PRINCE Charles made a flying visit to his model development at Poundbury this afternoon.

The royal visitor had been due to visit Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester as a guest of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, but the visit was called off due to him not feeling well. The visit to Weldmar will be rescheduled.

However, the prince was spotted in Poundbury where he made an informal visit without much of a fanfare.

Police officers searched the area for security purposes before the prince arrived by helicopter.

Poundbury Residents’ Association vice chairman Margaret Morrissey, who met the prince as he crossed Buttermarket Square, said he made a brief visit to the area before departing by helicopter.

She said: “It’s fantastic, always nice to see him.

“He was with a few others but it wasn’t a formal visit.

“I spoke to him and he asked me how things were.

“I said I was glad to see the bollards removed from the roundabout on Bridport Road.

“I introduced him to a few children who were there.”

Prince Charles was last in Dorchester in November to celebrate Poundbury’s 20th anniversary. It included a visit to the Dorset History Centre and a special reception at Jubilee Hall in Queen Mother Square.