and is always delighted to visit projects and see hard-working and inspirational licensees like Kirsten and Julian who support their communities. They fully deserve the success that they have had and have given the pub and its local residents a day to remember.”