THE man who drove the carriage taking Prince Charles to his Investiture as Prince of Wales is looking forward to its 50th anniversary.

David Jones, aged 79, who lives in Prestatyn, served in the Royal Household for 46 years.

He was the postillion who sat on one of the horses to control the Royal carriage as it passed through the streets of Caernarfon.

David said: “This year is the 50th anniversary of the Investiture and the memories of that wonderful day keeping flooding back. There was so much noise from the band, and the cheering crowds as we trundled over the cobbles to the castle, and being at the centre of that event was the best thing that happened in my life.

“Throughout I glowed with pride, proud to be Welsh and be doing my job. What more can I say?”

"I had to be very careful because the streets were so narrow and were full people there was only two feet either side of the carriage to drive along."

David, who has suffered four strokes said the Royal family has kept in touch since he retired, he added: “On St David’s Day I had a call from Prince Charles’ private office to wish me well and enquire about my health. I always get Christmas and birthday cards from the Queen and Prince Charles.

“It was a privilege and an honour to work for the Royal family, and they look after their staff very well. I've even danced with the Queen on five occasions at staff parties.I’m now looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the Investiture on July 1. I'll be seeing it on television as I can't now get out of the house.”

He said he saw an advertisement for a position in the Royal Household while he was working on the cheese counter in Harrod’s food hall, applied and got the job. He was trained in the Royal mews as a postillion, and later became an under butler.

He added his neighbours are very supportive and help him deal with his disabilities. David said: “The manager of the local Premier food store is wonderful, he brings my groceries precisely when I ask and even puts them away in my kitchen.”