A NEW home for the elderly received the Royal seal of approval yesterday when the Countess of Wessex paid a flying visit to Bournemouth.

Despite her helicopter being buffeted by strong south-westerly winds before landing at Meyrick Park, Her Royal Highness looked unruffled as she arrived with her lady-in-waiting and personal protection officer in Westbourne.

Inquisitive residents at an adjacent flat block peered from their windows, wondering what all the fuss was about, as dignitaries lined up at Westbourne House to meet and greet the Royal guest.

After being shown around the purpose-built accommodation in Poole Road the mother-of-two had the opportunity to chat with excited residents. Mrs Anna Parker, 89, who was the first resident to move into Westbourne House last November, said: “Sophie was lovely, very friendly and easy to talk to; she’s much more down to earth than I’d expected her to be.”

Another resident Barbara Cowling, 80, said: “I loved talking to her. She was really interested in our lives and seemed a very pleasant person.”

Blanche Emslie, 98, who moved into an apartment just 11 days ago, was also captivated by the Royal guest, who later unveiled a plaque to officially open Westbourne House.