Royal runs the rule over hospice gardens

Trinity Hospice chairman Derek Wyatt insisted it was a “great pleasure” to meet the Earl of Wessex.

The royal – who is a patron of the London Garden Society – ran the rule over the home’s outdoor areas and Mr Wyatt said it was nice for the prince to see the hard work that goes into their maintenance.

He paid tribute to the staff gardener and volunteers who ensure the area is full of flowers and plants.

“Our beautiful gardens are an important part of life here at the hospice, for patients and staff and even a heavy downpour didn’t spoil the visit,” Mr Wyatt commented.

During his tour, Prince Edward called in at the London Mosque in Wandsworth to scour the site’s gardens, the Surrey Comet reports.

The royal also spends much of his time overseeing activities that form part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and he will assume this title himself once it reverts to the crown.