Jam factory tour hits the sweet spot for Prince Edward

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, toured the Wilkin and Sons factory and the adjoining tea rooms tea rooms in the village, south of Colchester, on March 10, also the Earl's birthday.

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The couple have a long-standing interest in farming and food, with the Countess made the honorary president of the group, Linking the Environment And Farming (LEAF).

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

After a tour of the world-famous preserve producers factory floor, the Earl and Countess also met with local schoolchildren in the attached restaurant.

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The couple were joined by local dignitaries: Colchester Mayor Nick Cope and his wife Elizabeth, Colchester Borough Council chief Adrian Pritchard, borough councillor John Elliot, parish councillor Roger Mannion and LEAF chairman Phillip Wynn.

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms on March 10, the Prince's birthday Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)