The variety of Mountbatten services was showcased to HRH The Princess Royal during her visit to the hospice on Tuesday, 26 July.

HRH met patients, staff, volunteers and visitors during her tour of our Newport building.

She spoke with inpatients and those accessing our self-help support, including gym users and young adults who receive art and music therapies.

HRH also spent time with Mountbatten’s Knit and Natter and singing groups and met the Kissypuppy team to talk about end-of-life services for children on the Island.

“It was nearly ten years ago when HRH The Princess Royal last visited Mountbatten, so it was great for her to see how much we have grown as an organisation during that time, particularly the number of people we are supporting within their own homes, ” said Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO.

“HRH took time to talk with our staff and lots of different people we support in many different ways, and I know that meant so much to everyone.

“We are hugely grateful to HRH for coming to see us and taking such an interest in everything we are doing for our Island community.”

Ken Booker was among the patients who spoke with HRH.

“She was lovely and spent several minutes with me talking about my life on the Island and my work as a builder,” said Ken.

“I was really grateful she spent so much time taking an interest in me.”

HRH unveiled a special plaque to commemorate her visit and we presented her with a bouquet and a hamper of Isle of Wight produce to say thank you.

Photos by Julian Winslow.