Prince Charles shops at discount retailer TK Maxx for the first time
Prince Charles has done a spot of outlet shopping in south London, proving even the royals love a bargain.
Yet it wasn't just retail therapy on the Prince of Wales's mind during the visit to discount retailer TK Maxx in Tooting.
He was there to meet with staff who had completed a six-week program with the Prince's Trust and found employment with the chain.
Prince Charles was mobbed by fans outside the TK Maxx outlet store in London. AAP
TK Maxx has been running a partnership with the Trust since 2013 through their Get into Retail program, and has so far helped more than 1000 young people.
One of those is Rachel Crawford, 29, who described meeting Prince Charles as "amazing".
"I started as unemployed and I'm now a rising star," she told Town and Country magazine.
"It proves and it shows you get out what you put into the program... Without the Prince's Trust, I'd most likely be unemployed or struggling to find employment."
Prince Charles visits discount retailer TK Maxx in London. AAP
Crawford also expressed surprise at the Prince's "soft hands".
"I managed to shake his hands and he has very soft hands. I was meaning to ask him what moisturiser he uses."
The Prince of Wales, 71, had never stepped foot inside a TK Maxx before Tuesday's visit.
Prince Charles told Crawford he was shocked at how "luxurious" the store was, as he walked through the clothing and homeware aisles.
"He walked in and said it was amazing. He didn't expect it to be so bright and so luxurious, the way everything's displayed," Crawford said, reports The Sun.
Prince Charles spoke to young people about employment in London. AAP
Before leaving the store, Prince Charles spoke to a group of young people to hear about the challenges of living in London and finding employment.
"He was finding out about what the situations were, how we look to get into jobs, the confidence building," said John Lochrie, who also completed the Prince's Trust Get into Retail program.
"He's quite open, the way he speaks."
The Prince of Wales was mobbed by royal fans who had been waiting outside the store to see him leave.
On his way out, the Prince joked of the store's temporary closure for his visit: "I'm really worried we've stopped all the customers coming in".
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