Europe's royal families were out in force this week to show their support for World Children's Day. Prince Charles' visit to see children at London's famous Great Ormond Street hospital had an added poignancy as he re-counted how the doctors there had saved his life.
The Prince was brought to the hospital with an acute case of appendicitis. "I have really remarkably happy memories of being here long ago when I was about ten or 11," he said. "I was brought here in emergency conditions in an ambulance from my school. I got here just in time before the thing exploded and was happily operated on and then looked after by the nurses."
Accompanied by his wife Camilla, Charles met several youngsters at the new Octav Botnar wing, including Oliver Flower. The three-year-old was playing in bed with some Plasticine when the future king came in and soon had Charles chuckling as he repeatedly referred to him as "Daddy". "I think he was a bit confused," said the tot's mum Leigh.
The Duchess of Cornwall, smart in a fuchsia suit, also made an impression on one toddler, who was clearly thrilled at being photographed with the royal visitor.
Royal mums Princess Mary of Denmark and Spain's Princess Letizia, who are both expecting their second child next year, were likewise bringing smiles to young faces on Tuesday. Tasmanian-born Mary visited Copenhagen's Save The Children centre just before flying out to her native country to spend time with her family. Her Spanish counterpart, meanwhile, welcomed some lucky kiddies to Madrid's royal palace with the help of her husband Prince Felipe.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
