FOUR musicians played for Prince Charles on Friday when they were invited to perform at a garden party at Highgrove.

Violinists Mike Gumbley and Nick Mettyear, cellist Theresa Dicker, and viola player Julie Mettyear, who make up the Westwood String Quartet, played for the Prince at his Gloucestershire home.

Mr Mettyear, from Westwood, who runs his own software company in Frome, said: "We were very excited. It was not only a chance to go to Highgrove but also to play for the Prince. It was a real honour. He was very friendly. We do it for fun but play at quite a lot of weddings and dinners but this was a very different sort of event."

The group was invited to play at the anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and were invited by a man who had already booked them to play later in the year.

After playing for the guests Prince Charles spoke to the musicians.

Dr Gumbley, a GP in Westbury, has been in the quartet since it began six years ago. He said it was wonderful to talk to him.

The group has previously played to an audience including the Earl and Countess of Wessex, but this is the first time they have spoken to a member of the royal family.

Dr Gumbley said: "It was quite exciting, it's not something we do everyday. We were all nervous although I was more nervous about getting there on time.

"I only just got there because I had to fly back from Sardinia and break off a family holiday.

"I met the others in Hilperton and the Prince's helicopter flew in just as we were getting to Highgrove.

"It was a beautiful evening. We played outside underneath a roof and the sound was very good. After we played Charles came down to talk to us.

"He was very interested in where we came from and what we were called. He was charming."

The quartet played a range of music at the party including classical pieces and favourites like English Country Garden and Teddy Bears' Picnic.

Dr Gumbley said: "We had to do two one-hour sessions. In the first one we played mostly classical music as the guests filed in then the more fun stuff when things had livened up a bit."

The quartet meets in Westwood every week for rehearsals and plays at weddings and dinners.