PREPARATIONS are underway at Rashwood Care Home in Droitwich for a visit from royalty.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester will be visiting the home on Thursday, September 11 to enjoy afternoon tea with the residents and take a tour of the house, unveiling a plaque commemoration the occasion.

The Duchess, who is the wife of one of the Queen’s cousins, is a patron of Elizabeth Finn Care, which owns the care home.

Rashwood’s general manager Helen Grice, said: “Rashwood is renowned for providing the highest quality of care and I know that both staff and residents alike are looking forward to showing Her Royal Highness around this historic home. We are absolutely delighted to receive this royal visit and we look forward to having The Duchess of Gloucester meet the residents and share a few stories over afternoon tea.”

95-year-old resident, Joy Sole, added: “I have been living in Rashwood for just over a year and I am really looking forward to being able to meet Her Royal Highness and to show her around Rashwood. It’s not every day that you get to spend the afternoon with royalty so we are all really excited that she is coming to spend the afternoon with us.”

The Duchess of Gloucester will be received by local dignitaries at the home and be taken on a tour of the building and ground, as well as meeting some of the 54 residents.

The home was built in 1906, and was donated to the ‘Distressed Gentelfolks Aid Association’ after the second world war, eventually being named after Elizabeth Finn, it’s Victorian founder.