Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

King sparks laughter at Kellogg’s factory with joke about missing anniversary

Charles was in Manchester on Friday to visit the largest cereal factory in Europe.

Catherine Wylie
Friday 20 January 2023 13:33 GMT
Charles unveiled a plaque to mark his visit (Paul Ellis/PA)
Charles unveiled a plaque to mark his visit (Paul Ellis/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The King has visited the biggest Corn Flakes factory in the world, where he joked that he was a year late for the 100th anniversary of Kellogg’s in the UK.

Charles was at the Manchester site of Kellogg’s – the largest cereal factory in Europe – which produces breakfast favourites such as Corn Flakes, Frosties, Rice Krispies, Crunchy Nut and Coco Pops.

Kellogg’s celebrated a century in the UK last year, with Corn Flakes and All-Bran first introduced to the British public in 1922.

Charles, who unveiled a plaque marking his visit and celebrating 100 years of “bringing breakfast to Britain”, sparked laughter when he said: “Sorry I’m a year late.”

During his visit to the plant, which has just under 400 workers, Charles toured the culinary centre – a new research and development hub – where he viewed cooking demonstrations and saw the various cereals on offer.

He heard about efforts to reduce salt and sugar content, and enquired about the popularity of Coco Pops as he stood in front of a strawberry and white chocolate version of the cereal.

At one point as he chatted to workers, Charles could be heard commenting that he thinks molasses is “very special”.

The King donned a white coat for a walk around the factory floor, where he stopped and chatted to staff.

Kellogg’s has been a holder of the Royal Warrant since the reign of King George VI and cereal from the business was historically delivered to Buckingham Palace in a small van called Genevieve.

Charles also met a group of interns and engineering apprentices during his visit which lasted approximately an hour.

Speaking after the King departed, Chris Silcock, Kellogg’s managing director for UK and Ireland, said it was “fantastic” that Charles made a visit.

“It doesn’t get any better than that for us,” he said.

Mr Silcock said he found Charles “so warm and engaging”, adding that he was delighted to see the King’s “focus on people”, meeting apprentices and workers.

Earlier on Friday, Charles visited GCHQ’s North West hub.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in