Duchess Catherine

Duchess Catherine

Britain's Duchess of Cornwall went back to her hometown of Sussex to open a £11.5 million hospice today (26.03.14).

The 66-year-old royal paid a visit to St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne, East Sussex, after tasting rose at a new Wine Research Centre at Plumpton College earlier in the day.

She praised the hospice and described her visit as "uplifting" after being given a tour of its 20-bed unit and chatting to patients and staff.

After unveiling an official plaque, she said: "As a native of Sussex, it's always a real treat to come back here again, and especially to see this wonderful hospice.

"I would just like to congratulate everyone who was involved. It's the most wonderful place, with a wonderful, uplifting feeling, which is what all hospices should have."

The duchess met 55 year old Ray Boylan, who is suffering from prostate cancer and recently re-married ex-wife Lyn, 53, after they divorced and years later got back together.

Camilla said to them: "That's very nice. I feel as if I should have come with flowers or something."

Meanwhile, the royal's husband, Prince Charles, was visiting Ham Close in Richmond to find out how Richmond Council is working with the Prince's Foundation.

The 65-year-old royal spoke to residents on the estate and ventured into some of their homes.