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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

King Charles cheered by Morrisons staff as he says 'I hope they let you off at Christmas'

King Charles couldn't keep his composure after being tickled by his trip to Morrisons headquarters as he teased staff by saying 'I hope they let you off at Christmas!'.

The Monarch has begun an official two-day visit to Yorkshire with a trip to the Bradford base of the supermarket giant as hundreds of staff watched and cheered from balconies and stairwells.

But something gave him the giggles him as he was photographed touring the building, bursting into laughter as he met with the chain's employees and bosses.

He spoke to people involved in farming, community, sustainability and the company's apprenticeship programmes.

As he arrived, he chatted to people who worked at stores around the region, telling them: "Thank-you for your wonderful efforts. I hope they let you off at Christmas."

The grinning King enjoyed meeting staff and suppliers at Morrisons (Getty Images)
The serious matter of sustainability saw him arrive in Bradford today (Getty Images)

Later, in a short speech, he told the staff: "It's a great joy to see you all today. I had no idea quite how many of you worked here at Morrisons."

Following the Morrisons visit, a reception at Bradford's City Hall will be held, with musical performances in Centenary Square before he visits Leeds.

On Wednesday, he will be joined by the Queen Consort for engagements in York and Doncaster, including unveiling a statue of his late mother at York Minster. He will also confer city status on Doncaster.

He decided to head to Morrisons' HQ after the firm demonstrated its sustainability and retail initiatives.

The visit started at Morrisons head office at Hilmore House, Bradford (Getty Images)

That includes its rare breed programme and recently launched carbon-neutral eggs.

Later, the King will meet representatives from the Child Friendly Leeds team, who are dedicated to making the city better for families and young people.

After, he will unveil a plaque to mark 10 years since Queen Elizabeth II launched the programme.

He will now attend a reception with young leaders from across Bradford at the city hall in Centenary Square (Getty Images)

Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner told the BBC that she is expecting crowds of people to "come out to cheer him on".

She said: "There are so many emotions that will be running through the day, both gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen and what she did and going forward to have the King there and all that we hope and wish for his future.

"I think it will be a wonderful, special day and I suspect the King will be moved by seeing this amazing stone statue of his mother."

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