Charles asked to paws for thought Prince judges at dogs show on Dumfries House visit
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall cheerfully greeted ‘ every man and his dug’ during a trio of royal events.
The regal couple nuzzled pooches, gushed over handmade dresses and navigated a new maze at Dumfries House.
It was all part of a packed schedule of celebratory events at the stately home near Cumnock.
Over the course of three hours on Wednesday, the pair hosted no less than a sewing challenge, a dog show and the unveiling of a labyrinth.
First up on the royal rota was needlework judging alongside Great British Sewing Bee BBC presenter Patrick Grant.
Excited schools girls rushed to finish hems and collars on their dresses for the royal inspection. There was a frission of excitement in anticipation of their arrival.
And arrive they did with minimum fanfare and fuss. The royal couple got to work immediately examining every gown. Camilla declared that she’d only managed to make a circular skirt at school.
Wearing a cornflower blue skirt and jacket adorned with a dragon fly brooch, she announced to pupils: “I’m very impressed by your sewing.”
The event came about after Prince Charles expressed concern about the dying art of darning. Voilà – the project Future Textiles was born. It is an alliance between Dumfries House, Ayrshire College and Glasgow Clyde and sees children taking part in workshops.
Pupil Claire Alexander, 14, of Cumnock, expressed surprise at the interest the heir to the throne took in frocks. She said: “He is a lovely man. All I expected was a quick hello and a shake of the hand.
“But he was amazing and showed such an interest even though it was fashion after all. He does so much for everyone.”
After the winners were announced – Cumnock came an impressive second with a lace- collared mini dress – it was off to the labyrinth.
A welcome committee comprising thrilled Sorn Primary children waving multi- coloured balloons were at the entrance.
The royal couple swept up to the maze in a maroon- coloured Land Rover Discovery amid the sound of the Irvine and District pipe band.
Then all the tots were let loose into the twisted paths while the couple took a direct route into the centre by- passing dead ends.
Camilla was heard joking that they may never be seen again as she ducked in.
Balloons flying high above the yew trees marked the children’s whereabouts.
Everyone congregated in the heart of the network to see the centrepiece – a Japanese pavilion on top of a pond.
After more photos and promises of ice- cream for the pupils, it was nearly time for the annual dog show at the front of the house.
Proud owners had their pets preened and poised to strut their paws.
With Camilla’s two rescue Jack Russells in tow, the couple emerged from the front door of Dumfries House to greet owners and their pets. With gusto and delight they petted and cooed over dogs great and small – talking to everyone.
Prince Charles shook Andy Blackwood’s hand and checked out his terrier. Andy, 53, of Cumnock, said: “He asked how many times a day I shampoo him.”
He also met bulldog Boston with Josephine Frew of Ayr.
Josephine, from the Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming charity, said: “Prince Charles was asking how the dog came to be rescued. He said he was pleased someone was looking out for them.”
After a final paw patrol with pooches parading around them, they chose a winner from Galston.
At 5pm the intimate meet and greet came to an end with the couple closing the door of the grand house for another day.