91Èȱ¬

The King is "fine" as he prepares to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate this week, the Queen told a well-wisher during a visit to Swindon.

Queen Camilla visited Deacon & Son, a 175-year-old family-run jewellery shop.

Among those outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen was Jessie Jackson, 86, who asked about the King's health.

The Queen also visited a domestic abuse charity to mark 50 years since it was founded.

Queen Camilla met staff, volunteers and families at Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) on Monday.

She has been carrying on with engagements while the King rests as he prepares to undergo his surgery.

The Queen unveiled a plaque for the charity, adding it was "really special".

Formerly called Swindon Women's Aid, the charity was set up by Jenni Manners MBE, and offers one of the few purpose-built refuges in the UK offering fully self-contained accommodation.

Her Majesty, who campaigns on ending domestic violence, met some of the women and children staying with the service privately, away from media.

The refuge can host 22 families at a time, with 20 flats that have between one and three bedrooms, as well as an emergency bedsit.

Women and children up to the age of 18 are offered a safe place to live and tend to stay for around four months.

Every year it supports around 62 families, including 78 children.

Swindon's two MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Sir Robert Buckland, were also in attendance, as was Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson.

Queen Camilla was introduced to Nicky Alberry, the charity's chair of trustees, and Joanna Eamey, its chief executive.

She also went to open a new clock workshop at jewellers Deacon & Son in Swindon, a family business for six generations and now 175 years old.

Ms Jackson was among the crowds outside the business who got to meet the Queen.

She told the PA news agency she shook the Queen's hand and asked her how the King was doing.

Her Majesty thanked her for asking and Ms Jackson added: "She's lovely."

The Queen was shown historic clocks, including one known as the regulator clock, which Great Western Railway's timepieces were calibrated from.

Managing Director Richard Deacon said "I'm sure my great-great-great-uncle, George Deacon, would be absolutely delighted that the business he founded back in 1848 would one day receive a visit from a member of Royalty."

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