Prince the talk of flower show

Some royal watchers hope a wedding is on the way

The Prince of Wales and his companion Camilla Parker Bowles have made their third appearance at the annual Sandringham Royal Flower Show.

On Tuesday, the Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles spent about two hours touring the show - held at the Queen's estate in Norfolk - and greeting the public.

But Mrs Parkers Bowles underlined her "Commoner" status when she was seen buying raffle tickets with a £5 note.

Traditionally senior royals do not carry cash at public functions.

'Wedding bells'

Visitors to the 123rd show noted how close the couple stayed to each other.

Royal watcher Mary Relph, of Shouldham, Norfolk, said: "They are noticeably a lot closer together and it's wonderful to see.

"I think it's absolutely right that they should be a couple in public, not stay apart like they have done here in previous years.

"Let's hope there will be a wedding some time soon.

Everyone has a right to be happy and to be with who they choose Raymond Hirst

"It has been going on a long time and I think the public would be happy for them to marry. I know all of us Royal watchers would be delighted," she added.

Raymond Hirst, 66, of Lancaster, who visited the show with his wife Lesley, 57, said: "I don't see a problem with them being together at all.

"Everyone has a right to be happy and to be with who they choose. It's nice to see," he added.

Mrs Hirst said: "We've been here many times before to see the Queen Mother but I think it's just as nice to see the prince and Mrs Parker Bowles."

The Queen Mother, who was patron of the show, had attended every show since the war.