Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra visited the disabled veterans living at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, Surbiton, to mark the Charity’s 102^nd anniversary. The Princess was received by the Charity’s Chairman, Major General Tim Tyler, Chief Executive, Andy Cole, Director of Care, Pauline Shaw, and Surbiton Home Manager, Barbara Carter.

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) veteran Phyllis and presented with a beautiful yellow posy. Phyllis commented, “The Princess was absolutely delightful. She asked about my time in the WAAF and we chatted for a long time about all sorts of things. I will always remember today with great fondness and happiness.”

After signing the visitors’ book, Her Royal Highness was introduced to residents, staff and volunteers who make up the Star & Garter Singers choir. The Princess spent time listening to the choir, who in tribute to the typical British weather, sung a spirited rendition of Singing in the Rain. The Princess then moved into the café bar and chatted with more residents including Betty and Pat, who were delighted to meet her. Her Royal Highness was then given a tour of the dementia care house, where she watched residents participating in a lively exercise class to music.

The Princess has a long-standing relationship with The Royal Star & Garter Homes, after becoming the Charity’s president in July 1964. Since then Her Royal Highness has visited the Homes on many occasions, always devoting much of her time to conversing with residents.