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'You can't cheat them?' Queen baffled by self-service checkouts at supermarket

Queen Elizabeth II is shown a self-service checkout by Damien Corcoran, regional manager for Sainsbury’s stores
The Queen is shown a modern self service till as she views a replica of one of the original Sainsbury's stores. Photo: Getty Images

The Queen was introduced to self-service checkouts for the first time and immediately asked if you could get away without paying for your shopping.

“You can’t trick it? You can’t cheat?” she asked, with a grin, after being given a demonstration.

Her Majesty, 93, made the remarks while visiting a replica of one of the original Sainsbury’s stores in Covent Garden to mark 150th anniversary on Wednesday morning.

The Queen was also shown two shopping baskets during her tour. One from the 1950s, the other from today. She remarked a 1950s tub of bloater paste - a concoction made from herring - sounded 'disgusting'.

Queen Elizabeth II talks to actors in period costume as she visits a replica of one of the original Sainsbury's stores in Covent Garden
The Queen speaks to actors in period costume during a visit to a replica of one of the original Sainsbury's stores in Covent Garden, London. Photo: Getty Images

Upon arrival, the monarch was greeted by Lord and Lady Sainsbury, who gave her a tour of the recreation, which takes visitors through its history - from the development of rationing to the introduction of self-service shopping.

The pop-up is based on the very first store in London’s Drury Lane which sold just three items - butter, milk and eggs.

During the visit, the Queen also met employees from around the country, including people with over 50 years’ service and others who have made an impact in their community by volunteering or charity fundraising.

Her Majesty concluded her tour by cutting a cake and unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion, before receiving a posy on departure.

Queen chats at the supermarket
The Queen departs from the Sainsbury's pop-up store. Photo: Getty Images

Californian pastry chef, Claire Ptak (who made Meghan and Harry’s lemon and elderflower wedding cake) has also produced a special treat for Sainbury’s milestone anniversary.

Her specially-created Citrus and Blossom cake will be available for the next few weeks at Sainsbury’s cafes across the UK.

The Queen has had a busy start to her week. Yesterday she hosted over 8,000 guests at a Buckingham Garden Party and on Monday, she attended the preview of the Chelsea Flower Show, where she viewed the Duchess of Cambridge’s co-designed ‘Back to Nature’ garden.

Her Majesty recently became a great-grandmother for the eighth time, following the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on May 6.

Words by Danielle Stacey

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