King reveals juicy preference for pomegranate during market visit

Detailed summary

Charles visited Surrey Street Market in Croydon, south London, which is one of the oldest in Britain.

The King has demonstrated his healthy living credentials by talking about fruit with a fresh juice seller during a visit to a south London market.

While marking the 750th anniversary of Croydon’s Surrey Street Market, Charles told a juice seller: “I really like pomegranate.”

Kevin Allagapen, who shared his wish to “make Croydon healthier”, gave the King a bottle of watermelon, pomegranate and beetroot juice.

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fibre and is known for supporting heart and brain health, improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation.

The 40-year-old market seller discussed his nutritionist background with Charles, who is known for his healthy diet and lifestyle.

Mr Allagapen, who has been running his Amati stall since August, told reporters he was “really stressed” about meeting the King but added: “It was good to meet him and he’s a nice guy.”

Charles stopped at a stall where he was presented with a large white cake featuring four Union jacks and a message reading: “Happy Birthday Your Majesty. 750 Years of Surrey Street Market, Croydon”.

The King said the cake was “brilliant” as he cut a generous slice while listening to children and students from Howard Primary School and Shirley High School Performing Arts College chant “happy birthday Your Majesty”.

Charles visited Asian convenience store Oreemart, co-founded by Amber-Rose Badrudin, a former candidate on the BBC’s The Apprentice.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Evening Standard. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.