'You deserve a stiff drink after all this': Charles and Camilla thank Asda staff for work during pandemic

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have thanked Asda distribution staff for their hard work throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Charles and Camilla met some of the 700 workers at the distribution centre in Bristol on Thursday, as well as delivery drivers and those based at nearby stores.

Staff told how they had returned from retirement, worked extra hours and different shift patterns, and had postponed holidays to cope with increased demand at supermarkets.

The event took place in a marquee outside the main building, with people keeping two metres apart to maintain social distancing.

Chris Tilly, 48, general manager of the distribution centre, said work had been “really, really challenging” and paid tribute to staff.

"We’ve had a lot of support from colleagues right across the business working extra hours, extra shifts to keep the shelves filled for customers,” Mr Tilly said.

"I think it is fantastic that the prince and duchess have taken the time out to come to the distribution centre and meet colleagues.

"Every single colleague that they saw they thanked for what they had done during the last 14 weeks, which I was truly humbled by."

After the couple arrived at the site, they were greeted by Peaches Golding, the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol.

They were told of the work Asda has been undertaking with Business in the Community, a business-led membership organisation, as well as charity partners FareShare and the Trussell Trust.

Richard Sigward, 74, a warehouse operator, has been working for Asda for 17 years and told the couple that he refuses to retire.

"The duchess was saying to me she definitely agrees that if people can work and are happy to do it, they should carry on," Mr Sigward said.

"She said she refuses to retire herself. The prince was the same."

At the end of the visit, Charles and Camilla unveiled a plaque marking the day.

Charles told staff: "Thank you, thank you very much everybody. You deserve a stiff drink after all this."