The Duchess of Cornwall lights up Christmas in Clapham

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall visited Clapham yesterday to mark the 130th anniversary of Royal Trinity Hospice.

The Duchess, who has been the Clapham charity's Royal Patron for over 15 years, met with staff, volunteers and patients, before officially lighting Trinity's Christmas tree.

Although weather conditions curtailed a lengthy tour of the garden, The Duchess ventured outside to meet a small group of volunteer gardeners who ensure Trinity's two acres remain a haven for patients and their families.

Her Royal Highness also met privately with patients and family members in Trinity's inpatient unit.

Somewhat akin to local resident Miriam Margolyes at the Clapham Christmas lights switch on last Friday (December 3), Her Royal Highness was accompanied by a school choir from the local St Mary's RC Primary School in Clapham as she switched on Trinity's Christmas Tree lights.

Following this, The Duchess was presented with flowers by Lois and Mylo Mitchelmore, whose grandfather Onkar who was cared for at the hospice in 2017.

Emily Carter, Chief Executive of Royal Trinity Hospice, said: "We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall back to Trinity yesterday.

"During the visit Her Royal Highness was interested to hear how the team at Trinity have pulled together in extraordinary ways to enable care to continue at the high standard our patients deserve throughout the pandemic.

"We are very proud to have The Duchess as our Royal Patron and thrilled that she could join us to help mark this special 130th anniversary year."