HOSPICE staff were delighted after Prince Charles dropped in for a visit and declared new rooms open.

The prince was due to visit Weldmar’s Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester earlier this year but cancelled due to poor health.

He had been invited as patron of the charity in its 20th anniversary year.

The prince was in much better health in an autumn visit to Dorchester and was able to honour the engagement following his visit to the Prince of Wales School.

The royal visitor, who was greeted by chairman-elect of the trust Stephen Baynard and chief executive Alison Ryan, was escorted to the orangery where he was introduced to staff including inpatient nurses, community nurses, doctors, therapists and counsellors.

The prince officially opened the newly-refurbished patient and family rooms, unveiling a commemorative plaque.

The area has been improved following a grant from NHS England and has updated facilities in the reception area, dining room, sitting room and orangery.

Following the unveiling Charles chatted with staff before meeting patients and their families.

Ms Ryan said: “We are honoured and privileged to have a visit from the Prince of Wales, who has been our patron for 20 years.

“We always look forward to his visits because they mean so much to patients and staff alike and we appreciate his interest.”

Two residents and support workers from Care South’s Maiden Castle House also met the prince on a visit to Poundbury Garden Centre.

Residents June Hogarth and Evelyn Ralph went to the garden centre to look at the Christmas decorations and lights, and were very surprised to bump into him.

Care home manager Dawn Palmer said: “Bumping into HRH Prince Charles was a fabulous surprise for them all and they were delighted that he took the time to chat to them.

“They were all absolutely buzzing when they got back to the home and keen to tell all the other residents about their royal meeting.”