Princess Alexandra’s busy day in the northeast of England

Princess Alexandra had a series of engagements in the northeast of England today, visiting a hospice, a museum and a community charitable organisation.

The Queen’s cousin visited the organisation Hospitality and Hope in South Shields, which is a Christian charitable organisation operating since 2002. The organisation supports the local South Tyneside community in various ways, such as organising a soup kitchen, a food bank and a community café which offers work experience and employment to local residents.

Alexandra also visited The Bowes Museum in County Durham. The museum, based in Barnard Castle, showcases various exhibits, including fine and decorative arts, as well as fashion and textiles.

During today’s visit, Princess Alexandra was taken on a tour of the museum, giving the royal guest the opportunity to admire the collections. She  stopped to speak with local dignitaries, as well as members of the 4th Barnard Castle Brownies.

The royal visitor was also given information on some of the museum’s key pieces, including a Flemish altarpiece from the 15th Century, which was acquired through Crowdfunding.

Princess Alexandra unveils a plaque at The Bowes Museum, County Durham (C/ @KeithJBartlett)

Before departing, Princess Alexandra also unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

The 81-year-old Royal also visited St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth, to commemorate the hospice’s 30th anniversary. Lady Ogilvy (one of the Princess’ subsidiary titles) officially opened the hospice back in 1987, when there were only inpatient facilities; however, the hospice now also offers care for outpatients, as well as children and young people.

During her visit, Alexandra met with members of the hospice’s staff, volunteers, residents and their families.  She was accompanied by Tyne and Wear’s Lord-Lieutenant, Susan Winfield, and Linda Wright, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle.

Princess Alexandra visited St Oswald’s Hospice, thirty years after she officially opened the hospice (C/ @LeeGibbins, @stoswaldsuk)

Director of St Oswald’s Care Services, Angela Egdell, said of the royal visit: “We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra back to St Oswald’s.

“It was an honour for us to show her how all of our services have developed and grown, with the help and support of our local communities, since her last visit in 1987.  And, to give her the chance to meet patients and families who directly benefit from our care is wonderful.”

princess alexandra at st oswald’s hospice in (st oswalds/lee gibbons)

Princess Alexandra took time to speak with residents at St Oswald’s Hospice (C/ @LeeGibbins, @stoswaldsuk)

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