A Towy Valley family-run butchery business has shown that red meat from Wales is fit for a King - or a future King at least.

Mathews Butchers, based in Llandovery, have been granted a Royal Warrant to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

The family has been supplying HRH The Prince of Wales with locally produced red meat and other produce for eight years at his Llwynywermod residence near Myddfai, and the Prince even paid a personal visit to the shop during that time.

This special delivery of marvellous meat over a number of years meant that they qualified for the royal status which is a mark of recognition to those who supply goods or services to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, or HRH The Prince of Wales.

Dai Mathews has worked as a butcher for nearly 40 years and set up the business in Llandovery with wife Marcia and sons Dewi and Rhys.

He said: “It is a real honour for us to supply Welsh Lamb, Welsh Beef and pork from Wales to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

“We normally deliver up to Prince Charles’, or one of his chefs will call in.

“We are thrilled to be recognised for our top quality produce and be Royal Warrant Holders! As far as we know there are only 16 warrant holders in Wales with us being the only butcher.

“There are only just over 800 Royal Warrant Holders in the UK so it is a great privilege to receive this honour which can only be earned and not bought.”

By the end of this month, the Mathews’ will proudly display a certificate from the Lord Chamberlain’s office in the shop, a specially-made plaque will take pride of place on the outside wall and their van will have the Prince of Wales feathers printed on its side.

Established in 1988, Mathews Butchers specialise in meat products which are freshly produced on the premises and include a selection of sausages, beef burgers, pies, faggots and cooked meats.

The business, a member of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) Butchers’ Club, is proud to source most of its meat from the local vicinity, dealing directly with beef, sheep and pig farmers, and using the services of Welsh abattoirs to cut down on carbon footprint.

HCC’s Market Development Manager Rhys Llywelyn, said: “It’s great news that one of our Butchers’ Club members has been recognised by the Royal Family as a trusted supplier. All of our members have been verified as selling fully-traceable Welsh meat that holds the coveted PGI status, and we are thrilled that the Prince of Wales and his guests are given an opportunity to enjoy the very best Welsh Lamb and Beef during their visits to the area.”