IT was a long day for the future monarch – starting at HMP Leeds, followed by a wool mill in the city, before spending the rest of his day in North Yorkshire to enjoy a full taste of what the county has to offer.

HRH The Prince of Wales arrived at The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes to be greeted by cheering crowds and a contingent from Hawes Primary School – where 30 per cent of the pupils are connected to the famous cheese factory in some way, with many having parents employed there.

After being suited up in hygiene clothing, complete with his own personal hat he brought himself, he embarked on a tour of the newly-redeveloped factory and chatted to staff about their roles.

The Northern Echo:

HRH Prince of Wales visiting the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT 

Cheese-maker Trevor Sharples, from Hawes, said Prince Charles asked about the processes the cheese has to go through from start to finish, and that he clearly had a base knowledge of the subject.

“He knew the right questions to ask and was very interested in what we do here. It’s great that he has come to visit us in Hawes," he said.

The Prince shared jokes with staff as he had a go with a cheese iron to take a section of cheese from a round for tasting, asking if it was “Wallace and Gromit cheese”, and pronouncing the quality “very good.”

After a tour of the shop and more tasting, he joined in a meeting of local farmers from the Prince’s Dairy Initiative.

Andrew Chapman, who farms at Kirby Sigston, near Northallerton, in partnership with his father, Edgar, said it is a boost for the dairy industry that Prince Charles is taking such a keen interest, and farms are already seeing benefits from workshops highlighting new ideas and innovations set up through the Prince’s Dairy Initiative.

“He wanted to hear from us about how we had benefitted from being part of the initiative, and has a pretty good understanding of what is going on in the dairy industry,” he said.

“Seeing what other people are doing and getting new ideas is really beneficial.

“It’s a good thing that Prince Charles speaks out on countryside issues. He should be able to express an opinion and raise concerns where necessary.”

David Hartley, director of the Wensleydale Creamery, said: “I’m overwhelmed by the visit and it was great to show him around our facility.

“He was very interested in meeting our staff – it was fantastic to have him here.”

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CHEESE: HRH Prince of Wales pictured with cheese maker Stan Johnson picture: SARAH CALDECOTT 

Following the Creamery visit, Prince Charles was whisked to Berry’s Farm Shop in Swinithwaite, near Leyburn, to meet representatives from the Ure Salmon Trust to learn about conservation work on the River Ure, as well as members of the Dales Pony Society as its patron.

The Prince’s final engagement of the day took him to The George and Dragon Inn, Hudswell, near Richmond, as his role as patron of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, and The Prince’s Pub in the Hub Foundation.

Landlord and landlady Stuart and Melissa Miller said they were thrilled to have such a high-profile customer, even allowing the Prince behind the bar to pull a half pint of a Yorkshire Brewing Company pale ale.

The Northern Echo:

HRH The Prince of Wales enjoying a pint at The George and Dragon pub, Hudswell picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Mrs Miller said: “He was pleased to hear we are a family business, with Stuart’s parents helping us.

“He was surprised to hear our chef is Keith, Stuart’s dad, as they are the same age. I think he was impressed with that.

“He was genuinely interested in how the business was doing and it has been amazing to have him visit our little village pub.”

The Prince of Wales met some of the many local groups that use the pub including the local music group, volunteers from the shop, quoits club, book club, allotment group and dominoes team.

Waiting outside to wish him well, Charlotte and George Whitaker and mum Louise were pleased the Prince stopped to chat before he left the village.

Charlotte, who will be six on Tuesday, and brother George, four, said: “It was very exciting – we were called George and Charlotte first.”

The Northern Echo:

HRH The Prince of Wales meets crowds outside The George and Dragon pub, Hudswell picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The pub is assisted as a co-operative by the Plunkett Foundation, which helps rural communities tackle problems they face in isolation through co-operative action in community pubs, shops and cafes.

The Prince’s Pub in the Hub Foundation helps local pubs incorporate shops and post offices to keep all services viable.