AN oysterman has said he is “really pleased” after his famous oysters were praised by King Charles, despite the monarch openly disliking the salt-water molluscs.

Tom Haward, who lives in Rowhedge, was invited to Colchester Castle on Tuesday for King Charles and The Queen Consort’s historic visit to the city centre.

He represented his dad Richard Haward’s eighth generation Mersea oyster business and joined representatives from the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative.

As Charles and Camilla made their way round a reception room full of Colchester dignitaries, Tom presented a plate of oysters before they engaged in conversation.

Gazette:

Speaking about the exchange Tom said: “The King does not actually like oysters but Camilla loves them but I think she is allergic to them so cannot eat them.

“But they did both say the oysters looked really lovely.

“I last met the King when he was a prince in 2004 during a food festival in Turin and one of his aides told me he did not like oysters so I should not offer him any.

“But as soon as he came over I was like: ‘Would you like an oyster?’. I was very surprised I did not get thrown out if I am honest.

“I do not really get starstruck because at the end of the day they are just doing their job and it happens to be he is the King.”

Gazette:

Although thrilled with the positive comments made by the monarch in relation to his oysters, Tom was left particularly happy with their interest in the industry as a whole.

He added: “The thing I love most is people of that status and fame having an interest in what small businesses are doing because they are the lifeblood of the UK.

“If the royals are intrigued then it gets the name of those businesses out there a lot more and it helps get people thinking about it.

“I am just really pleased the King and the Queen Consort showed an interest.”