A ROYAL visit to Mersea was almost scuppered by the high tides.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex are taking a tour of Essex today.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie are visiting a number of organisations across the county.

But the Gazette understands the royal party was caught out by the high tides across the Strood.

They also had to postpone their visit to The Company Shed due to a flooded Coast Road.

The Company Shed is famed for its fresh seafood with foodies like Jay Raynor and Jamie Oliver saying they love the charms of this back to basics eaterie.

The were able to meet Tom Haward of The Company Shed after he made his way across the flooded road.

Tom Haward from The Company Shed, was due to show the royal couple around his family oyster

"He has come to visit the local community to see what we do,’’ he said. 

"We are the oldest oyster farming family in the world, so I think he wanted to see a traditional oyster farming family.

"They wanted to see locally produced food and to see how that is benefitting the local economy.

"I do like the royals, but my mum is a massive fan of the royals and loves them - she’s always been a huge fan of them.

"It is nice that people like the royals are acknowledging what local businesses are doing.

"Whether you like the royals or not it is exciting and it is good - it doesn’t happen every day.’’

Halstead Gazette:

The couple also met with residents and attended the West Mersea Yacht Club.

Their first stop of the day was at Heritage Centre at Foulness Island, Churchend.

The trip will conclude with a visit to Wilkin & Sons in Tiptree this afternoon.‬