A recently opened hospice in Winchmore Hill received the royal seal of approval on Wednesday when it was visited by the Duchess of Gloucester.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, who is the wife of the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, was at the North London Hospice in Barrowell Green to meet patients, their families, supporters, staff and volunteers.

She was given a tour of the new facility and chatted to patients and their carers.

Carer Penny Stokes, whose husband Karl attends the hospice day services said: “It was an honour and a privilege to meet Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester today.

“She took a genuine interest in meeting everybody today and spent time with us talking about the services we receive.

“She was very pleasant and down to earth.”

The visit was Hospice Care Week, a national event, which aims to raise awareness of hospices and the services they “It will be a memorable moment for us all.”provide.

The theme of this year’s hospice week is Be Surprised and the special visit was an opportunity to show the Duchess the inspiring and personal ways the hospice helps the communities of Enfield, Barnet and Haringey.

The facility, which opened in September, provides specialist procedures, counselling and spiritual care.

Six-year-old Maya Delyfer presented the Duchess with a posy of flowers.

Maya’s mother, Giselle Martin-Dominquez, has worked at the hospice for the past 16 years and is now the deputy nursing director.

Mrs Martin-Dominquez said: “We are very thankful to the Duchess for visiting us today.

“It was a special honour for me that Maya could present her a bouquet.

“She was very kind and took a seat in the garden and spent some time talking to us. Maya took the opportunity to tell her how she fundraises for the hospice by asking people to donate their spare change.

“It will be a memorable moment for us all.”