A LLANDOVERY butchers has been granted a Royal Warrant after proving a favourite with Prince Charles.
The Prince of Wales has been buying cuts of prime Welsh lamb, beef and pork from Matthews Butchers in the town for the past eight years and has even called into the Stone Street shop to take a butcher’s at his produced for himself.
The family-run business has been supplying the Prince, who has a home at Llwynywermod near Myddfai, so regularly that it has now qualified for the royal status which is a mark of recognition to those who supply goods or services to the Households of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, or the Prince of Wales.
Dai Mathews has worked as a butcher for nearly 40 years and set up the business in Llandovery with wife Marcia and sons Dewi and Rhys in 1988.
He said: “It is a real honour for us to supply Welsh Lamb, Welsh Beef and pork from Wales to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. We normally deliver up to Prince Charles’, or one of his chefs will call in.
“We are thrilled to be recognised for our top quality produce and be Royal Warrant Holders. As far as we know there are only 16 warrant holders in Wales with us being the only butcher.
“There are only just over 800 Royal Warrant Holders in the UK so it is a great privilege to receive this honour which can only be earned and not bought.”
A certificate from the Lord Chamberlain’s office will be on display in the shop by the end of the month, while a specially-made plaque will take pride of place on the outside wall and their van will have the Prince of Wales feathers printed on its side.
The business, a member of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) Butchers’ Club, is proud to source most of its meat from the local vicinity, dealing directly with beef, sheep and pig farmers, and using the services of Welsh abattoirs to cut down on carbon footprint.
Meat products including sausages, beef burgers, pies, faggots and cooked meats are also produced on the premises.
HCC’s market development manager Rhys Llywelyn, said: “It’s great news that one of our Butchers’ Club members has been recognised by the Royal Family as a trusted supplier.
“All of our members have been verified as selling fully-traceable Welsh meat that holds the coveted protected geographic status, and we are thrilled that the Prince of Wales and his guests are given an opportunity to enjoy the very best Welsh Lamb and Beef during their visits to the area.”