Prince Charles and Camilla take in the sights and pints at the annual Sandringham Flower Show

Royal couple enjoyed a pint of ale and did a spot of shopping at the annual horticultural event in Norfolk.

Prince Charles and wife Camilla Parker Bowles were in very good spirits as the rode into the annual Sandringham Flower show, Norfolk in a traditional horse and carriage to greet stall holders and the public.

Celebrating its 135th year, the show, held at the Royal estate of Sandringham House is always on the Prince's calendar as he is Patron of The Sandringham Estate Cottage Horticultural Society. However, the royal was more than happy to do his duty as he and the Duchess of Cornwall spent over two hours talking to well wishers around the show.

Alongside taking in some of the 200 trade stands displaying the wares of the region's leading nurseries and horticultural specialists, the Duke and Duchess wandered around the food stalls, taking time to sample some of the ales on offer and both looked very relaxed as they enjoyed a pint of Adnams Ale.

Prince Charles and Camilla visit Sandringham — The Duke and Duchess sampled a pint of Adnams ale at the Sandringham Flower Show in Norfolk Getty

Of course, no flower show is complete without a little shopping and the royal couple bought an array of plants, cakes and strawberries from the stalls as well as visiting the craft marquee to buy a crochet elephant toy, although they did not say which grandchild it was destined for.

Charles and Camilla — Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales hold a bag containing a knitted elephant as they visit Sandringham Flower Show Chris Jackson/ Getty Images

Charles was particularly amused by a set of papier mache heads on display, and was left chuckling when he saw the reproduction of his son Prince Harry in painted moulded newspaper and string made by pupils at Flitcham Church of England Primary Academy.

The children also created models of Papier mâché models of his eldest son Prince William along with his wife The Duchess of Cambridge and children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The Duke and Duchess were perfectly dressed for the occasion with Charles opting for a grey suit and striped tie, Camilla co-ordinated in a delicate printed silk dress and ivory pointed court shoe.

Luckily this year went on without a hitch which made a nice change from the couple's trip to the show in 2015 when Prince Charles had an unfortunate mishap with Zephr, a bald eagle, who got a little flustered when he met the Prince of Wales. Thankfully neither was hurt.