Praise for Princess

Press, 2 March 1984, Page 6

Praise for Princess

NZPA-PA London The Princess of Wales was praised for her “tremendous compassion” yesterday while visiting seriously ill and dying patients. Matron Jean Faulkner said after the Royal visit to St Mary’s Hospice for the dying in Selly Oak, Birmingham: “For somebody her age the Princess showed great insight. “She went far beyond our expectations. She spoke to every single patient in a very sensitive way and they really loved it. She made everyone feel very at ease with her and it was the most wonderful moralebooster.” The princess, who is expecting the birth of her second child in September, sat on many of the 23

patients’ beds and held their hands. Miss Faulkner, aged 54, who has worked at the hospice since it was opened five years ago by Princess Alexandra, said that the patients’ response had been obvious. “One or two of them told her that they felt much better already,” she said. For her part, the Princess said: “I had a lovely time. It was marvellous to come here.” She was a big hit with Mrs Dorothy Timmins, aged 72, who had stayed on at the hospice especially to meet her. “It’s a day I shall never forget,” said Mrs Timmins, who was to go home today after making a good recovery during her seven-week stay.

Her daughter, Mrs Dorothy Bryant, aged 36, had flown from New Zealand to be at her mother’s bedside and told the Princess that it had been a bonus to see her. Mrs Dorothy Walters, aged 72, who is recovering from a heart attack, seemed more interested in discussing the Princess’s health than her own. She asked the Princess, who suffered from morning sickness during her first pregnancy, how she was. “I am feeling absolutely fine,” she replied. The Princess, wearing a scarlet wool coat trimmed in black velvet, and a scarlet velvet hat trimmed with black ostrich feather and veil, extended her visit to mingle with a large crowd outside the hospice.