THE Prince of Wales found himself with his own personal comic duo during a visit to a Prince's Trust project - Ant and Dec.

Charles may be facing the prospect of his private letters to Government ministers being publicly released later today, but he joked and laughed with the North-East TV presenters, both Trust Ambassadors, as he embarked on a series of events highlighting his charity's work.

When he arrived at Marks and Spencer's flagship store in London's Oxford Street the Prince ignored questions from a broadcast journalist who asked if he was "worried" about the release of the documents, and only said "very predictable".

He was greeted by the friendly face of Anthony McPartlin and when he took the escalator to the basement floor serving behind the deli counter was the other half of the TV double act Declan Donnelly.

Charles was visiting the store to learn how a group of young people have got to grips with the Make Your Mark four-week work placement scheme, a collaboration between M&S and the Trust.

He declined to try some cheese - Cornish Yarg - but Ant stepped forward saying "I'll try it on your behalf".

His job as royal taster continued when Charles turned down the chance to try a piece of sausage roll and the presenter joked "the more he says no, the more I get".

Behind the counter was Rebecca Blythe, 23, who moved from South Wales to London with her partner for a new start but found herself struggling to get a job.

She said: "I'm glad I've done this, the four weeks have been a great success and I've made lots of new friends."

In the Savile Row area of the men's wear department he met Doyin Adele, 19, who was shadowing Joseph Fontanelle who joked with Charles asking if he had any M&S clothes then asked "underwear?" but he laughed off the question.

At a reception Charles handed out certificates to all those who had taken part in the Make Your Mark course then M&S chief executive Marc Bolland told the group of young people they all had jobs causing some to burst into tears.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust who was part of the visit, said: "A frightening number of unemployed young people don't have a support network in place, and they can often end up feeling hopeless and alone. But, with the right support we can help get these lives on track. We are incredibly grateful to Marks & Spencer for helping us to reach the most vulnerable young people offering them hope for the future."