Princess of Wales Kate Middleton in Nuneaton Visit

If you want to be in the spotlight, then a Royal visit is guaranteed to do it!

Well, the formula didn’t disappoint for one of our Midlands-based properties when Kate, Princess of Wales, popped in.

The future Queen was greeted by children, parents, and colleagues at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust’s Riversley Park Clinic in Nuneaton on 15 June.

The Royal was there to hear from families about the impact of the support they are receiving from their health visitors. She has previously stated how early years development is part of her 'life's work'.

Barry Moynihan, NHSPS Senior Estates Manager, who covers a portfolio of NHSPS properties in the South Warwickshire area, said: "There was an awful lot of preparation, and we met with the team from Kensington Palace about two weeks beforehand.

“In terms of getting the building ready, our domestic colleagues did a sterling job, even weeding the front and the car parks to make the place look as good as possible.

“On the big day, I was on site from 7.30 in the morning, along with police and security sniffer dogs. It was fascinating to see all the activity behind the event.

“The visit itself was a real success,” he continued. “There's a local primary school on the same road as the clinic, and the children were all out, so the Princess of Wales met many of them.

"Then, when Kate came into the building, it just happened that a child aged four or five years old was in for an appointment with his mum, and he was wearing an Aston Villa kit. Well, Prince William is a Villa fan, so the Princess got down to the boy’s level and started talking about the football club. I noticed his mum had to use sign language, and he nodded happily in response to Kate. It was really lovely to see that.

“It puts perspective on the services our customers deliver from Riversley Park Clinic,” added Barry. So, moments like that are eye-opening – it was a nice thing to see.

“It was a positive day all around – and of course, the sunny weather helped!”

It was the Princess’ first time in Nuneaton, but she wasn’t joined by her husband, The Prince of Wales. The last time a royal came to the area was when our new King, then Prince Charles, visited in 2020.

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