HIS Royal Highness the Prince Of Wales visited the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale, on Friday February 21 to celebrate its 60th anniversary and unveil a plaque to commemorate his visit.

The prince, who has been a patron of the charity since 2003, was met at the reception by Sarah-Lloyd Davies, Hospice Manager, and Matthew Reid, the charity’s chief executive, amidst the bustle of gathering onlookers.

He was then accompanied on a tour of the building where he spoke with patients and their families, as well as the hospice staff who provide their care.

“He wasn’t at all up himself. He made me feel very relaxed,” said one patient after meeting Charles.

“Within 30 seconds I felt at ease. It was nice to be able to say what you wanted, and he genuinely had an interest in the patients,” said Kathryn Guercio, a Health Care Assistant at Marie Curie.

For Kathryn, the royal visit was an opportunity to thank the prince.

“When I was 16 I left school with no qualifications. I was an absolute angry drop out. I joined the Princes Trust volunteers because they didn’t know what else to do with me,” Kathryn said.

Established by Charles in 1976, the Princes Trust helps vulnerable young people to find employment and gain valuable training.

“I did a fortnight of caring in Surry and I loved it. I absolutely loved it. That’s when I thought I could do this. I just love looking after people.

“It’s because of that choice to join the Princes Trust volunteers that I ended up where I am, so I genuinely do thank him for taming a very wayward 16-year-old.”

Describing her job at Marie Curie, Kathryn said: “I love it here. There’s no comparison. You can give that 110 percent every shift. And we’ve got a cracking view. The sun rises and then the moon rises. We get to see it all across the water. It’s gorgeous.”

Following the tour, the prince ended his visit at a reception where he met actor and Marie Curie ambassador, Suzanna Packer.

In a brief speech, he commended the staff and volunteers for their dedication which he called ‘truly remarkable.’

He then unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit and cut a daffodil-themed cake made by local Michelin-starred chef, James Sommerin.

Angelina Hall and Cathy O’Doherty, co-owners of Glass By Design at Station Approach, were commissioned to design and produce the plaque.

“It was an honour for us as local artists to be asked to make this,” said Cathy. “It’s something which is going to be here for people to enjoy.”

His Royal Highness was also the first person to sign the charity’s Great Big Daffodil - a 7-foot tall model with paper books in the shape of petals which will start a UK wide tour this week.

The Great Daffodil Appeal is an opportunity for people to share their stories, memories, or tributes to a loved one.

After signing the book and cutting the cake, Charles gave a final farewell to the staff who had gathered to see him and left with his entourage.

The prince met with flood victims in Pontypridd later that afternoon.

His trip to South Wales also included engagements at the CAF train factory in Newport, the Aston Martin Lagonda factory in St. Athan, Barry, and the British Airways Maintenance Centre in Cardiff.