"I've done a final mop...I think we're ready!"
Nerves were running high this morning as King Charles stopped by Trafford's Kellogg's factory to help them celebrate 100 years of Kellogg's in the UK. As everyone from company bosses to floor plant employees prepared themselves to meet the royal guest, one employee admitted she only found out she was meeting the King yesterday.
"It's not every day you come to work to meet the King of England!," she laughed.
READ MORE: LIVE: King Charles and Camilla visit Greater Manchester - latest updates
The King's visit came as part of a whirlwind tour of Greater Manchester, with the monarch also visiting Bolton and Wythenshawe. As he toured the giant Stretford-based factory, he was told about Kellogg's sustainable packaging, as well as their food development and community work.
Nerves quickly faded as the King asked questions and cracked jokes with those working at the factory, including apprentices. The man who is known for his lifelong engagement with community and sustainability projects, including his own Prince's Trust, listened attentively as he was guided through carefully prepared stations explaining Kellogg's community work and development work.
It isn't the first time King Charles has visited this factory. One display board boasted a series of images from a similar trip in 1974, when King Charles was of course Prince Charles. It isn't hard to imagine that more than just his title has changed since that last visit.
As he watched two food developers use Kellogg's cereals to make delicious and healthy snacks, one man whispered: "It's one special K meeting another".
As the tour moved downstairs to the factory floor, the King was taken through the products that are made here in Greater Manchester, including firm favourites like cornflakes and coco pops. Over the roar of the machinery, the King greeted those who work there clad in trusty safety gear - even a King is no exception to factory regulations.
He finished his visit by unveiling a plaque commemorating Kellogg's special anniversary. Speaking after his visit, apprentice Genna Bland-Moore, 23, said the King had been 'incredibly down to earth'.
"It's not something I thought I would ever get to do," she told the M.E.N. "He asked me about how I was finding the apprenticeship. He's quite a down to earth guy, really. It surprised me that it was a very informal conversation."
Also left beaming after her conversation with the monarch was Heather Murphy, who manages environmental and social governance at the company. She said it was 'wonderful' to meet someone who had dedicated his life to much of the same values as her.
"Sometimes you see these people on television and you feel like they're not actually tangible. But in our conversation he was actually really really interested in what we've got to say, which was great."
Heather said she spoke to the monarch about sustainability, as well as the company's breakfast club programme that helps feed hungry children in schools.
"He's very much an advocate for sustainable business but also responsible businesses as well. Businesses that not only protect the planet but also give back to communities in a really genuine and meaningful way. It was great to hear his thoughts on it all."
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