Plain clothed police, motorbike outriders and two chauffeur driven cars – no wonder shoppers in Cardigan were asking “what’s going on at the castle?”.

Castle staff and volunteers were taking part in a ‘mock royal visit’ staged as part of a training session by police protection officers on May 26.

Royal ‘stars’ for the day were Dyfed Powys Police chaplain Tom Evans and his wife Marilyn who were given an impromptu tour of the castle.

“We’ve really enjoyed the experience today, you’ve all been very professional,” said Mr Evans.

And it was a special day for police officer Dai ‘Lombard’ Davies who was retiring after 30 years in the force.

He was given a ‘right royal’ send off by colleagues with a motorbike parade outside Castle Green House.

Shoppers and business owners in Cardigan stopped to have a nosey as the convoy of police went through the town.

Soon the rumours were flying that an official Royal visit had taken place.