The Prince of Wales, 43, had a burger, fries and lemonade at The Walnut Tree Inn, located in Mere, on Thursday, November 27.

Two regulars, Gary Fermor and Nick Lowe, managed to grab a picture with the prince alongside the pub’s Lisa James, who served him.

Owner William Friend-James, 54, said the prince was at the pub, built on Duchy of Cornwall land, for a meeting, and customers and staff were respectful.

The prince’s group had booked two tables around a week in advance: a table of six, and a table of three, which Mr Friend-James said was for his security.

The party had requested private tables so were sat ‘around the corner’.

Mr Fermor took his chance to ask the prince for a picture as William exited the loo. The prince obliged, smiling in his wellies and jumper.

The Prince of Wales was in his wellies when he visited (Image: Gary Fermor/The Walnut Tree Inn)

The owner estimates the prince was there for around two hours.

Mr Friend-James, who took the pub over around a year ago with twin brother Simon, said: “It was quite a while. It was a lovely experience.

“He was very polite and said the food was lovely and there was great service. He was really pleased. They had a good meeting around the corner.

“They weren’t bothered by anyone, and they had a lovely time.”

He said the group “really enjoyed” their meals, which the owner says are home-made using locally sourced ingredients and sold at a reasonable price.

The prince opted for the Walnut Tree burger, which comes with Emmental cheese, lettuce, tomato, gherkin, coleslaw and relish in a brioche bun.

“We made sure that the food was even better than it usually is!”, Mr Friend-James added.

On Thursday morning, the pub posted the picture of the prince on Facebook.

It added the caption: “It was our great pleasure to host HRH Prince of Wales for lunch at the Walnut Tree Inn yesterday.

“A big shout out to Lisa, Grace and the kitchen team for looking after him so well.”

Mr Friend-James said: “What’s been lovely is the response on Facebook from the community, which is great testament to the pub and the support the local community gives pubs like ours.”

Commenting on the Facebook post, one local said: “Spectacular! We love it there as well. Well chosen, HRH.”

Another commented: “He picked the right place. Didn’t realise how tall he is.”