WATCHET Visitor Centre played host to royalty on Sunday when Queen Catherine and King Charles II arrived to take part in a celebration which has been part of the town’s history since 1632.

Queen’s Caturn’s Day marks a visit to the town by the royal couple when the Queen was apparently so pleased by the Watchet Blue cloth supplied to her household that she gave a celebration with mulled cider and apple cake for the local people.

“It was the first time at our new venue,” said organiser Molly Quint. “Our Christmas market was really busy, with a big crowd stocking up on Christmas gifts from festive wreaths to cakes and home-made fudge.”

The King and Queen (who bore a remarkable resemblance to Kelly and Philip Barber of Watchet Glass and Glazing) were welcomed by Watchet mayor Cllr John Irven and town crier David Milton.

Another VIP guest was Father Christmas who delighted young visitors in his tourist office grotto.

“The ceremony was held for centuries until the last war and we revived it 14 years ago,” Molly said. “It’s now become a major winter attraction in the town, thanks to support from the chamber of commerce [WACET] and traders and residents.

“It’s traditions like this that help to make Watchet really special.”