Royal visit to Oxfordshire's Wellford Gardens care home

Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester, officially opened The Orders of St John Care Trust's new care home Wellford Gardens in Wheatley on Tuesday (June 11). 

The Duke, who is a first cousin of the late Queen, toured the new care home, meeting employees and residents - including William 'Bill' Clenell who described himself as an "original resident".

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Mr Clenell is among the first residents to move into Wellford Gardens and said he was the first person to live in his room. 

On meeting The Duke, he said: “This was the first time I met a member of the Royal Family. I was a bit tongue-tied." 

During the visit, The Duke also unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the new care home.

Dorte Chandler, general manager at Wellford Gardens said: “We were delighted to host a special visit by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, to mark the official opening of Wellford Gardens.

"It was a great opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in care and The Duke showed a keen interest in the important role care homes play for older people wishing to live life to the full, and the vital contribution we make to local communities.”

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester said: "I hope all who come here will feel it’s the perfect care home and that all their needs are attended to.

"I hope all will be extremely happy here.

“This home has been designed carefully with all the lessons learned from previous homes." 

The Duke of Gloucester wished all residents well at the new centre. (Image: The Orders of St John Care Trust)

Wellford Gardens offers round-the-clock personalised residential, dementia and respite care, delivered by an experienced team of professionals, for up to 65 residents.