The hams have been prepared in the same way for 200 years

Chris and Ann Rees, who run Carmarthen Ham, said the request from Clarence House had come out of the blue.

Mr Rees' father Albert, who used to run the business, had given Charles a ham when he met him in the mid 1980s.

"He clearly enjoyed it and remembered it but I'm startled he has waited so long to request some more," said Chris.

He added: "My father met him when he was visiting Carmarthen 20 years ago and gave him a whole ham for free.

I think it's nice, not just for our business but for the area and Carmarthen market Chris Rees

"He has retired now and the call from Clarence House came out of the blue.

"He (Prince Charles) has ordered six packets and this morning I've been through a few hams we've got in stock to make sure he gets the very best.

"I think it's nice not just for our business but for the area and Carmarthen market as well."

Mr Rees said he was a fifth generation market trader and his hams - which he calls his "babies" - had been cured the same way for the last 200 years.

Clarence House has also placed an order with a local dairy producer, Nantybwla Cheese, for some flavoured cheese for a private function.