Royals meet sugar firm descendant

The Queen watched commemorate bags being filled

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have toured a historic sugar refinery in London's East End and met a direct descendant of the founder.

The royal visit to Tate & Lyle's factory in Silvertown was to mark 130 years of production at the site.

They met Duncan Tate, 39, the great-great-great-grandson of Sir Henry Tate and head of sugar trading.

When asked "Are you the last?" Mr Tate told the Duke he had a seven-month-old son keen to follow in his footsteps.

Changing times

The royal couple watched commemorative sugar bags being filled in the packing section and were given one to take home.

They also met Teresa Croxford, 58, who talked about how times had changed in the 40 years she had worked for the company.

"I explained the changes I've seen over that time - it was an honour to meet them," she said.

Thames Refinery, run by Henry Tate & Sons, began production in 1878. In 1921, it merged with Abram Lyle & Sons forming Tate and Lyle.

Tate & Lyle is the only sugar cane refiner in the UK and is one of the largest in Europe.