Queen praises children's hospices on Devon visit

Queen Camilla praised the work of children's hospices during a visit to Devon on Wednesday.

The Queen was in the county for an official ceremony at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth, where she was appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom.

She later visited Little Bridge House, a children's hospice in Fremington, near Barnstaple, meeting residents, family members and staff.

The Queen said she had once thought hospices would be "sad places", but had come to realise they were "completely uplifting", adding "I don't think we realise quite how lucky we are to have them".

"Everyone who works in them and makes them such happy places deserve a huge, huge thank you," she said.

Little Bridge House, which is part of Children's Hospice South West, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

It provides care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.

During her visit, the Queen unveiled a commemorative photograph of the charity's co-founder Eddie Farwell and his family.

Mr Farwell's daughter, Lizzy Farwell, said the Queen's visit was "really moving".

"When my dad passed away, she wrote to me to send her condolences. It was very special for her to take that time."

One of the young people Queen Camilla spent time with during her visit was 15-year-old Daisy, whose sibling was at the hospice before they died.

Daisy played a short game of air hockey with the Queen, which ended in a draw.

Vanessa, 17, sang the Queen a song she wrote in memory of her brother Jordan, who passed away in December 2023.

Vanessa said the song, called You are the Reason, allowed her to "express my emotions" and had helped her grieve.

"I was holding tears back thinking about my little brother," she said.

Vanessa said it was an "absolute pleasure" to sing for the Queen.

The Queen told her the song was beautiful and her brother would be proud, she said.

Earlier in the day Queen Camilla thanked submariners and their families for their unstinting efforts to keep the nation safe, during a 90-minute visit to the Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth.

She was attending a ceremony on the hunter-killer submarine HMS Astute, where she was appointed as Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, a position created by Henry VIII in 1513.

The Queen is the first woman and only second member of the Royal Family to hold the title, the navy said.

She received a burgee (pennant) from the head of the Submarine Service, Rear Adm Andy Perks, recognising her ongoing support.

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff General Sir Gwyn Jenkins RM said the Queen's visit had been a "tremendous boost to morale and the honorary appointment reflects the high regard in which Her Majesty is held by all of us".

The ceremony marked the end of the submarine's first commission, which lasted 15 years – the longest first commission of any Royal Navy submarine in history.

It was about to undergo a major overhaul at Devonport to allow it to continue in service, the navy said.

HMS Astute commanding officer Cdr Christopher Bate said Queen Camilla, who is a sponsor to HMS Astute, had supported the vessel since "the very beginning".

"She has consistently shown a deep commitment to all aspects of our work," he said.

The Queen spoke to crew members and their families about the work submariners do as well as the impact on their families.

Will Dobson, executive officer Lt Cdr, said: "Our families have a much harder time when we are away than we do - we are doing what we love, what we signed up to do.

"So for them to meet the Queen and be recognised, it's really special."

He added: "Her continued engagement with our activities and achievements over the years has meant a great deal to us.

"It is a proud and memorable moment to welcome Her Majesty to HMS Astute and for her meet our families as we mark the end of our first commission."

Mr Bate said the crew took enormous pride in her sponsorship of their submarine – and her support for all aboard since she formally named HMS Astute nearly 20 years ago as the Duchess of Cornwall.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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