THE Prince of Wales has surprised two guesthouse owners with an invitation to his wedding.

Charles, who has stayed at the Yew Tree Farm and Guesthouse several times during visits to Cumbria, has invited Hazel and Joe Relph to his wedding on April 8.

The couple, who have run the guesthouse for 20 years, were dumbstruck when the invitation dropped through their letterbox.

The prince stayed for two nights at the guesthouse, in Borrowdale, on a three-day trip to Cumbria and Yorkshire this week.

The invitation to the prince's wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles arrived on Saturday - only days before the prince himself.

Mrs Relph, 47, said: "I was speechless. Absolutely speechless.

"We got the invitation before he arrived. I had not a clue what the letter was about. It was a complete surprise."

The couple, who have two grown-up children, will attend the blessing and the reception at Windsor Castle.

They said they had already picked out a wedding present but would not say was it was.

Mrs Relph said only that it was a gift from the local area.

The prince clearly enjoyed his stay, remarking to the waiting media it was a "highly recommended establishment".

Asked about the royal visitor, Mr Relph said: "He was tremendous. He was very good company."