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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

King Charles and Queen Camilla show rare display of affection on busy day of duties

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have had a jam-packed day of engagements today after spending the day in and around the city of Manchester.

And in a rare display of affection, His Majesty was seen offering a caring gesture to his wife as they left one venue to a crowd of cheering well-wishers.

The royal couple had been at Bolton Town Hall in Greater Manchester, where they met community representatives and celebrated the building's 150th anniversary.

After their visit, they walked down the steps of the grand building and met some of those who came out to see them before being whisked to their next engagement.

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla leave Bolton Town Hall today (Splash News / SplashNews.com)
The couple linked arms as they waved to the crowds (Splash News / SplashNews.com)

And as they descended the building's steps, Charles and Camilla could be seen arm in arm as they waved to the cheering crowds.

The couple are not usually as tactile while out in public, although a picture released of them following the death of the late Queen showed the pair with their arms around each other's backs.

The trip to Bolton Town Hall was followed by a trip to the Norbrook Youth Club, in the Manchester, where as a schoolboy England footballer Marcus Rashford played pool with his friends when not training with his club.

There, Camilla sang the praises of Rashford when she unveiled a donation of books from the Manchester United striker, while the King almost got involved in a game of football.

Camilla chats to a wellwisher at Bolton Town Hall, who brought along their dog (PA)
One scout looked delighted after chatting with King Charles (AFP via Getty Images)

The couple also met with England manager Gareth Southgate, who also praised the player, dubbing him "impressive", after he sat down with Charles to hear the life stories of young people supported by The Prince’s Trust.

Meanwhile earlier today, the King visited the biggest Corn Flakes factory in the world, where he joked that he was a year late for the 100th anniversary of Kellogg’s in the UK.

Charles was at the Manchester site of Kellogg’s – the largest cereal factory in Europe – which produces breakfast favourites such as Corn Flakes, Frosties, Rice Krispies, Crunchy Nut and Coco Pops.

Charles chats to England manager Gareth Southgate at the Norbrook Community Centre in Wythenshawe (PA)
Camilla unveils a donation of books from England striker Marcus Rashford (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Kellogg’s celebrated a century in the UK last year, with Corn Flakes and All-Bran first introduced to the British public in 1922.

Charles, who unveiled a plaque marking his visit and celebrating 100 years of "bringing breakfast to Britain”, sparked laughter when he said: "Sorry I’m a year late.”

During his visit to the plant, which has just under 400 workers, Charles toured the culinary centre – a new research and development hub – where he viewed cooking demonstrations and saw the various cereals on offer.

Charles chats to staff on the cornflakes production line during a visit to the headquarters of cereal manufacturer Kellogg's earlier today (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

He heard about efforts to reduce salt and sugar content, and enquired about the popularity of Coco Pops as he stood in front of a strawberry and white chocolate version of the cereal.

The King donned a white coat for a walk around the factory floor, where he stopped and chatted to staff.

Kellogg’s has been a holder of the Royal Warrant since the reign of King George VI and cereal from the business was historically delivered to Buckingham Palace in a small van called Genevieve.

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