Royal couple receive gifts for the grandchildren at Sandringham Flower Show

On their traditionally informal walkabout the couple laughed and joked with well-wishers, accepted gifts, including presents for Princess Charlotte, patted dogs and had an encounter with an eagle with attitude.

Asked why the baby princess had not appeared, Prince Charles explained to Linda and Sue Boughen and Diane Winters, all from Wisbech, that it would have upset her routine. “He reminded us that babies have to have their rest and regular feeds,” said Linda. “He had a real laugh with us and Camilla came over to find out what we were saying.”

A visitor from Yorkshire who spoke to Prince Charles said that he described his grandson Prince George as “adorable and great value for money”.

Gifts included a pink teddy bear for the baby. It had been hand-embroidered by Sheila Clark who had travelled from Glasgow to present it to the Royal couple in the same way as she did when George was born.

In Sandringham Women’s Institute marquee, one of the Royal purchases was a Shaun the Sheep toy crocheted by branch secretary Ann Whiting who said they would “like to think it was for the princess.”

Two schools took the opportunity to tout for Royal business. Penny Nicholls and Daskia Davis gave Camilla a prospectus for Glebe House School, at Hunstanton, to pass on to William and Kate at Anmer Hall; and while the Royal couple were looking at Flitcham Primary Academy’s display teachers Angela Eden and Amanda Dodson suggested the Royal grandchildren might like to join their school.

“Charles did not answer but he did smile sweetly.” said Amanda.

The couple arrived by horse-drawn carriage, received a posy from five-year-old Pleasance Allen, and set off on a two-hour tour of the flower, vegetable and fruit marquees, They also called in on the East Anglian Air Ambulance stand where Princes Charles commented on his eldest son’s role with the organisation.

They showed a big interest in several dogs that were among the crowds, including rescued Jack Russell terriers which are a favourite of the Duchess.

There was also an encounter with a less friendly bald eagle called Zephyr, who is the Army Air Corps mascot. She flapped her wings at the Royal couple, causing the Duchess to duck and step away sharply and Prince Charles to laugh.