With a ready smile and easy warmth, Princess Alexandra has officially opened the new Severn Hospice at Apley Castle, just four years after fundraising began and weeks after the first in-patients were admitted.
Representatives from all walks of life including the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, MPs and civic leaders, gathered at the £5 million state-of-the-art building to welcome the royal visitor.
She was presented with a posy of anemones by Jamie Edwards, 9, whose mother Jeanette attends the Day Hospice.
The princess - one of the county’s most popular royals, and a regular visitor - spent time meeting staff and both day and in patients and unveiled a plaque recording the launch.
After being welcomed by hospice chairman Peter Paulson, Princess Alexandra told guests and staff: “I am very touched that you asked me to be with you today and I am very impressed by the Severn Hospice.
“All who come here for treatment will benefit from those extraordinary efforts to raise the money to build it - even people shaving their heads, I understand.
“I wish you all well for the future.”
The Princess also toured Coalport China Museum, meeting trustees, visitors and schoolchildren, and learning the secrets of how ceramics are made.
Later, she officially unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the museum’s latest attraction - the Kiln Experience - where visitors can experience what working in a kiln was like through the use of dramatic sound and light.
