News
The Duchess visits the West of England School and College for young people with little or no sight in Exeter, Devon
14th May 2008
The Duchess of Cornwall won the hearts of youngsters at a special school today.
Her Royal Highness was the first royal visitor for about six years to the 150-pupil West of England School and College for young people with little or no sight in Exeter, Devon.
During her visit to the 170-year-old complex, The Duchess, dressed in a navy two-piece suit with floral cuffs and lapels, engaged enthusiastically with the youngsters, many of whom had several disabilities.
At one stage she was on her knees in the primary section, helping 10-year-old Chloe Nicaleff put together a tile puzzle.
Her Royal Highness saw 13-year-old Tyrone Fitzpatrick help demonstrate a new state-of-the-art traffic light and pedestrian crossing system used in the grounds to help students cope with road dangers.
Tyrone asked The Duchess if she spoke French - and she later found time to go back and have a conversation with him using French.
The visit was also a belated birthday present for Hannah Lindfield, who celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday, who was with her guide dog Bella, a two-year-old golden retriever.
"She came over to me and said what great companions they were - we had a great chat about her.
"Bella was lying down because it was so hot and the duchess went down and stroked her, which was a kind reaction," said Hannah. She added: "It was a very nice late birthday present to meet Camilla."
The Duchess also heard youngsters describe how they went on foreign skiing holidays and took part in the Ten Tours Jubilee Challenge for disabled competitors.
She also learned about the school's Braille transcription service, and even operated adjustable kitchen appliances specially designed to enable the students to learn how to cook.
College principal Tracy De Bernhardt Dunkin said: "The Duchess thought it was a lovely place, and she was absolutely charming and very good with the children.
"She got on the floor with them and got mucky - she even let them play with her jewellery. They were calling her Camilla.
"She got physically into it," she said, adding: "She was the nicest royal I have ever met."