THE Duchess of Gloucester carried out a number of engagements across the Isle of Wight earlier this week.

At St Mary’s Hospital, the Royal officially opened the newly-built Isle of Wight NHS Trust ambulance station, taking a guided tour of the facility and meeting operational staff and teams behind the running of the service.

In Freshwater, she visited the West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir, which is made up of people living with dementia, their family members, and some carers.

The Duchess arrived by helicopter and was driven to Freshwater Methodist Church, where Pam Wedgwood, musical director, introduced her to the choir’s volunteers.

Isle of Wight County Press: Her Royal Highness meeting Ros Holley, Pam Wedgwood and Georgina King in Freshwater.Her Royal Highness meeting Ros Holley, Pam Wedgwood and Georgina King in Freshwater. (Image: Pamela Parker)

“The Duchess chatted informally, making everyone feel very special and at ease,” said Cathy Hepburn for the group.  

“She also spent time with a group of children who attend our choir and joined in with songs the choir have been rehearsing for the King’s Coronation Service at St Mary’s The Virgin Church, Cowes.”

Heading from one side of the Island to the other, the Royal later made her way to Sandown and Shanklin Golf Club, showing her support to the Island Games team which is travelling to compete in Guernsey later this year.

Isle of Wight County Press: Her Royal Highness meeting members of West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir.Her Royal Highness meeting members of West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir. (Image: Pamela Parker)

Among those to meet the Duchess was 30-year-old doctor Caris Jones, who joined the Wight Tri team in January of last year and is representing the Isle of Wight in Triathlon.

The East-Cowes athlete said she was excited to play a part in her first Island Games, and to take in the atmosphere and support other Island sports.

Isle of Wight County Press: Her Royal Highness talking to athlete Caris Jones.Her Royal Highness talking to athlete Caris Jones. (Image: County Press)

She said she felt honoured and privileged to meet the Royal.

At the the end of her visit, the Duchess of Gloucester gave thanks to the team's two longest standing main sponsors, ICR Touch and Red Funnel.

Isle of Wight County Press: Colin Ringer, chief executive of ICR TOUCH.Colin Ringer, chief executive of ICR TOUCH. (Image: County Press)

She thanked both Colin Ringer, chief executive of ICR Touch, and Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, for their support.  

Isle of Wight County Press: Red Funnel chief executive Fran Collins with Island Games members.Red Funnel chief executive Fran Collins with Island Games members. (Image: County Press)

Her Royal Highness also visited Home-Start Isle of Wight, meeting volunteers and staff from the Island charity.

She was introduced on arrival to the charity’s patron Judi Griffin, Karen Rivlin, chair of trustees, and Alison Griffiths, Home-Start Isle of Wight manager.

Isle of Wight County Press: Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester with Karen Rivlin, Alison Griffiths, Judi Griffin, and Isle of Wight Deputy Lieutenant Kate Collins.Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester with Karen Rivlin, Alison Griffiths, Judi Griffin, and Isle of Wight Deputy Lieutenant Kate Collins. (Image: Harriet Hadfield/Home-Start Isle of Wight)

After a tour of the charity’s Newport office, The Duchess of Gloucester sat down for a roundtable discussion with staff, trustees and volunteers.

Before leaving, she was presented with a handmade teddy bear, knitted for the charity, and an enamel Home-Start badge which she proudly pinned to her jacket.