The Duchess of Cornwall was put on the spot about her credentials as a Queen in waiting when she visited King’s Rise Children’s Centre in Chippenham on Monday.

She was asked by an eight-year-old: “Are you going to be Queen one day?” Looking a little shocked, Camilla replied with the quip: “You never know.”

This follows remarks by the Prince of Wales last November when he said for the first time that his wife could be queen when he takes the throne.

The duchess arrived to cheers and flag-waving as more than 100 children gathered outside the Children’s Centre and neighbouring King’s Lodge School.

She then met staff, trustees and volunteers at the centre before taking a tour of the new premises, which were opened in September last year. The centre had previously been in a mobile unit in the grounds of the school.

Director of child and family services Pauline Monaghan said: “We are very excited and honoured to be able to welcome the duchess to our children’s centre.

“I wrote to the duchess before the centre had even been finished to ask her to attend.

“We wanted it to be the duchess because of her ties with Wiltshire. We are so proud of the work that is being done here and to have the opportunity to highlight it with a royal visit is very exciting.”

“We specialise in never saying no, We support families, whatever that support may be.”

The duchess met parents and carers and their children, including Rose Vizor and son Aaron, two. Mrs Vizor said: “She was so personable and very easy to talk to.

“We had a really lovely conversation about Aaron and she was very interested in the work the centre has done for us.”

Camilla also met six representatives from Abbeyfield, Hardenhuish and Sheldon schools: Rhiannon Russell, 15, Omar Leslie, 12, Connor Hibbins, 12, Georgia Sandell, 15, Danielle Harradine, 13, and Jake Armstrong, 12.

For Beth Picter, eight, who was born with a hole in her heart that required life-saving surgery, it was her second meeting with the duchess.

Mum Julie, who used to take care of Camilla’s horses, said: “Beth met the duchess when she was three.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful that she has come here today to see everyone. It gives everybody a real boost and makes sure that the centre is getting the publicity it deserves.”

Young mum Charlette Burton, 22, attends the centre with son Troy, two, while daughter Sommer, four, attends the school next door.

“I was really nervous before meeting the duchess,” Mrs Burton said.

“She was really nice and down-to-earth though, and I think it’s great that she visited the centre. The staff here have been amazing with me and so supportive.”